Join us for an evening/night mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and Red Rock Wilderness, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will ride approximately 12 miles, with 1500′ of climbing along a variety singletrack trails and ranch roads. The route will vary based on trail conditions/availability.
This ride is not recommended as a first time night ride. Bring adequate lights, a jacket, plenty of water, spare tubes, tools and all other equipment to be self-sufficient on the trails. Hopefully we will see some of our local nocturnal critters. 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 during the activity 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-5Difficulty 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.
Come explore Baker Canyon in OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic equestrian ride involves steep climbs and descents on both double and singletrack trails and around 1000’ of accumulated elevation. We will travel through multiple landscapes of coastal sage and chaparral and rewards you with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks as well as the Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days you can see Catalina Island and even beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin. This is a shorter ride views make it well worth it.
Equestrians who have trail riding experience and their own fit and able horse are welcome. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel, rocky creek areas, and distances over asphalt pavement.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity 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.
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
Non-native and invasive plant species are invading our native habitat and open spaces. They aggressively compete with our native plants for resources and spreads rapidly once established. Monitoring, management, and removal of these plant species is an important aspect of land management and habitat restoration.
Help us to manage populations of invasive plants and remove them from the habitat. No previous experience is necessary, just a desire to work outside and get dirty! Snake chaps, gloves, and tools will be provided but please feel free to bring your own if you have them. Please wear long pants, long sleeved shirts, close toed shoes, and protective sun protection. Note: This is a wilderness area, there are natural hazards. Snakes, including rattlesnakes, are occasionally seen here.
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.
Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem!
IRC Volunteers are invited to help at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.
Just like all settings on the Landmarks, please always be aware of your surroundings. There may be unseen and hidden dangers in the area, as well as wildlife crossing through finding refuge. Please be sure to follow all instructions provided to you from your lead during this activity and follow standard trail protocols, including remaining in areas that are designated for your use only.
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 Ratingswill help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ pagefor 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.
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 pagefor answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Enjoy an evening hike through stunning rock formations and fragrant native plants as you listen to the sounds of nature. During this hike in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, you may travel at various hiking speeds based on your comfort level. This out-and-back program travels 3.5 miles round trip up to scenic Loma Ridge and back down. Please bring a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.
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 pagefor 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.
(Orange County, Calif.) – OC Parks is welcoming autumn with an expansive lineup of free fall and Halloween-themed events and programs for all ages across Orange County this October.
Explore the decorated historic grounds during special park hours at the fifth annual Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park, Oct. 10-12 & 17-19. Guests are encouraged to dress in costumes and participate in family-friendly activities, including fall and Halloween-themed photo opportunities, a scavenger hunt for spooky surprises and a ghoulish straw maze. The event and parking are free.
Head over to Santiago Oaks Regional Park after dark Saturday, Oct. 18 to discover creepy critters at the annual Boo at the Oaks. The event offers nighttime nature activities with crafts, scavenger hunts and guided hikes. Costumes are welcome but must be safe for hiking on dirt trails. Advance registration is required.
Halloween Zoo-Tacular returns to the OC Zoo Saturday, Oct. 25 with fun festivities for the whole family. Guests can watch animals enjoy treat-filled pumpkins and participate in themed crafts for kids, a scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating, while supplies last.
The festive fun continues Saturday, Oct. 25 with the annual Boo at the Bay at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve featuring spooky science experiments, creepy crafts, bizarre animals and interactive exhibits. The event will also include booths and exhibits from community partners such as Orange County Bird of Prey Center, Environmental Nature Center and Critter Squad: Wildlife Defenders. Guests are encouraged to attend in costume.
Halloween Animal Art Preschool Program Date: October 3, 10, 16 & 29 Time: 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website:ocparks.com/oc-zoo Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration: Call (714) 973-6846 to register
Bats: Heroes of the Night Date: October 3 & 11 Time: 5:15 – 7:15 p.m. Location: Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Address: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/activities
Dusk Discovery: Bats in Clark Park Date: October 4 Time: 6 – 8 p.m. Location: Ralph B. Clark Regional Park Address: 8800 Rosecrans Ave, Buena Park, CA 90621 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Little Explorers: Spiders! Date: October 9 Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Location: Nix Nature Center at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:lagunacanyon.org/events
Fall-O-Ween Date: October 10-12 & 17-19 Time: 4:30 – 8:30 p.m. Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park Address: 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 Website:www.ocparks.com/heritagehillhistoricalpark Cost: Free Parking: Free
Kids Ghost Rock Hike! Date: October 11 Time: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:lagunacanyon.org/events
Autumn Birdwatching Date: October 15 Time: 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869 Website:ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:letsgooutside.org/activities
Critter Investigation: Terrific Tarantulas Date: October 15 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/activities
Boo at the Oaks Date: October 18 Time: 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park Address: 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration:letsgooutside.org/activities
Nature Creativity: Fall Glass Jars Date: October 24 Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Address: 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle Registration:lagunacanyon.org/events
Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo Date: October 25 Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Location: OC Zoo at Irvine Regional Park Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free) Parking: $5 per vehicle
Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party Date: October 25 Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free
Wild Tales: Spooky Edition Date: October 31 Time: 10 – 11 a.m. Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Address: 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660 Website: ocparks.com/events Cost: Free Parking: Free Registration: letsgooutside.org/activities
Join us on a stroll through Baker Meadow as we look for animal scat. That’s right! The byproduct of the animal’s waste. Find out how this discarded material is used by animals to communicate, protect from predators and the elements, and attract mates. We will dissect an owl pellet and determine what prey is consumed by owls. And how a coprolite (fossil scat) is used by scientists to reveal essential information about the diets and environments of ancient creatures, showcasing ecological interactions and changes over time.
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-1 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ pagefor answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
Visitors to IRC’s Native Seed Farm are first greeted by our Demonstration Garden, providing inspiration for regionally suitable plant gardens. Our garden hosts a variety of native plant species which support a healthy local ecosystem!
IRC Volunteers are invited to help at our monthly Garden Maintenance Day! Our tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be tackling whatever jobs are a top priority to keep our Garden teeming with native plant life. Weeding, clearing, cutting, digging, watering, whatever it takes! Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.
Just like all settings on the Landmarks, please always be aware of your surroundings. There may be unseen and hidden dangers in the area, as well as wildlife crossing through finding refuge. Please be sure to follow all instructions provided to you from your lead during this activity and follow standard trail protocols, including remaining in areas that are designated for your use only.
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 Ratingswill help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ pagefor 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.
Experienced mountain bikers can explore one of the most rugged and remote areas of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space from the trails of Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve on this moderate-paced ride through Fremont, Blind, and Weir Canyons. Fremont Canyon remains one of the most wild places in Orange County, with a diversity of rare plants and animals. This ride includes natural trail hazards such as sand, tree roots, ruts, and exposed rocks. PLEASE NOTE: there are multiple very steep climbs, with an approximate elevation gain of 2,000 feet over 15 miles. This hard ride is for adult-only riders in excellent physical condition who will be rewarded with the beautiful vistas. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for recreational use.
Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity 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.
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.
Please review the Difficulty Ratingsto help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.
