Join us in the back-country wilderness for a journey filled with beautiful sights that are photographic and artistic sketching opportunities. Our journey begins in the afternoon. We will be deep in a secluded canyon, where time is measured in centuries, even millennia, in the sandstone cliffs of this ancient place called Limestone Canyon. You will board a 4-wheel drive vehicle for a 13-mile tour of the canyon and hills surrounding it. We will stop frequently for 15-30 minutes to admire the views, take photos, sketch landscapes, and answer questions.

Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, fast paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike with 750 ft of elevation. The hike will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.

The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs and uneven terrain. This hike is done at a moderate pace. Your effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. This hike is not suitable for children under 12. Wear sturdy, closed-toed hiking shoes, bring water and a red LED flashlight.

Join us for a slow-paced hike in Irvine Ranch Open Space, specifically Limestone Canyon. Our pace will be around 2.5 MPH for this 5.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. We will be able to see, smell and hear the sounds of the Open Space! If you enjoy recording your sightings of wildflowers, please download the App called SEEK (INaturalist) prior to reaching the Augustine Staging area. We will use SEEK to identify native and non-native wildflowers. Our hike will take us along Limestone Canyon and then over to Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs is a year-round spring where we will encounter water that is expressed through the side of a vertical rock face. Due to shade and moisture, we will find that the plants in Dripping Springs are very different from the plants and flowers found in the meadow area of Limestone Canyon.

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Riley Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. As a special reminder, dogs are not allowed at Riley Wilderness Park.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Riley Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Gray Crouch at gray.crouch@ocparks.com

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore O’Neill Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer at richard.schaffer@ocparks.com.

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding and reception. The events are limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed only with a permit obtained through the permits department and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

*This program takes place at the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Mile Square Regional Park.

We will become mapping experts and create our own Memory Map while we explore the Mile Square Nature Area. We will meet in Parking Lot H at the entrance to the Nature Area.

This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please email nathan.taxel@ocparks.com

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding and reception limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed with a permit obtained in advance from the permits department and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding and reception limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed only with a permit obtained in advance from the permits department and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge for Caspers Wilderness Park.

Explore the natural wonders of Caspers Wilderness Park as we learn about the rugged foothills of the region. This program will begin at the Old Corral Day Use Area near the entrance to Bell View Trail.

This program is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear, and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program takes place at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Earn yourself a Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Jr. Ranger Badge by completing this Jr. Ranger quest! We will be exploring the wildlife corridors at Laguna Canyon and figuring out if and why animals are using them.

Age: Designed for 7 to 12 years of age, but all are welcome to participate. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. Difficulty Rating: 1/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. 

Safety precautions and protocols: 

Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered. Register here.
Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org 
Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver. 
To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill. 
Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org or shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions. 

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event. 

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Irvine Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the Nature Center.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 on weekdays. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

Join OC Parks at George Key Ranch Historic Park for Create in the Park! Professional artist, Dori Dewberry, guides you through the basics of sketching in plein air. Keep it simple with a sketchbook and pencil as you explore the tranquil gardens, citrus grove, farm equipment and historic home. Experienced artists are also welcome to join to sketch the park and share successes at the end of the session. A guided tour about the history of Key Ranch will also be included.

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Materials
are not provided, only art instruction. A list of recommended
materials will be made available to all registered participants
in advance of the program. Sun protection, water and snacks
are recommended.

This program is free with free parking, but reservations
are required due to limited parking on-site. To RSVP, visit
OCParks.com for more information or contact the park office
at keyranch@ocparks.com.

*This program takes places at Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources.

Participants will explore Ralph B. Clark Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

We will meet in front of the Interpretive Center and take a half-mile walk through geologic time.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome.
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $5 on weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program.
Advance registration is required.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com

Ranger Reserves needed to provide excellent customer service and resource protection at Santiago Oaks Regional Park during wedding limited to 100 people which includes all vendors, wedding party and guests. Alcohol is allowed only with a permit obtained in advance and served by a licensed bartender under the supervision of a security guard.