IRC Volunteers are needed to support IRC managed Exploration Day, a special event that provides the public with a rare opportunity to explore designated wilderness areas through a self-guided experience. Volunteer support is essential to ensure visitors enjoy safe, positive, and informative access to the land, while helping OC Parks maintain responsible use of these sensitive open spaces.

This event takes place along the Water Works Trail and MWD Road in Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve. Two trail entrances take place at Parking Lot P and in the overflow parking lot behind Lot P.

IRC Volunteers may register for either the first and or second shift.

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  • Registration: Assist at the staging area to answer public questions, hand out maps, set up/take down equipment.
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  • Gate Monitoring: Great folks as they enter the trail system, providing maps, answering questions, and most importantly, counting attendance via a clicker. The attendance numbers are critical for our reporting purposes.
  • Interpretive Booth: Provide interpretive/educational information at a booth to interested public participants.
  • Foot Patrol and Bike Patrol: Travel the trails as our eyes and ears as an IRC representative, make sure participants are staying on trail, answering questions, and keeping us updated on any emergencies. We will have radios for you to check out.
  • Equestrians, please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to volunteer for this event.

IRC Volunteer hours run 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM, divided into the following shifts:

• First Shift: 7:30 – 11:30 AM; First shift volunteers will assist with event setup before heading out to their field assignments.
• Second Shift: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Second shift volunteers will return from the field approximately 30 minutes before the event ends to help with breakdown and wrap-up.

All IRC Volunteers must wear their official IRC Volunteer uniform, including the OC Parks landowner patch.

Your support helps make Water Works Exploration Day possible!

Learn more and register here.

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging, docent-led mountain bike ride through Fremont Canyon to the unique geological formation known as Lizard Rock. This 16-mile out-and back ride, with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain is designed for experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape and will take up to 3 hours to complete.

The ride begins at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park. We’ll climb out of the park on Coal Mine Road, passing the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and a grove of rare Tecate Cypress. Upon reaching Lizard Rock, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of upper Fremont Canyon, Sierra Peak, Cathedral Rock, and a sandstone formation locally known as Mini-Moab. We will return to the staging area via the same route.

While the ride is entirely on fire roads, be prepared for steep sections (both uphill and downhill) and potentially loose rocks and soil. We’ll regroup and rest as needed, with multiple opportunities for snack and water breaks.

This ride is entirely on fire roads, but includes sections that are steep (both up and down) and potentially will have loose rocks/soil. The ride will regroup and rest as needed and multiple opportunities will be provided for a snack break.

Please note, the ride is a challenging 16 miles long, with approximately 2500 feet of elevation gain and will take up to 3 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration. This program originates at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park and ventures into the Fremont Canyon Wilderness Park, the Weir Canyon Wilderness Park, the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve and the Cleveland National Forest.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here.

Join us for a slow-paced hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. If you enjoy recording your sightings of wildflowers, please download the app called SEEK (iNaturalist) prior to reaching the Augustine Staging Area. We will use SEEK to identify native and non-native wildflowers. Our slow pace will travel through the canyon to Dripping Springs, which is a year-round water source offering dense shade and moisture which creates an ideal environment for different flowers like orchids and ferns.

Participants should be prepared to hike on dirt trails and have previously hiked a similar distance. Please come prepared with a backpack/waist pack and at least 1 liter of water, closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, snacks, sunscreen, hat and any other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. EACH hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here. 

Do you want to explore the Sinks, a geological rock formation that has got its reputation as “Orange County’s miniature Grand Canyon”? Come out and join us on a hike from the Portola staging area to the West Sinks in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon. Distance is about 6 miles, with some sustained climbing in one section. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Join us on this moderate-paced hike over the ridge and the through beautiful Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will enjoy short breaks at the East and West Sinks viewing platforms before hiking back through the canyon. We will enjoy a view of wonderful vistas in addition to a spectacular view of The Sinks. This hike involves hiking on both double and single-track trails with an elevation gain of 1000 ft.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail on this half-day hike in the wilderness area. Under-prepared hikers may be denied access to the event.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here.

Join us in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a challenging docent-led mountain bike ride for very experienced off-road riders in excellent cardio shape through Fremont and Weir Canyons to Sierra Peak.

We will climb out of Irvine Regional Park on Coal Mine Road to the Fremont Canyon Weather Station and then continue on past the Tecate Cypress grove, Lizard Rock and Mini-Moab on the way to Sierra Peak . We will return to the staging area via much of the same route but will finish by riding through Upper Blind Canyon to Weir Canyon.

This ride is entirely on fire roads, but includes sections that are steep (both up and down) and potentially will have loose rocks/soil. The ride will regroup and rest as needed and multiple opportunities will be provided for a snack break.

Please note, the ride is a challenging 25 miles long, with approximately 4100 feet of elevation gain and will take up to 5 hours to complete. It is important that participants bring sufficient food and water for a ride of this difficulty and duration. This program originates at the Weir (Outdoor Education Center) Staging Area inside Irvine Regional Park and ventures into the Fremont Canyon Wilderness Park, the Weir Canyon Wilderness Park, the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve and the Cleveland National Forest.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Electric Mountain Bikes of any class or type are not permitted.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here.

Take a leisurely equestrian ride through beautiful Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.  View beautiful geological formations and see plants that are native to our area.  You will be touring the beautiful Natural Landmarks. Equestrians must have their own horse, trail riding experience, and the ability to transport their horse to the staging area.

Horses must be fit, able to comfortably ride the distance as described, and be well-behaved in a group. This walking equestrian ride travels on single-track and wide fire roads. It may include several moderate, steady climbs. Owners of unshod horses, please note that the footing may include areas of gravel and pavement.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Explore the beauty of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space on a 3–4.5 mile guided hike through Gypsum Canyon Wilderness. We’ll begin along the Oven Canyon Trail, passing through mixed habitats, and then ascend a single-track trail with switchbacks leading to three scenic overlook points offering spectacular views of Orange County.

This hike includes an elevation gain of approximately 500 feet and maintains an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour.

Please come prepared with:

• Water (each hiker must carry their own)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes
• Any personal gear needed to stay safe and comfortable on the trail

Participants must be capable of completing the full distance with elevation gain. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here.

Take in stunning views of the surrounding hillsides and hike atop the iconic red rocks at the newly opened Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

This morning hike will guide visitors through beautiful hills and valleys to the top of the infamous red rocks and past a model airplane field. Spectacular views of Irvine Lake and the Irvine Ranch Open Space will be enjoyed along the way.

Participants must be able to hike 7 1/2 miles with an elevation gain of 1100 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures in order to participate:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here.

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. 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:

• Be registered in advance, no walk-up registration is permitted.
• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and closed-toe footwear, first aid, health needs etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.
• All participants are required to sign a liability waiver upon arrival at the staging area and before beginning the activity. The waiver can be previewed here: IRC Liability Waiver
• You may be prevented from participating if you do not adhere to the above protocols.

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.

Learn more and register here.