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.

*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.

*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. 

​​​​​​*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. 

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. 

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park as we learn and work together to create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the canyon home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various stewardship activities, including removal of non-native plants, hand watering, seed collection and/or planting of native plants. Come help restore the land we all enjoy!

No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and 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 for volunteers. 

Adverse weather, including rain or heat advisory, may cancel the program.

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

The program will meet at the Nix Nature Center parking lot. 

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

This program is for ages 16 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher after signing in. 

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

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

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery 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.

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

The program is free and participants will receive a parking voucher. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Join OC Park naturalists for story time and a short hike with your little ones (ages 3 to 6) as we explore the different shapes and sizes of rocks! 

Advance registration required. Please register all participants, including children. 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.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Join us for a youth-friendly hike beginning at the Nix Nature Center into the pristine habitat of Shady Canyon. We’ll hike 5 miles on single-track trails and old ranch roads. 

This hike is a great opportunity for Girls Scouts and ScoutsBSA as it fulfills the following: 

• Girl Scouts USA journeys: Trail Adventure, Eco Trekker
• ScoutsBSA requirements: 2nd class 3a–c, 4; 1st class 4b, 5a; Nature Merit Badge 4–6

Wear closed-toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection and bring plenty of water. 

This program is for ages 10 and older. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

The program and parking are free. Participants will receive a parking voucher. 

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