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Let's Go Hiking - Willow

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Enjoy a moderate 3.8-mile hike through Laurel and Willow canyons with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. Discover various plant communities, from coastal sage scrub to oak woodlands, and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation is provided, but questions are welcome. 

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

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. Learn more and register here.

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

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

lets go hikking

Nature Creativity: Cactus Sculpture with Resin

Discover the beauty and resilience of cactus! In this program, we’ll explore the fascinating world of cacti including how they survive in harsh environments, their unique shapes and their ecological importance. After learning about these incredible plants, participants will design and create their own cactus-inspired resin sculpture to take home. 

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

Nature's Grocery Store

Fitness Hike - Dilley

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike with your family at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is moderate but includes uneven terrain and approximately 45 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Participants 18 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.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Fitness Hike - Dilley

Explorers Hike: West Canyon Loop

Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. 

This hike is approximately 4 miles with 600 feet of elevation gain. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

The program is designed 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.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Monarch butterfly sits on a white poppy

Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about Ice Age animals 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 to 6 but all are welcome.

The program 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.

smilodon

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Clark Regional Park

*This program takes places at 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 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 $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

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

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

Jr. Ranger Program at Riley Wilderness Park.

Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park

Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants and join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park by managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. Experience the satisfaction of weeding invasive plants and observing our local biodiversity as it grows!

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. Long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and water are recommended.

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.

beetles

Dusk Discovery: Bats in Clark Park

After the sun sets, the night sky fills with small but mighty flying bats. Enjoy an evening discovering the important role bats play in our ecosystems and how they help us stay bug-bite free! 

The program begins in the Interpretive Center with an introduction to bats. We will then break into groups and take an evening walk around the park to search for these nighttime flyers using bat detectors to help identify and hear their high frequency calls. 

Layers and sturdy footwear are recommended. The walk will be less than 1 mile. Participants may bring a chair for comfort.

Advance registration is required. 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.

Bats, Heroes of the Night

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. 

Please note this is a slow-paced program designed for ages 14 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Wear comfortable attire and bring a blanket, seating pad or small chair. 

The program and parking are free.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

Adverse weather will cancel the program.

UNB fall

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. Minors 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
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