Come explore OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This scenic hike involves steep climbs and descents on both double and singletrack trails and around 1100’ of accumulated climbing elevation. Though challenging, the hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days you can see Catalina Island and even beyond Orange County into the Los Angeles Basin.

Please arrive 15 minutes early, ready to hike; the Baker hiker entry gate will close promptly 5 minutes before the start time.

Please come prepared with a sturdy day pack, water, snacks, closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. All participants must carry their own day pack and water and be comfortable hiking an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour.  Please make sure you bring around 70 oz. (2 quarts) of water and trail snacks. 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.

This project has been completed as of May 14, 2025. 

OC Public Works, in collaboration with OC Parks, will be removing and reconstructing a portion of the Strands Beach parking lot in Dana Point. Selva Road will remain open at all times during construction.

WHERE:

South side of the Strands Beach parking lot within the City of Dana Point.

WHAT: 

Construction activity on the south side of the Strands Beach parking lot will include removing and reconstructing asphalt concrete, and restriping parking stalls.

Important information: 

• Access to some parking areas will be temporarily unavailable or limited as the asphalt repair is being performed and new stripes are painted.
• Portions of the south side of the parking lot will be used for staging equipment.
• The majority of the lot will remain open for public use during construction.
• Traffic control measures, such as construction signage and flag personnel will be present.
• Please observe all safety signs, barriers and personnel when near the project area.

WHEN: 

Anticipated Construction Duration:
May 12 - May 22, 2025

Working Days/Hours:
Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The construction schedule is tentative and subject to change due to weather and other factors.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 

Mario Barragan
714-448-7746

Raymond Marcial
714-454-7989

ProjectInfo@ocpw.ocgov.com
ocpublicworks.com 

*This program takes place at Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths 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 Mile Square Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

We will create our own memory map while exploring the nature area within the park. The program will meet at parking lot H near the entrance to the nature area. 

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here. 

For questions, please email Interpretive Programs Curator Nathan Taxel at nathan.taxel@ocparks.com.

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

*This program takes place at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823 *

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths 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 Carbon Canyon Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. The program will meet at the Redwood Grove Trail near parking lot A. 

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

*This program takes place at Caspers Wilderness Park, 33401 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675*

The OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program encourages park guests to find their own paths 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 Caspers Wilderness Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. The program will begin at the Old Corral Day Use Area near the entrance to Bell View Trail.

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

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

Let the force be with you when you visit the OC Zoo for Star Wars Day!

Join us for a day of family fun including crafts, games, and photo opportunities!

Come see zoo animals receive special treats throughout the day as well as animal meet and greets!

All visitors are encouraged to come in Star Wars attire/costume.

Reservations are not needed. Activities are free with paid zoo admission ($2 per person, ages 2 & under are free). 

Zoo coupons/passes are not valid for this event.

Parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends.

Nature journaling can be practiced in almost any space and combines observations with insights, questions and connections with the environment around us. It allows us to pay attention to details that might otherwise be overlooked and meditate on their forms and place within the natural world.

This program will begin at the Interpretive Center with an introduction to the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your nature journal. We will start with a warm-up activity, then take a walk in the park to find a comfortable journaling space. Bring a sketch pad or journal and your own art materials such as pencils, pens or watercolors. A portable chair is recommended along with sun protection, water and snacks.

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

This program is recommended for ages 7 and older. Participants 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

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

Inclement weather may cancel the program.

*This program takes places at Clark Regional Park, 8800 Rosecrans Ave., Buena Park, CA 90621*

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 Clark Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge.

We will meet in front of the Interpretive Center and take a half-mile walk through geologic time.

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com.

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

*This program takes places at Yorba Regional Park, 7600 E. La Palma Ave., Anaheim, CA 92807*

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 Yorba Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. The program will meet at parking lot J. 

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 $5 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Sarah Hoemke at sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com.

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

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 is necessary and all tools will be provided. Be prepared to pull weeds, rake, spread seeds, pot, or water plants. Please wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

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

Minors age 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

The program is free.

For questions, please email sarah.hoemke@ocparks.com or call (714)973-6671.

Rain or heat advisory may cancel this program.