Sunday, February 9, 2025
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Trail Running at Bommer Canyon

Join us for an energizing trail run at Bommer Canyon, a scenic open space in Irvine known for its rolling hills, rugged paths, and breathtaking views of Southern California’s coastal landscape. This 6-mile route, featuring elevation changes totaling 2,500 feet, offers a diverse mix of rocky trails, gentle slopes, and challenging inclines, making it an excellent choice for intermediate and experienced trail runners. We’ll aim for a moderate pace of around 10-12 minutes per mile, adjusting for terrain and taking advantage of flatter sections to push the pace a bit. With a blend of uphill challenges and smooth, runnable stretches, this run will be both a great fitness boost and a beautiful outdoor adventure. Remember to bring water, a hat, sturdy trail running shoes, and some snacks. Participants should be physically fit and have prior experience with trail running or fast-paced distance hiking.
Sunday Fitness Hike at Hicks Haul

*Due to the recent rains, this hike will stay on paved Hicks Haul Road and not be hiking on West Loma and Shoestring dirt trails.
Join us Sunday morning in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the Hicks Haul Road, West Loma and Shoestring trails in Limestone Canyon. Hikers will enjoy wonderful views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. The hike starts at Hicks Haul Road staging area and will cover a distance of 8 miles, about 5 miles of the hike is on paved surface and rest on trails. Participants are expected to hike close to 3 miles per hour and come prepared with closed toe hiking boots or shoes, water, trail snacks, sunscreen, hat, day pack or fanny pack, and any other necessary equipment or supplies you might need to keep you safe on this hike.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Bommer Canyon East Fork and Ridge Route Loop Hike

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.
CANCELLED: Native Plant and Wildflower Hike

Come join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer naturalists in partnership with OC Parks to learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants on this enjoyable 2.5-mile hike (175-ft. elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.
Age: 12 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: James Dilley Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right.).
Parking: $3/car at James Dilley Preserve parking lot. Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged.
Difficulty Rating: 2/5
Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed 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.
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Fossils are Fun

Come out and enjoy this family-fun activity on the Mesa. We will start with an activity to make your own fossil, then we will take a 2–3-mile hike looking for fossils deposited here in Orange County millions of years ago when Orange County was a sea. A slight elevation gain (200 feet) to start the hike will give incredible views of the surrounding peaks and the red rock cliffs of Black Star Canyon. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and enjoy an early morning hike in this intriguing region.
CANCELLED: Weekly Nature Area Clean Up

Join Mile Square Regional Park staff and volunteers in enhancing the Nature Area habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup, and Butterfly Garden maintenance.
No experience is necessary; please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks, water, wear closed toe shoes and a long sleeve shirt is recommended. Tools are provided. Please arrive on time, as work will begin promptly at 9 am.
Please note, this is a weekly reoccurring activity and space is limited. Please park in Parking Lot H and walk to the volunteer shed west of the overflow lot entrance.
• Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
• Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times.
• Rain or heat advisories cancel the event
Monday, February 10, 2025
CANCELLED due to Trail Conditions: Monday Morning Super Trek: Quail Hill

Come start your week with us on our Super Treks in the Landmarks. Join us as we explore the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve, hiking Quail Hill and Shady Canyon trails. Our hike will climb through rocky terrain and reward us with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and nearby Irvine. There will be several steep ascents and descents. Participants must be able to hike 9 miles with an elevation gain of 2000 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. All participants must carry their own water! Please come prepared with a pack, plenty of water, snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event!
Trail Assessment: Bommer Canyon Seven-Day Public Access Trails

Due to recent rain, the City of Irvine has asked IRC to assess its seven-day access trail system. The purpose of this is to evaluate trails and report on conditions for public access before the busy holiday week.
This hike is for the seven-day access trails in Bommer Canyon: Bommer Meadow, Bommer Canyon (trail along the road), Nature Loop, West Fork, Turtle Ridge singletrack, Community Trail.
A minimum of one Trail Guide may register. If more register, they should go on the assessment together, but may split up to look at various trail segments, if needed.
(We don’t actually need a certified “Docent/Lead” to sign up to do this; it can be one or more Trail Guides.) Activity time can be determined by the volunteer(s) but must be within the regular “open” hours for the trail system.
All IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner [City of Irvine] identification/patch), including your badge(s).
Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy and safe.
Please take note of the trail conditions and take photos of any issues, especially those that might impact the public’s access of the trail, such as areas that are impassable or highly saturated. It will be helpful to note the exact location of any photos taken.
As soon as possible after the Assessment Hike, please send an email to IRC Activity Operations (activityoperations@irconservancy.org) with your observations including (but not limited to):
- Weather during your hike
- Overall impression of the trail (saturated, wet, impassable, dry, etc.)
- Any problem spots (fallen branches, etc.)
- Provide photos and exact location of any problem spots
- Wildlife sightings
- Other hikers?
Please also remember that if you find that you are making ½” or deeper footprints on any of the trails, please do not continue! Immediately report that information to IRC Activity Operations.
Trail Assessment: Buck Gully

