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Birding by the Creek

Join us for a lovely morning hike along Aliso Creek, one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County.

OC Parks staff and volunteers will lead participants on an easy 3-mile walk with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the wilderness park - no experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring binoculars and water.

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

summer tanager, female

Discovery Hike - Wood Canyon

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Discovery Hike

CANCELED Backyard Bugs

*This program has been canceled.*

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined!

Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring snacks and water.

Participants 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

Flame Skimmer, Dragonfly

Advanced Fitness Hike - Aliso and Wood Canyons

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 8-mile hike over very steep and uneven terrain with approximately 730 feet of elevation gain. This route begins at Aliso Creek Trail East, continues up Sheep Run and down Meadows Trail. Your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping views of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park! Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Please review safety precautions and protocols when registering. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

lets go hikking

Keep it Wild - Aliso and Wood Canyons

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided.  Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

Keeping It Wild Near Stagecoach South Trail

Explore the Universe: Space Ranger Program and Starr Party

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Space Ranger Program and Starr Party! The Space Ranger Program begins one hour before sundown and features interactive activities and a short talk, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. 

Once the sun sets, join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9 p.m. Visitors may attend one or both activities. No equipment is needed, just your curiosity!

This program is suitable for families, adults and children ages 5 and older. Guardians must accompany minors at all times. All activities will take place at the Nature Center. 

Parking is $5 per vehicle. Advance registration is required for those without a camping reservation. Learn more and register here.

Rain or inclement weather may impact this program. Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm if we’re clear for takeoff!

Caspers Park Starr Party

Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park

Join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park! Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants while managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. 

We will meet in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter-mile of the parking lot. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to pull weeds, rake, spread seeds, pot or water plants. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

This program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. 

For questions, please email sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com or call (714) 973-6671.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.

Scorpion weed Phacelia

Jr. Ranger Time Scale Adventure at Clark Park

Take a walk through geologic time and learn about the scale of Earth's ancient history. Explore Clark Regional Park with a half-mile stroll on paved paths. At the end of the program, participants can earn a Junior Ranger badge by solving a riddle!

The program content is geared toward ages 7-12, but all are welcome.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Clark Regional Park

Preschool Paleontology: Art and Storytime

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient sea life preserved as fossils in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a craft. Activities are designed for ages 2-6 but all are welcome.

We will meet in front of the Interpretive Center. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Learn more and register here.

This program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Ammonite from collection

Explore! Fossils of the Ancient Sea Floor

Come along for the fun, we’re going on a paleo run! Don’t be late, it won’t be drab – we’re going to look for shells and crab!

Join us for a guided tour of the Clark Regional Park hillside fossil bed, followed by a trip to the Interpretive Center. Closed-toe shoes are required due to uneven terrain, and sun protection and water are recommended.

The tour will meet next to parking lot A for a brief introduction. We will then walk north across Rosecrans Avenue to visit the fossil bed. After the hillside exploration we will return to the south side of Rosecrans Avenue and visit the Interpretive Center.

Registration is required for all participants. Learn more and register here.

Participants 17 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.

Clark Hillside Fossil
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