Come explore OC Parks’ newest trails at Red Rock Wilderness through this self-guided opportunity.

Located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, Red Rock Wilderness features more than 8 miles of new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding along with a scenic overlook that offers 360-degree views of the nearby iconic red rocks, Black Star Canyon Wilderness, Irvine Lake, Santiago Canyon and beyond. 3 miles of multi-use trails within Loma Ridge Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, will also be accessible for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

Rain or inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. 

Parking for Red Rock Wilderness is located at the Augustine Staging Area, 5524 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado, CA.

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

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3-miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy 1-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Gates will open no earlier than 8 a.m.  Please do not block gate or park on Santiago Canyon Road.

Click here to learn more. 

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3081 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA, 92869. 

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

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3-miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy 1-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Gates will open no earlier than 8 a.m.  Please do not block gate or park on Santiago Canyon Road.

Click here to learn more. 

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3081 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA, 92869. 

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.