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Early Morning Hike: Weir Canyon

Join us on this early morning hike enjoying beautiful Weir Canyon Nature Preserve, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Starting in Irvine Regional Park, we pass through Lower and Upper Weir Canyon to a scenic overlook. We then head down Upper Blind Canyon as we wind our way back to our starting point.  This hike is around 9.5 miles with one significant climb and descent.

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 daypack, around 70 oz. (2 quarts) of water, trail snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes, sunscreen, first aid, and any other supplies needed to keep you safe on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water and be comfortable hiking at an average moving pace of 3 mph. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this program.

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.

Weir Canyon Hike to the Overlook Trail

Jr. Ranger Adventure: Laguna Niguel Regional Park

*This program takes place at Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, 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 Laguna Niguel Regional 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.

Black crowned night heron

Preschool Paleontology: Art & Storytime

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient life in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a craft. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome.

The program will meet in front of the Interpretive Center.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Learn more and register here. 

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

Paleo Dig

Native Garden Restoration at Clark Park

Learn about native, introduced and invasive plants and join us as we work toward restoring healthy habitat areas at Clark Regional Park by managing and expanding the garden as conditions permit. Experience the satisfaction of weeding invasive plants and observing our local biodiversity as it grows!

We will meet in parking lot H and the activity will take place within a quarter mile of the parking lot. No experience necessary and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to pull weeds, rake, spread seeds, pot or water plants. Long sleeves and pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and water are recommended.

Registration is encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here. 

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

For questions, please email Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com or call (714) 973-6671.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.

Milkweed beetles

Family Hike - Dilley

​​​​​​*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. 

Family Hike

CANCELED: Nature Creativity: Cactus Sculpture with Resin

Discover the beauty and resilience of cactus! In this program, we’ll explore the fascinating world of cacti including how they survive in harsh environments, their unique shapes and their ecological importance. After learning about these incredible plants, participants will design and create their own cactus-inspired resin sculpture to take home. 

This 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. 

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.

 

cactus

Fitness Hike - Laguna Ridge at Willow

*This program begins at the Willow Staging Area, 20070 Laguna Canyon Rd., 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-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,150 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.

lets go hikking

Art in the Canyon- Watercolor Landscapes with Sawdust

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

Join OC Parks, Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Sawdust Art Festival as we learn about our native ecosystems and how to explore them through art. This month’s program will feature a short native plant hike and instruction on painting a watercolor landscape. This beginner class is perfect for those interested in exploring landscapes using watercolor pencils. No experience is necessary - just bring your curiosity and creativity! 

Wear closed-toed shoes, long pants and sun protection and bring water. A sketchbook and pencil will be provided. 

The program and parking are free. Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

wildflowers

Fitness Hike - Dilley

​​​​​​*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. 

Fitness Hike - Dilley

Explorers Hike: West Canyon Loop

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 hike is approximately 4 miles with 660 feet of elevation gain.

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. 

Butterfly
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