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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 600 feet of elevation gain. Closed-toe shoes, sun protection and plenty of water are recommended. 

The 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.

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

Monarch butterfly sits on a white poppy

Stories Carved in Stone

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

The rocks of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park tell a story that dates back millions of years. Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers on a journey through history and discover volcanic intrusions, explore rock formations 40 million years old and experience the only naturally occurring lake in Orange County. 

This program includes a 3-mile hike. Please bring water, sun protection and wear closed-toe shoes. 

The program is for ages 12 and older. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.  

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. 

Rocks

Let's Go Hiking!

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

Enjoy a moderate 3.8-mile hike through Laurel and Willow canyons with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain. Discover various plant communities, from coastal sage scrub to oak woodlands, and enjoy a view of the ocean at the top. Minimal interpretation is provided, but questions are welcome. 

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

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. Learn more and register here.

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

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

lets go hikking

Trail Stewardship - Dilley Preserve Trails

*This program begins at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips St., 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. 

Trail

Keep it Wild - LCF Native Plant Nursery

*This program will begin at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters, 10 Phillips St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651*

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at the native plant nursery in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers and help maintain the nursery.

All tools and equipment will be provided. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. This program is designed for ages 16 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program and parking are free. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

Adverse weather may cancel the program.

Keep it Wild

Fitness Hike - Ridge Park

*This program begins at the Bommer Ridge Trail West Entrance, Ridge Park Rd., Newport Beach, CA 92657*

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, 6.6-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with 1,100 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 and parking are free. Limited street parking is available nearby.

Rain or heat advisory will cancel the program. 

Fitness Hike- Ridge

Hoofprints and Horizons: a Gentle Family Hike with a Horse

Escape into the stunning landscapes of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with a one of kind family hiking experience. Our guided walk features a friendly horse, offering a special opportunity to interact with these magnificent animals while exploring the natural beauty of Southern California. This walk is perfect for all ages and abilities. It’s a chance to create long-lasting memories and foster a love for both horses and nature.

Please note: This hiking activity is for educational purposes. Participants should not bring their own horses as this is not an equestrian ride.

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.

Children under the age of 5 are permitted to attend the hike if they are secured in a carrier.

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.

Learn more and register here. 

Baker Meadow Oak Planting Stewardship

Twilight Fitness Hike in Limestone Canyon

Limestone Canyon is a treasure waiting to be discovered. Join us for an afternoon, fast paced, 5.5-mile fitness hike with 750 ft of elevation. The hike will be a great introduction to fitness, cardio-style hikes as well as OC Parks’ magnificent Irvine Ranch Open Space.  Views of Limestone Canyon, and the surrounding wilderness, from Limestone Ridge will be the highlight of our tour.

Please bring a minimum of 48 oz. water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail for this hike in a wilderness area. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water.  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.

Learn more and register here. 

Twilight Beginner Cardio Hike, Limestone Canyon

Garden Keepers: Demo Garden Workday - Native Seed Farm

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 Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 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.

The Native Seed Farm is home to a large variety of plants, some of which may cause allergic reactions in people with certain sensitivities. Individuals with known sensitivities to pollen, plant resins, or plant oils should be cautious and prepared should they develop a reaction such as coughing, congestion, or dermatitis. If you suspect you are developing an allergic reaction while participating in this activity, please let the activity lead know as soon as possible. To keep participants safe, those experiencing allergy symptoms may be asked to take a break away from the work area. If a participant’s symptoms persist, they may be asked to excuse themselves from the activity at the lead’s discretion.

Learn more and register here. 

Native Seed Farm

Moderate-Paced Mountain Bike Ride: Fremont, Blind, Weir Canyon

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 Ratings to 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.

Learn more and register here. 

Mountain Bike Ride, Limestone Canyon
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