*This program begins at Canyon View Park, 22144 Canyon Vistas, 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. 

Activities include clearing drains to remove water from the trail, pruning vegetation back, 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. Be prepared to hike up to 4 miles while carrying tools. 

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. 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. 

The best camera is the one you have with you, and for most, it's also your cell phone!

Join us for a beginner’s program and learn how to take great photos with your cell phone. Each session will cover photography theory basics, phone camera settings and editing techniques, with time to practice in the park.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Be prepared to hike around and explore the landscape at your leisure.

Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sun protection, sturdy footwear and water are encouraged. Most importantly, don't forget your phone!

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

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

Join us at Irvine Regional Park to lend a hand restoring the Habitat Adventure Trail by removing invasive species, cleaning up excess debris, trimming large shrubs and preparing the area for new plantings of native species.

General purpose gardening gloves and long pants are recommended and tools and gloves will be available on-site. 

The program and parking are free for volunteers. Please notify the park attendant you are volunteering when you arrive. 

Bring plenty of water, sunscreen and snacks. The program will begin at the Habitat Adventure Trail trailhead near parking lot G.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.

*This program takes place at Santiago Oaks Regional Park, 2145 N. Windes Dr., Orange, CA 92869*

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 Santiago Oaks Regional Park, complete activities and take the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Oath to earn a unique Jr. Ranger badge. This program will begin outside the nature center.

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.

The winter rain has lifted and revealed a beautiful bouquet of California wildflowers. Join us for a slow-paced, moderate climb along the North Loop Trail and be rewarded with scenic views of the Peters Canyon Reservoir and surrounding area. Along the way, we will peruse the petals of blooms currently sprouting along with some of the year-round favorites.

This program will begin in front of the park office near the restrooms and flagpole. The hike will travel about 2 miles with some elevation gain. Be prepared to hike steep hills. 

Sun protection, sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended.

The program is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended.

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

*This program begins at the Weir Canyon Trailhead located at 7091 Ave De Santiago, Anaheim, CA 92807.*

Celebrate the arrival of spring by joining experienced OC Parks staff as we hike along the scenic hillsides of Weir Canyon within Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 

Be prepared to hike more than 2 miles with moderate elevation gain. This program is not recommended for small children. Minors 16 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the program and strollers are not recommended. Sturdy shoes and water are recommended.

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

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

We love the nightlife! Join us at Peters Canyon Regional Park as we search for nighttime critters that call the park home. From humble toads to graceful owls, you never know what you’ll see!

This program will begin in front of the park office near the restrooms and flagpole. Layers, sturdy footwear and water are recommended. Red-tinted flashlights are highly encouraged, please do not bring standard flashlights. 

This hike is not recommended for very small children or strollers. Minors must be accompanied by a guardian during the program.

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

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Embark on a journey through the stars at our Starr Party! For more than 25 years, Caspers Wilderness Park has been a hub for stargazing, earning California’s first “Star Park” designation in 2013.

Join us outdoors for the Starr Party, where telescopes and expert guidance will help you explore the night sky until approximately 9:30 p.m. The program features interactive activities, perfect for families and space enthusiasts of all ages. Equipment will be provided but feel free to bring binoculars, telescopes or cameras.

Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All activities will take place at the nature center. 

The program is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. 

Advance registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more and register here.

Participants may call (949) 923-2210 to confirm we’re clear for takeoff!

Rain or inclement weather may cancel this program. 

The clocks spring forward early March 8, marking the beginning of daylight saving time and OC Parks’ spring-summer operating schedule. Most regional parks close at 9 p.m. for the spring and summer. Wilderness parks close at sunset year-round.

Spring-summer hours for the following regional parks are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.:

• Carbon Canyon Regional Park
• Clark Regional Park
• Craig Regional Park
• Irvine Regional Park (opens at 6 a.m.)
• Laguna Niguel Regional Park
• Mason Regional Park
• Mile Square Regional Park
• Tri-City Regional Park
• Yorba Regional Park

Wilderness parks and the following regional parks open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset year-round:

• Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park
• Caspers Wilderness Park
• Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (parking lots open at 8 a.m.)
• O’Neill Regional Park
• Peters Canyon Regional Park  
• Riley Wilderness Park
• Santiago Oaks Regional Park
• Talbert Regional Park
• Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
• Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
• Wieder Regional Park

Irvine Lake will continue to operate Friday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Hours for OC Parks’ beaches vary but are generally between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Salt Creek Beach opens at 5 a.m. and closes at midnight.

OC Parks facilities will remain on these operating hours until daylight saving time ends November 1, 2026. 

Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” this walk invites you to take a break and immerse yourself in the nature around you. Throughout the program you will be encouraged to explore your surroundings using your senses to deepen your connection with nature.

This is a guided, slow-paced walk with frequent opportunities to meditate and relax. The program is designed for ages 16 and older. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please wear comfortable attire and be prepared to walk on uneven terrain.

The program will begin outside the nature center. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

Inclement weather will cancel the program.

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

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Shelly Marshall at 657-253-3681 or shelly.marshall@ocparks.com.