Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Click here to learn more. 

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887. 

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Click here to learn more. 

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887. 

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Come explore 6 miles of new trails at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Two lookout points offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons and unique prehistoric rock formations. Multiple loop options that vary in distance and range from easy to moderate in difficulty are available for self-guided exploration.

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is comprised of protected and preserved native habitats that a variety of wildlife, including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats, call home.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Click here to learn more. 

Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is located at 390 South Gypsum Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92887. 

Join OC Parks for an introduction to block printing! Learn the basics of block printing by carving your own nature-inspired Valentine’s Day card. Block printing results in bold, graphic designs that are as simple or complicated as you want. This is a great activity for beginners and experienced artists alike who want to try something new!

Arts at the Oaks is a monthly program exploring the cultural and natural history of Orange County and beyond through hands-on creative expression.  Each month features a new artistic medium and topic to discover. No previous art experience is necessary and all are welcome to join.

This program is recommended for visitors 10 and older.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. Children must be accompanied by a guardian. The program will be held below the Santiago Oaks Regional Park nature center.  

Advance registration is required.  Learn more and register here.

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

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

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

Advance registration is recommended. Walk-ins are welcome but may be limited due to availability. Learn more and register here.  

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

OC Parks invites you to learn about one of our common nocturnal animals: the barn owl. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about these amazing creatures and how barn owls care for their young.

This fun and engaging program includes story time, an age-appropriate hike and a themed craft.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for the preschool level (ages 2-5), but all are welcome to attend. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes.

Adverse weather will move the program indoors. The program and parking are free.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ups are welcome. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*This program has been canceled due to wet and muddy conditions.

Are your kids interested in learning more about the natural world? Come and explore the plants, animals and landscapes of Riley Wilderness Park during our Junior Ranger program!

Participants will have the opportunity to earn their own junior ranger badge alongside an OC Parks resource specialist. All program materials will be provided.

Program content is designed for ages 7-12, but all are welcome. Please bring water, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, as we will walk a short distance on dirt trails.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here. The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

*This program has been canceled.

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay, and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

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

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

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

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join OC Parks staff and volunteers for this free, family-friendly event about protecting our park spaces by following the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. © Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org 

The Leave No Trace Seven Principles teach us about the importance of having minimal impact on natural spaces when recreating outdoors. This event will feature educational and hands-on activities that focus on the habitats found within Upper Newport Bay.

Registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. The event and parking are free. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will move the event indoors.

For more information call (657) 692-5401 or email emma.arago@ocparks.com.

Nature journaling is a wonderful tool to make observations, create lasting memories and foster a deeper connection with nature. Each session will cover the basics of nature journaling, including fundamental art principles and maintaining your nature journal. Monthly prompts will help guide your eyes and ears to the outdoor wonders around you.

Bring a journal or sketch pad and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you - no experience necessary!

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please contact resource specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.