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.

The program and parking are free.

Space is limited and 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.

*This program takes place at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660*

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 Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, 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 and parking are free. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Emma Arago at emma.arago@ocparks.com or call (949) 923-2277.

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

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.

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

*Please note advance registration is now REQUIRED for Wild Tales.*

Spending time outside is one of the best ways to nurture curiosity and instill a love of the natural world. Bring your young ones and join OC Parks staff to learn about Upper Newport Bay.

Wild Tales is offered every Friday from 10-11 a.m. and includes a story time, age-appropriate hike and themed craft. Each week will focus on a different topic that encourages young ones to learn about the outdoors.

The program begins at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Program content is tailored for ages 2 to 5, but all are welcome to attend. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Please wear comfortable attire and closed-toe shoes. Additionally, please note that the trail for the hiking portion of the program is not stroller-friendly.

The program and parking are free. Adverse weather may cancel the program or move it fully indoors.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here. Registration opens two weeks prior to the program date.

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

Access is first come, first served until parking capacity is reached. No registration required.

Equestrians, while space is not guaranteed we encourage you to please email irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com to coordinate parking.

Come explore 3.3-miles of new trails at Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, through this self-guided opportunity. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. There are multiple trail loop options which vary in distance and level of difficulty. Choices range from an easy 1-mile loop to multiple figure-8 configurations for those looking to maximize their mileage. Regardless of distance, nearly all options feature scenic views including a destination vista point offering 360-degree perspectives from the mountains to the sea.

Please review our Trail Tips page and FAQ page to prepare for your experience in the wilderness area.

Gates will open no earlier than 8 a.m.  Please do not block gate or park on Santiago Canyon Road.

Click here to learn more. 

Saddleback Wilderness is located at 3081 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA, 92869. 

Irvine Regional Park experiences an increase in visitation throughout September and October, especially on weekends. The park entrance may be impacted and the park could close to vehicle traffic if parking reaches capacity. 

If you are planning to visit the Pumpkin Patch, please note reservations are now required for weekends in October. Click here for more information.

Overflow parking will be available at Santiago Canyon College, 8045 E. Chapman Ave., Orange, CA on the following weekends: 

• Saturday, Sept. 13 and Sunday, Sept. 14 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Sept. 20 and Sunday, Sept. 21 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Sept. 27 and Sunday, Sept. 28 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)
• Saturday, Oct. 25 and Sunday, Oct. 26 (6 a.m. to 9 p.m.)

Santiago Canyon College is approximately a half-mile walk to the park. 

Parking is $5 per vehicle at Santiago Canyon College. Overnight parking is not permitted. Vehicles must enter from Newport Blvd. 

Permits for special events and shelter reservations will not be issued during this time. 

Please note: OC Parks annual passes are not valid for parking at Santiago Canyon College.