Activities

Found 622 Events

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

CANCELLED due to Fire Weather: Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Tue, 12/10/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Advanced Fitness Hike

Hiking & Fitness
Advanced Fitness Hike

Please be aware this is an Advanced Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this very strenuous, fast-paced, 8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain, including 730-ft. of elevation gain in 0.6 miles on Sheep Run trail. This route starts at Aliso Creek Trail East, continues up on Sheep Run (formerly known as Mentally Sensitive), and down on Meadows Trail. Your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping views of the park!

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Aliso & Wood Canyons Visitor Center, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677)

Parking: $3/car at Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

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 with any questions.

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

Advanced Fitness Hike
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Hangman’s Tree Monument Hike: Orchard Hills

Hiking & Fitness
Hangman's Tree Monument Hike: Orchard Hills

Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure as we hike to the Hangman’s Tree Monument on Loma Ridge. Hike distance is 6 miles and affords fantastic views along the way, spanning the Pacific coastline, San Gabriel peaks and the Santa Ana Mountains. Several very steep climbs and descents are part of this route. We’ll accumulate almost 1800 feet of climbing elevation.

Hangman's Tree Monument Hike: Orchard Hills
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Orchard Hills
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
6 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
6 of 26
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Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness

Visit Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and explore OC Parks’ newest trails!

This slow-paced hike offers an approachable experience for all skill levels to embrace their senses and explore the local flora and fauna. The hike will cover 3 to 4.5 miles with elevation gain. Hike through a variety of habitats then up a single-track trail with switchbacks and elevation gain to different overlook points with a spectacular view of Orange County.

Nature Hike at Red Rock Wilderness
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Red Rock Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
4.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
2 of 10
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Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Stewardship
Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek

Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.

Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.

Open Space Invaders: Invasive Plant Removal at Santiago Creek
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
0 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
4 of 4
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Paws on the Trail

Interpretive
Paws on the Trail

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers with your furry friend(s) (maximum of 2 dogs per person) for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay. Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over easy but uneven, unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We will stop along the way to learn about the Bay as well as how to keep both your dog and the wildlife safe when out on our trails.

Please wear closed-toe shoes, have sun-protection as needed, and bring water for both you and your four-legged friends.

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all participants, we have a few important guidelines:
1. Behavioral Expectations – We welcome well socialized dogs that are up to date on their vaccines.
2. Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, we thank you for keeping your dog leashed at all times within the nature preserve.
3. Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and asked to keep a close watch on their canine companions.

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

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Paws on the Trail
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
7 of 10
More Information  

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Youth Action Team Stewardship at Native Seed Farm

The Youth Action Team, an after school community-service based program throughout the City of Irvine regularly volunteers their time to steward the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This week, middle school students will spend their afternoon helping at the Native Seed Farm! Stewardship activities can include planting native species, weeding, harvesting seed, nursery work, watering and more. Please help lead this group and provide a wonderful experience they will never forget!

Youth Action Team Stewardship at Native Seed Farm
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
1:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm COI
Difficulty Rating:
2
Minimum Age:
13
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After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. 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 an average of 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.

After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Wed, 12/11/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
16 of 25
More Information  

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Thursday Morning Trek: Baker Canyon

Hiking & Fitness
Thursday Morning Trek: Baker Canyon

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Baker Canyon. This scenic hike includes steep climbs and descents on both single and double-track trails with about 1100 feet of accumulated climbing. We will enjoy sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and the Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days, we can see Catalina Island and even beyond into the Los Angeles Basin. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Participants must be able to hike 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1100 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Thursday Morning Trek: Baker Canyon
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
7:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Distance:
7 miles
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Fitness Hike – Canyon View

Hiking & Fitness
Fitness Hike - Canyon View

Please be aware this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with an 800-ft. elevation gain.

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Canyon View Staging Area, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. We will meet on the paved sidewalk easement leading toward Wood Canyon Trail.

Parking: Free neighborhood parking. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22144 region of Canyon Vistas). Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 4/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.

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 with any questions.

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

Fitness Hike - Canyon View
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
8:30 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
4
Minimum Age:
16
More Information  

Guided Mindful Nature Walk

Interpretive
Guided Mindful Nature Walk

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature during an intimate nature walk led by a certified nature and forest therapy guide. Through a series of invitations, you will be encouraged to explore in the present moment and deepen your connection with nature.

Experience the benefits of spending time outdoors in a mindful way during a lovely morning at Upper Newport Bay. Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older.

Please wear comfortable attire. You may also bring a sitting material if you wish (i.e. tarp, seating pad, small chair, etc.). The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Adverse weather will cancel the program.

