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.
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.
(Lake Forest, Calif.)-Immerse yourself in the rich history of Orange County’s rancho era at the annual Rancho Days Fiesta on Saturday, May 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Heritage Hill Historical Park. This event commemorates the unique history of rancho and Native American cultures through interactive activities, live music, dance performances and more in a family-friendly setting.
Free to attend and fun for all ages, Rancho Days Fiesta features a variety of activities including engaging exhibits, cultural performances, craft workshops, piñata breaking and more. Attendees will enjoy vibrant Folklórico and Native American dances, witness educational Charro horseback riding and roping demonstrations and explore the historic buildings at Heritage Hill Historical Park with guided tours provided by Amigos de la Colina docents. Pets are welcome in outdoor areas only and must remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
“Rancho Days Fiesta is the perfect way for visitors of all ages to glimpse into Orange County’s storied past,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “This annual event is a testament to our community’s history and to the dedication of the County of Orange in preserving and sharing this important legacy with future generations.”
Heritage Hill Historical Park spans 4.1 acres and includes four fully restored and furnished historic buildings that span the early history of the Saddleback Valley and El Toro area from the Mexican Rancho era to the founding of the town of El Toro through the citrus farming days of the early 20th century. Join OC Parks at Rancho Days Fiesta to experience the charm and excitement of the rancho era.
May 4 - Rancho Days Fiesta Time: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Admission: Free Parking: Free Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website: https://www.ocparks.com/events/annual-rancho-days-fiesta-0 Contact: (949) 923-2230
###
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
(Modjeska Canyon, Calif.) – Following an extensive restoration project, the oldest building on the grounds of OC Parks’ Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens is complete. Originally built in the 1870s, the restored Pleasants Stone House is now fully open to the public for the first time in park history.
Constructed around 1875 by Joseph Pleasants and Mary Refugio Carpenter, the Stone House was first used to keep supplies on their homestead cool during the hot summer months. Pleasants went on to sell the ranch to world-renowned Shakespearean actress Helena Modjeska in 1888. The second floor of the Stone House later became living quarters for staff working at the Arden property, including Modjeska’s gardener Theodore Payne, who is well-known for pioneering the use of California native plants in the early 20th century.
“The Pleasants Stone House is an important part of Orange County’s history,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “Built by some of the earliest homesteaders in Modjeska Canyon, the Stone House can now be enjoyed by future generations while further adding to the historical significance of Arden, a National Historic Landmark.”
The restoration was made possible, in part, by a “Save America’s Treasures” grant through the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service. The project took nine months to complete and focused on the meticulous restoration of the second-floor interior and exterior, ensuring preservation of existing character-defining features.
In 1990, Arden was declared a National Historic Landmark, one of only two sites in Orange County to receive this designation. The restoration now allows visitors access to the second floor of the Stone House, further adding to this historic site.
The Pleasants Stone House can be seen during guided tours offered Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. with advance registration. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of the grounds Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For information about Arden: Helena Modjeska Historic House and Gardens, please visit https://ocparks.com/modjeska.
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
Celebrate summertime outdoors with 9 free concerts and 12 free movie screenings at OC Parks June 7 to August 30, 2024.
(Orange County, Calif.) – The County of Orange and OC Parks are excited to announce the 2024 lineup for the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment under the stars at regional parks with free live music and movie screenings all summer long. All events are free to attend with free parking and food and drink options available for purchase.
OC Parks Summer Concert Series returns with nine free outdoor concerts Thursday evenings, June 20 to Aug. 22 from 5 to 8 p.m. Enjoy live music from exceptional bands and artists at Craig Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Mile Square Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
The concert series kicks off with The Smiths and Morrissey cover band Sweet and Tender Hooligans June 20 at Craig Regional Park in Fullerton, followed by popular local and renowned artists including Mariachi Divas, Flashback Heart Attack, A Thousand Horses, No Duh, Ozomatli, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and The FABBA Show. Jimmy’s Buffet will round out the 2024 OC Parks Summer Concert Series at Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach.
OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series brings the big screen to the great outdoors in your favorite regional parks with 12 free movie screenings Friday nights beginning June 7 to Aug. 30 at Craig Regional Park, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Mason Regional Park, Yorba Regional Park, Irvine Regional Park, Laguna Niguel Regional Park and Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach. Guests of all ages can enjoy recent blockbusters and popular classic films, complete with dynamic pre-show entertainment such as character interactions, DJ-led games and more. Cinema events begin at 6 p.m. with screenings starting after sundown, at approximately 8 p.m.
Friday night films kick off June 7 and include Wonka (2023), The Little Rascals (1994), Migration (2023), Men in Black (1997), Trolls Band Together (2023), Barbie (2023), National Treasure (2004), Frozen II (2019), Napoleon Dynamite (2004), The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and The Goonies (1985).
“The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to continue this beloved annual community tradition,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “The return of the OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema promises yet another season of free, outdoor entertainment, inviting everyone to experience the joy of music and film throughout Orange County’s stunning regional parks."
OC Parks Summer Concert Series and OC Parks Sunset Cinema film series are open to the public of all ages and free to attend with free parking. Food trucks will serve a variety of tasty food options at each event and a beer and wine garden will be available to those 21 and older. Gather your chairs, blankets, friends and family and enjoy free concerts and movie screenings this summer with OC Parks.
Thursday nights, 5 p.m. (Event starts at 5 p.m., live music begins at 6 p.m.) *Translation services available upon request*
Date: June 20 Concert: Sweet and Tender Hooligans @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 27 Concert: Mariachi Divas @ Craig Regional Park
*No summer concert July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Date: July 11 Concert: Flashback Heart Attack@ Mason Regional Park
Date: July 18 Concert: A Thousand Horses @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: July 25 Concert: No Duh: The Ultimate Tribute to No Doubt & Gwen Stefani @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: August 1 Concert: Ozomatli @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 8 Concert: Big Bad Voodoo Daddy @ Mile Square Regional Park
Date: August 15 Concert: The FABBA Show @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
Date: August 22 Concert: Jimmy’s Buffet @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
OC Parks Sunset Cinema
Friday nights, 6 p.m. (Event starts at 6 p.m., movie begins at sunset) *All movies will be shown in English*
Date: June 7 Movie: Wonka (2023) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 14 Movie: The Little Rascals (1994) @ Craig Regional Park
Date: June 21 Movie: Migration (2023) @ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Date: June 28 Movie: Men in Black (1997)@ Carbon Canyon Regional Park
*No cinema event July 5 in observance of Independence Day weekend.
Date: July 12 Movie: Trolls Band Together (2023) @ Mason Regional Park
Date: July 19 Movie: Barbie (2023) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: July 26 Movie: National Treasure (2004) @ Yorba Regional Park
Date: August 2 Movie: Frozen II (2019) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: August 9 Movie: Napoleon Dynamite (2004) @ Irvine Regional Park
Date: August 16 Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: August 23 Movie: 13 Going on 30 (2004) @ Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Date: August 30 Movie: The Goonies (1985) @ Bluff Park at Salt Creek Beach
###
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
This project includes the maintenance of the existing rock slope protection along Strands Beach below the Niguel Shores Community. The construction crew will operate from a staging area located within the HOA parking area. The public stairs and ramp will also be repaired at the north end of the revetment area.
WHAT:
Retrieve and re-stack displaced stone in 100-foot sections
Import of up to 1,000 tons of rock
Repair the existing northerly access ramps
Repair the existing public, concrete beach stairs
WHEN:
February 26 - Late May 2024
Working hours and schedule may vary due to inclement weather, tidal conditions, repair conditions, and other factors.
