*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

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

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Join us for a lovely morning hike along Aliso Creek, one of the best riparian birding sites in Orange County.

OC Parks staff and volunteers will lead participants on an easy 3-mile walk with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. Travel along the creek on a dirt trail and return on a paved road while birding within the wilderness park - no experience necessary! Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring binoculars and water.

This program is 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. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

Join OC Parks naturalists and bring your young ones to explore Aliso’s wild backyard. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden and creek where we will see bugs, plants and birds while exploring!

This program begins at the Visitor Center at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring snacks and water. Please note most of the trail is not stroller-friendly. 

The program is designed for ages 3 and younger, but all are welcome. Minors 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. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

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, 8-mile hike over very steep and uneven terrain with approximately 730 feet of elevation gain. This route begins at Aliso Creek Trail East, continues up Sheep Run and down Meadows Trail. Your hard work will be rewarded with sweeping views of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park! Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection, and bring water.

Participants must be 16 or older. Minors 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.

Please review safety precautions and protocols when registering. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

Insects are the most diverse group of animals on Earth and make up 80% of all known species. There are more varieties of bugs than all other types of animals combined!

Join us on a family-friendly trek around Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park to learn all about these amazing animals who have perfected the art of ecological specialization. Insects may have a reputation for being icky, but they're essential pollinators needed to sustain life on our planet. Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring snacks and water.

Participants 16 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. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

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

The program and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call Aliso Creek home.

Volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities including removing non-native plants, cleaning up the creek or planting native plants. No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided.  Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and sun protection and bring water. 

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

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free for volunteers. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, please call 949-923-2200. 

*This program begins at the Hollyleaf cul-de-sac near Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park (where West Ridge Trail meets Hollyleaf, near 65 Hollyleaf, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656).*

Get up close with the trails you use and see them in a whole new way as we work together to protect the fragile habitat and increase the sustainability of trails at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 

Stewardship activities include clearing drains to remove water, pruning vegetation, moving dirt to rebuild eroded tread and restoring impacted areas. No experience 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 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. Limited street parking is available nearby. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends. 

Bring your furry friend and join OC Parks staff and volunteers for a dog walk at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 

Come enjoy an easy, 3-mile hike over uneven and unpaved terrain with approximately 75 feet of elevation gain. We'll stop along the way to learn about the bay and discuss ways to keep you, your dog and wildlife safe when out on the trails. 

Please wear closed-toe shoes and sun protection as needed, and bring water for you and your four-legged friend. 

To ensure an enjoyable and safe experience for all, participants must adhere to the following guidelines:

• Two-dog maximum – Each participant may bring a maximum of two dogs.  
• Behavioral Expectations – Well-socialized dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccines are welcome.
• Leash Requirement – To ensure the safety of other participants and wildlife, dogs must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times within the nature preserve.
• Owner Responsibility – Owners are fully responsible for their dog’s behavior and will be asked to closely watch their canine companions.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.

Join Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve staff and volunteers in enhancing the bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, removing trash and Butterfly Garden maintenance.

No experience necessary. Please bring a hat, sunscreen, snacks and a refillable water bottle. Water and tools will be provided.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program and parking are free. 

Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather will cancel the program. 

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (657) 692-5401.