Guided Mindful Nature Walk
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Upper Newport Bay
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
14
Spaces Left:
12 of 15
More Information  

Hiking 101: Trail Tips for Beginners – Saddleback Wilderness

Hiking & Fitness
Hiking 101: Trail Tips for Beginners - Saddleback Wilderness

Hiking is a great way to connect to nature and stay healthy and active. If you are new to the outdoors, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Come out to the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and start your hiking journey, or continue your existing one, on the right foot. Hiking 101 will help you understand gear, build your knowledge and skills and provide tips to assist you out on the trails. We will lead you through the basics of hiking: defining your hiking goals, packing appropriately, understanding and minimizing risks, and practicing proper trail etiquette. The activity will include a packing demonstration and a hike through our wildlands. No experience is necessary for this activity. 

Hiking 101: Trail Tips for Beginners - Saddleback Wilderness
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
9:00 am - 11:30 am
Where:
Saddleback Wilderness
Difficulty Rating:
2
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
6
Spaces Left:
4 of 15
More Information  

Little Explorers: Snow!

Interpretive
Little Explorers: Snow!

Join OC Park Naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones (ages 3-6) as we explore Willow Staging Area! Our theme of the month is snow! We will explore how animals stay warm in the winter and build our own snowy habitats with fake snow!

Age: 3-6 year-olds. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Parking: $3/car at Willow Staging Area 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.

Little Explorers: Snow!
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Where:
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
3
More Information  

The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon Equestrian Ride to The Sinks or Dripping Springs

Equestrian
The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon Equestrian Ride to The Sinks or Dripping Springs
Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, and home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks.
The Lure and Lull of Limestone Canyon Equestrian Ride to The Sinks or Dripping Springs
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where:
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
8 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
4 of 10
More Information  

Ranger Reserve and Volunteer Support – Silent Night

Stewardship
Stewardship

Silent Night 2024 Event

Ranger Reserve and Volunteer Support - Silent Night
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
3:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Where:
Heritage Hill Historical Park
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
16
Spaces Left:
Registration has closed.
More Information  

Moving with Nature in Mind – Twilight Yoga at the Farm

Hiking & Fitness
Moving with Nature in Mind - Twilight Yoga at the Farm

Join us at our beautiful Native Seed Farm for an all-levels Vinyasa yoga class. This one-hour outdoor yoga class will incorporate both static posture holds and a dynamic sequence of asanas, flowing from one pose to the next, while connecting breath with movement. The practice will include options for modifications, proper alignments and breathing techniques. Increase balance, flexibility, strength, and mental clarity while reducing tension and stress.

Please bring water, a yoga mat, a large towel (optional) to place under your mat, wear athletic clothing, and bring appropriate clothing layers for the temperature.

Moving with Nature in Mind - Twilight Yoga at the Farm
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:15 pm
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
1
Minimum Age:
15
Spaces Left:
6 of 20
More Information  

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Hiking & Fitness
Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road

Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level.  This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Evening Hike on Hicks Haul Road
Date:
Thu, 12/12/2024
Time:
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Where:
Irvine Open Space Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
3.5 miles
Minimum Age:
12
Spaces Left:
14 of 25
More Information  

Friday, December 13, 2024

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill

Hiking & Fitness
Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill

Enjoy a five mile out and back moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) before experiencing yoga outdoors at the Community Center. The hike is highlighted with a short but steep climb which provides great views of the Quail Hill neighborhood and beyond. The yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, your own yoga mat plus a large beach towel, and wear shoes appropriate for hiking on trails.

Autumn Morning Fitness Hike with Yoga at Quail Hill
Date:
Fri, 12/13/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Quail Hill
Difficulty Rating:
3
Distance:
5 miles
Minimum Age:
18
Spaces Left:
Full
More Information  

Bommer Canyon Exploration Day

Special Events
Bommer Canyon Exploration Day

Enjoy self-guided access in the southern portion of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve. The entire southern Open Space Preserve trail network will be open for self-guided hiking and biking from 8 am to 1 pm. This includes the single tracks in Shady Canyon and Bommer Canyon that are reserved for guided activities only. Registration is required for this event. The Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp will be available for parking, but please take note that your vehicle must be removed from the Cattle Camp area by 1 pm.

Bommer Canyon Exploration Day
Date:
Fri, 12/13/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where:
Bommer Canyon Preserve
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Distance:
Variable
Minimum Age:
All Ages
Family Friendly:
Yes
Spaces Left:
47 of 100
More Information  

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Stewardship
Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Spring? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

Growing Together at the Native Seed Farm
Date:
Fri, 12/13/2024
Time:
8:00 am - 11:00 am
Where:
Native Seed Farm OCP
Difficulty Rating:
Variable
Minimum Age:
8
Spaces Left:
11 of 15
More Information  
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