Due to recent rain, the City of Newport Beach has asked IRC to assess its seven-day access trail system. The purpose of this is to evaluate trails and report on conditions for public access before the busy holiday week.
This hike is for Buck Gully Reserve, which is one of the seven-day access trails.
A minimum of one Trail Guide may register. If more register, they should go on the assessment together. (We don’t actually need a certified “Docent/Lead” to sign up to do this; it can be one or more Trail Guides.) Activity time can be determined by the volunteer(s) but must be within the regular “open” hours for the trail system.
All IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner [City of Newport Beach] identification/patch), including your badge(s).
Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy and safe.
Please take note of the trail conditions and take photos of any issues, especially those that might impact the public’s access of the trail, such as areas that are impassable or highly saturated. It will be helpful to note the exact location of any photos taken.
As soon as possible after the Assessment Hike, please send an email to IRC Activity Operations (activityoperations@irconservancy.org) with your observations including (but not limited to):
- Weather during your hike
- Overall impression of the trail (saturated, wet, impassable, dry, etc.)
- Any problem spots (fallen branches, etc.)
- Provide photos and exact location of any problem spots
- Wildlife sightings
- Other hikers?
Please also remember that if you find that you are making ½” or deeper footprints on any of the trails, please do not continue! Immediately report that information to IRC Activity Operations.
Trail Assessment: Orchard Hills Trails

Due to recent rain, the City of Irvine has asked IRC to assess its trail system.
This hike is for trails in Orchard Hills.
A minimum of one Trail Guide may register. If more register, they should go on the assessment together. (We don’t actually need a certified “Docent/Lead” to sign up to do this; it can be one or more Trail Guides.) Activity time can be determined by the volunteer but must be within the regular “open” hours for the trail system.
All IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner [City of Irvine] identification/patch), including your badge(s).
Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy, and conduct a self-assessment.
Please take note of the trail conditions and take photos of any issues, especially those that might impact the public’s access of the trail, such as areas that are impassable or highly saturated. It will be helpful to note the exact location of any photos taken.
As soon as possible after the Assessment Hike, please send an email to IRC Activity Operations (activityoperations@irconservancy.org) with your observations including (but not limited to):
- Weather during your hike
- Overall impression of the trail (saturated, wet, impassable, dry, etc.)
- Any problem spots (fallen branches, etc.)
- Provide photos and exact location of any problem spots
- Wildlife sightings
- Other hiker?
Please also remember that if you find that you are making ½” or deeper footprints on any of the trails, please do not continue! Immediately report that information to IRC Activity Operations.
Trail Assessment: Quail Hill Loop Seven-Day Access Trail

Due to recent rain, the City of Irvine has asked IRC to assess its seven-day access trail system. The purpose of this is to evaluate trails and report on conditions for public access before the busy holiday week.
This hike is for the Quail Hill Loop only, which is one of the seven-day access trails.
A minimum of one Trail Guide may register. If more register, they should go on the assessment together. (We don’t actually need a certified “Docent/Lead” to sign up to do this; it can be one or more Trail Guides.) Activity time can be determined by the volunteer(s) but must be within the regular “open” hours for the trail system.
All IRC volunteers must be in IRC uniform (with proper landowner [City of Irvine] identification/patch), including your badge(s).
Before leaving your home to report for the activity, fill your water bottle, bring everything you need to be healthy and safe.
Please take note of the trail conditions and take photos of any issues, especially those that might impact the public’s access of the trail, such as areas that are impassable or highly saturated. It will be helpful to note the exact location of any photos taken.
As soon as possible after the Assessment Hike, please send an email to IRC Activity Operations (activityoperations@irconservancy.org) with your observations including (but not limited to):
- Weather during your hike
- Overall impression of the trail (saturated, wet, impassable, dry, etc.)
- Any problem spots (fallen branches, etc.)
- Provide photos and exact location of any problem spots
- Wildlife sightings
- Other hikers?
Please also remember that if you find that you are making ½” or deeper footprints on any of the trails, please do not continue! Immediately report that information to IRC Activity Operations.
After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

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.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Early Morning Hike: Santiago Oaks to Weir

Join us on this beautiful early morning hike passing through Irvine and Santiago Oaks Regional Parks and then crossing into Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of Irvine Ranch Open Space. Leaving Santiago Oaks, we drop into lower Weir Canyon, winding our way back to Irvine Regional Park. Distance is around 7 miles with a few steep climbs and descents.
Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.
Enjoy Nature’s Story, Vistas, and Special Places – Intro Hike in Limestone Canyon

Join us on a slow-paced hike along the back-country ridges and valleys of Limestone Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We’ll hike to the top of Loma Ridge and loop back down, travelling on rough old ranch roads passing by woodlands of majestic oak trees and expanses of Coastal Sage Scrub. Enjoy wonderful vistas from Loma Ridge. Total round trip distance is 6 miles with an elevation gain of 1100 feet at an average moving rate of 2.0-2.5 miles per hour. Some of the hills are strenuous and we will take breaks as needed. Participants should be in good hiking condition and have previously completed a similar distance hike. Please come prepared with a backpack, plenty of water (at least 1 liter), snacks, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid kit, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to the event.
Discovery Hike

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park with OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers, where you might see deer, bobcats, and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers – the hippies of the bird world – and the wonderful ways of woodrats, as well as the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells, and sights on this moderately-paced 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet in 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: 3/5
Materials: Participants must bring water, closed-toed 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.
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.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Hiking 101: Trail Tips for Beginners – Orchard Hills

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 Orchard Hills, part of the City of Irvine’s Irvine Open Space Preserve, 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.
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.
Tot Walk: Wieder Regional Park

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park. Program will include a story time, activity and short walk, followed by a visit to the park’s brand-new playground!
The program begins at the Wieder Regional Park playground area. Program content is tailored for ages 2-5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under age 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.
The program and parking are free.
Advance registration is recommended.