Join us for holiday fun at the OC Zoo! Activities include visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus and holiday crafts for kids.
Come see zoo animals receive treat-filled "gifts" and treats hidden inside Christmas trees throughout the day.
Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 and under free).
Zoo coupons/free passes are not valid for this event.
Parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends.
(Lake Forest, Calif.) – Get in the holiday spirit at OC Parks’ Heritage Hill Historical Park this December with two weekends of family-friendly fun at Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights.
Celebrate the joy of the season at the 39th annual Candlelight Walk Dec. 5-7, from 5 to 9 p.m. and stroll through the decorated historical grounds during special park hours. Enjoy live musical performances from carolers and brass band musicians, holiday-themed crafts for kids, enchanting puppet show productions of “The Wizard of Oz,” and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.
The celebration continues with Holiday Lights Dec. 12-14, from 5 to 9 p.m. Explore the historical buildings decked out with dazzling light displays and seasonal décor. Snap festive pictures at holiday-themed photo opportunities throughout the park. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. Pets are welcome to join the festivities outdoors on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Please note that additional entertainment will not be available during Holiday Lights.
“We’re excited to celebrate the holiday season once again with the return of Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “These events offer families a wonderful opportunity to enjoy festive traditions while exploring one of Orange County’s treasured historic landmarks.”
Candlelight Walk and Holiday Lights at Heritage Hill Historical Park are free to attend with free parking. Inclement weather may cancel the events.
Heritage Hill Historical Park
25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630
ocparks.com/heritagehill
(949) 923-2230
39th Annual Candlelight Walk
Dates: December 5, 6 and 7
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free
Holiday Lights
Dates: December 12, 13 and 14
Time: 5 - 9 p.m.
Cost & Parking: Free
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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com
(North Tustin, Calif.) – OC Parks is excited to announce the opening of Crawford Canyon Park, featuring new enhancements and amenities for the public of all ages to enjoy.
Surrounded by natural rolling landscapes and native plantings, the new 2.5-acre park includes two nature-themed playgrounds, exercise stations, picnic tables and more. Located at the corner of Newport Boulevard and Crawford Canyon Road in North Tustin, exterior sidewalk improvements allow for easy park access from nearby communities.
“Crawford Canyon Park is a beautiful new addition for the community, and I am thrilled to open it to the public,” said Supervisor Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This inviting, walkable space is perfect for enjoying time outside, while creating lasting memories with family and friends. I am looking forward to seeing this area utilized, especially with all the great features it has to offer.”
Crawford Canyon Park is a passive community park featuring low-impact amenities such as playgrounds, water fountains, picnic tables and benches, a quarter-mile paved walkway and ADA parking stalls.
The park’s carefully planned landscape includes native and drought-tolerant trees including coast live oaks, western sycamores and California pepper trees which add to the natural park aesthetic. Development of the park and its features reflect thoughtful public feedback received throughout the planning and design process.
Crawford Canyon Park will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the fall and winter, and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the spring and summer. Visit ocparks.com for more information.
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OC Parks
OC Parks manages nearly 60,000 acres of parks, historical and coastal facilities and open space for the County of Orange as part of OC Community Resources. http://www.ocparks.com
If you are a beginner rider and perhaps have just completed one of the IRC mountain biking clinics or just want an enjoyable and relaxed ride in the Orange County wilderness, then join us on this docent led, group mountain bike ride in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.
This ride starts at the Augustine Staging Area in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and rides out Limestone Canyon Road to the geological feature call The Sinks. The ride is about 8 miles long and climbs slightly on the outbound portion, with no significant climbs, but does roll up and down throughout the route and has a total elevation gain of about 450 feet. Note this is the same route as the Evening Beginner Family Ride, just riding the route in the morning.
While not required, participants may consider first riding similar trails like Telegraph Canyon Road in Chino Hills State Park or Trabuco Canyon Road in O’Neill Regional Park.
Riders should bring sufficient water and food for a 2+ hour ride and carrying tools for any trail side repairs is always recommended.
Please review the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings to help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Note that Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park has reopened. The park initially closed out of an abundance of caution on Nov. 4 due to mountain lion activity and remained closed following heavy rains which caused wet and muddy trail conditions.
Due to the confirmed mountain lion sightings at Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, visitors are advised to always stay alert of your surroundings. Please keep in mind the following tips:
If you do see a mountain lion, do not run. Hold your ground, make noise, wave your arms and make yourself appear larger. Throw items at it to scare it away. Do not crouch down or turn your back. Report any sightings to the park office at 949-923-2245. Be sure to include approximate time, location and contact information if park rangers have additional questions.
For more information about mountain lion risks, please see our mountain lion flyer.
For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion
Monday, November 10, 2025: Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park remains closed until further notice due to recent mountain lion activity and ongoing research being conducted in the park.
Due to recent mountain lion activity, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park is closed until further notice.
