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

Come along with us on this scenic distance hike through Limestone and Red Rock Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  This hike is done at a moderate moving pace of around 3 mph and may involve two seasonal low-water stream crossings. As we pass across the top of the Red Rocks, the panoramic view of the surrounding area is nothing short of spectacular.

Please note that the route for this hike may be shortened or altered due to trail conditions or adverse weather.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail.  All participants must carry their own pack and water. Please make sure you bring 2 quarts of water.  Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.

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-5 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.

*This program takes place at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to explore the outdoor world within OC Parks by developing a sense of belonging, becoming a part of nature and feeling empowered to be stewards of Orange County’s natural and cultural resources. 

Participants will explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

This program is designed for ages 7 to 12, but all are welcome. 

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program. Sunscreen, sturdy footwear and water are recommended

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer at richard.schaffer@ocparks.com.

Click here to learn more about the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program.

(Orange County, Calif.) – Join OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy and fellow volunteers for Coastal Cleanup Day at Upper Newport Bay on Saturday, Sept. 20. Lend a helping hand, protect local coastlines and wildlife, and contribute to the removal of thousands of pounds of trash and recyclables that make its way into the Bay from all areas of the Newport Bay Watershed.

Each year, people from around the world gather to remove trash from beaches and waterways on the third Saturday in September. In Orange County, various groups volunteer their time cleaning up Upper Newport Bay, one of the largest estuaries in Southern California, as well as numerous other sites.

"One third of Orange County’s tourism economy is bolstered by our ocean economy. Coastal Cleanup Day in the Upper Newport Bay highlights the vital role we all play in protecting the environment and our natural resources,” said Orange County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Katrina Foley. “Keeping our beaches, waterways and bays clean preserves our local habitats, maintains their unique beauty, and supports a critical piece of our local economy.” 

Approximately 1,000 volunteers are needed from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to remove trash and invasive plant species. Volunteers will meet at various mini-cleanup day sites around the 11-mile loop of the bay. The exact meeting location will be shared prior to Sept. 20.  

Participants are encouraged to wear old clothes and closed-toe shoes (tall/rubber boots are best). Remember to bring a refillable water bottle, gloves and a trash bag or bucket. A commemorative t-shirt will be given to all volunteers.

Coastal Cleanup Day
Date: September 20
Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Cost and Parking: Free
Location: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Register: www.eventbrite.com/coastal-cleanup-day 
Additional Event Partners: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of Newport Beach, Orange County Coastkeeper, Newport Aquatic Center and Inside the Outdoors.

Read this release in:

• Chinese-Traditional
• Korean
• Spanish
• Vietnamese

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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

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Please be aware this is a fitness hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. 

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 6.2-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 850 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

Join OC Parks on a guided hike and learn about key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints and the incredible wildlife and native plants within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! We’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly along the way. This program is perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. 

This is an easy, 3-mile hike with minimal elevation gain to Barbara’s Lake from the Nix Nature Center, climbing Edison Trail to an overlook of the lake and mountain views. 

The program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

​​​​​​*This program begins at the James Dilley Preserve, 350 Artisan Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile hike with your family at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park! Starting at the James Dilley Preserve, we will hike one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. The hike is moderate but includes uneven terrain and approximately 45 feet of elevation gain. Please wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

Participants 18 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Scientists learn a lot about animals from dissections, so join us in dissecting an owl pellet! 

This program is designed for ages 7 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.

*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

If you use the wilderness parks for hiking, biking, photography or just relaxing, trail work might be for you! Join us as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 

No experience is necessary and gloves and tools will be provided. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. Expect to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program. 

Celebrate fall by making an autumn-colored pressed flower jar perfect for candles or small lights! We will also go for a short meditation walk and explore the different meanings of fall. 

Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

This program is designed for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. 

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Shelbi Richardson at shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com.

Adverse weather, including wet or muddy trail conditions, may cancel the program.