Working Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DETOURS AND SAFETY
Construction activity may impact access to Strands Beach from Niguel Shores Drive and Selva Road Tuesdays between 8-10 a.m. and 12-3 p.m. Flaggers will be present to direct trucks and manage pedestrian foot traffic, along with additional control measures including construction signage to avoid the work area. Portions of the beach may be inaccessible during high tide.
CONTACT INFORMATION OC Public Works Construction Inspector Paul Weaver (714) 719-1742
The clocks spring forward early March 10, marking the beginning of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 9 p.m. for the spring and summer. Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.
Spring-summer hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.:
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Clark Regional Park
Craig Regional Park
Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
Laguna Niguel Regional Park
Mason Regional Park
Mile Square Regional Park
Tri-City Regional Park
Yorba Regional Park
Wilderness parks and the following regional parks open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
Caspers Wilderness Park
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
O’Neill Regional Park
Peters Canyon Regional Park
Riley Wilderness Park
Santiago Oaks Regional Park
Talbert Regional Park
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
Wieder Regional Park
Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary but are generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight.
OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends November 3, 2024.
Irvine Regional Park is expecting an increase in visitation throughout the months of September and October, especially on weekends. The park entrance may be impacted and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity.
Overflow parking will be available at Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA on the following weekends:
Saturday, Sept. 14 and Sunday, Sept. 15 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Sept. 28 and Sunday, Sept. 29 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 5 and Sunday, Oct. 6 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 19 and Sunday, Oct. 20 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
Santiago Canyon College is approximately a half-mile walk to the park.
Parking is $10 per vehicle at Santiago Canyon College. Overnight parking is not permitted.
Permits for special events will not be issued during this time.
Please note: OC Parks annual passes are not valid for parking at Santiago Canyon College.
(Anaheim, Calif.) – Discover prehistoric rock formations and surround yourself with stunning views at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness.
The 500-acre property located within OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space features 6 miles of new trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, along with lookout points that offer sweeping views of the surrounding canyons, Santa Ana Mountains and beyond.
“Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is full of adventure waiting to be discovered,” said Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Orange County Board of Supervisors. “I am proud to bring this park space to the residents of Orange County. I look forward to exploring the new trails and all the beauty this area has to offer.”
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness features dramatic cobble and sandstone bluffs formed 16 to 20 million years ago when the earliest camels, horses, rhinos and saber-toothed deer roamed the area. Today, its protected and preserved native habitats are home to an abundance of wildlife including mule deer, red-tailed hawks, California gnatcatchers and bobcats. California poppies color the hillsides in the spring months while oak-studded meadows and large sycamore trees can be enjoyed year-round.
The area includes seven new trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. Take in the expansive views of the surrounding landscape and colorful rock formations from two scenic overlooks. Visitors will have the opportunity to provide voluntary feedback about Gypsum Canyon Wilderness through on-site participation surveys and offer naming suggestions for several unnamed trails.
Gypsum Canyon Wilderness is currently accessible through scheduled guided and self-guided programs with advance registration. OC Parks balances environmental stewardship with public access to ensure the area is preserved and enjoyed. Public usage and feedback, along with further monitoring of native habitat and wildlife populations will be considered when determining future access opportunities and availability. Free publicaccess opportunities will begin Friday, November 17, weather permitting.
November and December 2023 Activities and Programs at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness
Advance registration required for all activities and programs. Visit OCParks.com/irvine-ranch-open-space for more information and to sign up. Inclement weather may cancel activities and programs.
November 17 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
November 18 and 25 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
November 22 – Plants Among Us: Learning About Plants at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 9 – 11:30 a.m.
November 24 – Turkey Burner Fitness Hike in Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 – 10 a.m.
November 24 – Afternoon Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 1 – 3:30 p.m.
November 29 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 7 – 9:30 a.m.
December 9 and 23 – Wilderness Access Day: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
December 15 – Morning Mountain Bike Ride at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
December 18 – Early Morning Fitness Hike: Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 7 – 10 a.m.
December 22 – Morning Hike at Gypsum Canyon Wilderness 8 – 10:30 a.m.
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