The park closed out of an abundance of caution on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, following two reported mountain lion sightings on Monday, Nov. 3. One sighting occurred at approximately 4 p.m. and the other around 5:30 p.m. In both instances, the reporting parties stated the mountain lion was following them but eventually ran off. Video of one incident was shared with OC Parks. It is unknown if the same mountain lion was involved in both sightings.
Mountain lions are seen at OC Parks facilities, including Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park and typically do not prompt park closures. However, given the behavior exhibited in these encounters, a closure was deemed necessary.
OC Parks is working closely with wildlife researchers and biologists from UC Davis Wildlife Health Center to gather information about the animal and better understand its behavior, including deploying cameras to monitor activity and looking for evidence of the mountain lion within the park such as recent animal tracks and scat. The recent sightings have also been reported to California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Additional updates on the park status will be made as they become available. Click here to view our mountain lion flyer for more information about avoiding wildlife conflicts.
For more information regarding mountain lions in California, please refer to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife: wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Mammals/Mountain-Lion
Enjoy miles of lush oak studded canyons, fascinating rock formations and sweeping views from the Overlook Trail in the tranquility of the Weir Canyon back country, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. On a clear day we’ll be rewarded with glorious views of the San Gabriel and Santa Ana mountains. This is a fitness hike and features an 1500 ft accumulated elevation gain. There are multiple steep climbs and steep descents. Please make sure you are in excellent physical condition! You must be able to hike uphill at an average pace of 3 mph without stopping. A backpack and water are required. Please bring snack, sun screen, hat and wear sturdy closed-toe shoes.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-4 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
You will enjoy a gorgeous sunset with panoramic views of Orange County while hiking in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on the paved Hicks Haul Road. This hike travels 6 miles, out and back crossing over Loma Ridge. This is the perfect activity for you to get your work-out in and view the sunset. The hike is conducted at an average pace of 3 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. 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.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Enjoy an afternoon family hike in Baker Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will hike along a flat trail as we watch for red-tailed hawks and mule deer. The hike will average 2 miles round trip at an easy pace with a medium level of interpretation. This program is for participants who would enjoy a slower-paced and level hike. Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes and bring water for the hike.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Children under the age of 5 are permitted to attend the hike if they are secured in a carrier for the duration of the hike. Strollers or all terrain wagons are not permitted.
Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED for this event.
All participants are required to have, a printed copy or on their phone, the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate.
You will need the confirmation email for you and your guests to enter the trail system.
Come experience Limestone Canyon’s beauty from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided access hiking, biking, and equestrian use during Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon. Equestrian riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy the historic ranch roads of days gone by. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas from the mighty ridge tops and drink in the cool canyon shade through the oak grove.
There is limited space for equestrian parking. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.
Please note that you are asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am. Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regard to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.
Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. In addition to being a rare and sensitive habit, the Irvine Ranch Open Space is under strict protection. There are often unseen dangers just off-trail including, but not limited to: mountain lions, poison oak, ticks, poisonous spiders, and venomous snakes. OC Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail so for your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your stay in Limestone Canyon. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.
Other Important Notes:
Multi-use trail etiquette: Please Remember that bikers yield to hikers and that bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Click here for more trail tips.
To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and wildlife needs.
To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.
PRE-REGISTRATION is REQUIRED for this event.
All participants are required to have, a printed copy or on their phone, the confirmation email to show through the window of their vehicle to drive through the entry gate.
You will need the confirmation email for you and your guests to enter the trail system.
Start your weekend off by exploring numerous opportunities found throughout magnificent Limestone Canyon. Designated trails will be open for self-guided trail use in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Trail routes vary in distance and level of difficulty with choices ranging from easy one-hour walks to strenuous 15-mile cardio treks. Whether traveling by feet or wheels, Wilderness Access Day in Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered by hikers and mountain bikers alike.
Participants will want to plan their day successfully by using Trail Tips to prepare.
Please note that you are asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:
Additionally, in an effort to respect and protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not sign up or attend if you are not feeling well, exhibiting any symptoms of illness, or have been in recent contact with someone who was ill.
Do not stop or park anywhere along Santiago Canyon Road. The entrance gate will not open until 8am. Anyone stopped or parked along Santiago Canyon Road prior to the opening will be subject to citation. Thank you for your cooperation with regard to the safety of everyone on the road. Please plan your drive accordingly.
This is a natural area characterized by certain inherent dangers including: mountain lions, rattlesnakes, poisonous plants and insects, weather extremes, loose rocks and rugged terrain. The Irvine Ranch Open Space contains rare and sensitive habitat and is under strict protection. Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. OC Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail. For your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your visit to Limestone Canyon. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.
Other Important Notes:
Multi-use trail etiquette: Please Remember that bikers yield to hikers and that bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Click here for more trail tips.
To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and the wildlife needs.
