Black Star Canyon, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families as well as challenging experiences for seasoned trail users. Designated trails are available for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use. A variety of trail loops offer extended exploration throughout the canyons. Take time to explore the local plant communities and beautiful scenery in easy 30-minute walks or take in 7+ miles in a strong cardio trek.

There is limited space for equestrian parking along Black Star Canyon Road, carpooling is strongly encouraged. Riders must also have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. It is a “first come, first serve” for trailer parking and therefore early arrival is HIGHLY recommended. Major crowds are typically present at the very start of the event. There are not typical equestrian amenities at the event such as hitching posts, steps to mount your horse or water troughs. Please be sure to time your arrival accordingly so you have plenty of time to enjoy the trails with your horse.  

Please note that you are asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity in order to participate:

• Arrive with all necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, including water, proper attire, and footwear, first aid, medications, etc.
• Restrooms will be available, but facilities will not be sanitized for each individual.

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.

Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. In addition to being a rare and sensitive habit, the Irvine Ranch Open Space is under strict protection. There are often unseen dangers just off-trail including, but not limited to: mountain lions, poison oak, ticks, poisonous spiders, and venomous snakes. OC Parks Rangers may issue citations for visitors found off-trail so for your safety, please stay on the designated paths during your stay in Black Star Canyon. To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Other Important Notes:

• OC Park Rangers require all trails to be cleared for closure by 2:00pm.
• As an equestrian rider, please email info@irconservancy.org at least 72 hours prior to the event so that we may verify whether your trailer can be accommodated in our parking configuration. Trailer parking is very limited and is subject to “first come, first served.”
• No new trail users will be permitted onto the trails at least one hour prior to closing.
• Dogs are prohibited on the Irvine Ranch Open Space. No matter how cute yours may be, by nature, dogs are predators; their presence and their lingering scent disturb the indigenous wildlife and disrupt vital routines long after a dog has left the area.
• Minors, ages 18 and under, should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
• Adult equestrians are requested to wear helmets. Minors are required to wear helmets per state law.
• Inclement weather or fire danger will cause the program to be cancelled

Multi-use trail etiquette: Please Remember that bikers yield to hikers and that bikers and hikers yield to equestrians. Click here for more trail tips.

To minimize the human impact on wildlife and their habitat, there may be unannounced trail closures or the rotation of areas being open and closed. This is an adaptive management approach to accommodate both the human users and the wildlife needs.

Learn more and register here

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Winter? Come help us behind the scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! Every day at the farm is different; depending on the needs of the farm we will be harvesting seeds from beautiful native plants, planting new seeds in the annual plots, working in our native plant demo garden, or tending to younger seedlings in our nursery.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local plant and wildlife! Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! 

The seed collected will be used for habitat restoration within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These plants were specially selected to support local wildlife and promote resilience in the ecosystem. Come help us heal the wildlands within the Landmarks! When you sign up, check the confirmation email to see tips on how to be prepared for your time with us.

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, including water, snacks, sun protection, long pants, 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
• Please note our Minors Policy for all public activities: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their respective parent or legal guardian. Both parent and their accompanying minor(s) must be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led activity they wish to attend.

Note: Activity leaders may turn away participants who are under-prepared and wearing improper attire for work at the Native Seed Farm. This is for your own safety and to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone who attends.

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 1-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this Level 2 activity. Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, long periods of standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing.

Learn more and register here

**Due to trail closures, this hike is being rerouted. It will not be the full 16 mile loop but an out and back to “Mini Moab”. The hike will be shortened to 14 miles with 2900 feet of elevation gain.**

Join us for an extremely challenging and strenuous hiking adventure in the scenic Fremont Canyon Wilderness Area. This 16-mile loop hike is for experienced, physically fit distance hikers. The hike is on fire/SCE dirt roads with numerous significantly steep, unrelenting climbs and descents. We hike the entire rim of Fremont Canyon, passing by an abandoned coal mine, the Fremont Weather Station and the remnants of a rare stand of Tecate cypress. Along the way we’ll have sweeping views of Orange County, the Santa Ana Mountains and surrounding mountain ranges.

There is minimal to no shade on the route.  Please bring a minimum of 100 oz. water and trail snacks. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toe hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail for the full-day hike in this remote wilderness area. Each participant must carry his or her own sturdy pack and must be comfortable maintaining an average moving pace of 3 miles per hour for the duration of this difficult hike. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.

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.

To learn more about the staging areas and activity locations, please visit our Staging Areas Playlist page.

Learn more and register here

DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELED. 

Discover the joys of nature journaling with a short and slow guided hike at Mile Square Regional Park - no experience necessary! 

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 with an introduction to the basic techniques for beginning and maintaining your nature journal, followed by a warmup activity, then 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.

We will meet at Freedom Hall adjacent to parking lot G and walk to the nature area. Be prepared to move along the trail a short distance and sit to document the beauty around you.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

Mile Square Regional Park has some of the highest bird diversity in Orange County and this gentle paced walk led by highly trained OC Parks volunteers will help bird watchers of all experience levels discover what the park has to offer. All ages are welcome and binoculars will be available to borrow. No experience necessary!

Participants should be prepared to walk on paved and dirt trails for up to 2 miles. Closed-toe shoes, water and sun protection are recommended.

The program will begin in parking lot H. 

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian.

Space is limited and advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather will cancel this program. 

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

We will meet in parking lot H at 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 on the weekends. Inclement weather will cancel the program. 

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Averil Lough at (657) 735-3596 or averil.lough@ocparks.com

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware in the moment. It has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and promote overall well-being. Come cultivate mindfulness in nature during this guided meditation session designed to engage your senses and relax your busy mind. 

Give yourself time to notice the sights, sounds, smells and tastes around you. Engaging your senses can help bring you into the present and cultivate awareness, inner peace and joy. Spending time immersed in nature can help boost your immune system, too.

Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. A yoga mat or portable chair is suggested, along with sun protection and water. Staff will also have extra tarps and pads to sit on. 

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

We will meet at Freedom Hall next to parking lot G. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and aware in the moment. It has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and promote overall well-being. Come cultivate mindfulness in nature during this guided meditation session designed to engage your senses and relax your busy mind. 

Give yourself time to notice the sights, sounds, smells and tastes around you. Engaging your senses can help bring you into the present and cultivate awareness, inner peace and joy. Spending time immersed in nature can help boost your immune system, too.

Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothing are recommended. A yoga mat or portable chair is suggested, along with sun protection and water. Staff will also have extra tarps and pads to sit on. 

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

We will meet at Freedom Hall next to parking lot G. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

OC Parks invites you to story time at Mile Square Regional Park! Join us as we read nature-themed stories, take a short walk and enjoy a hands-on activity. 

Please bring picnic blankets, pillows, chairs and anything you need to be comfortable. We will meet at Freedom Hall adjacent to parking lot G.

Advance registration is recommended but not required. Learn more and register here. 

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

For questions call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

* This program has been canceled due to a staffing shortage *

Deepen your connection with nature on this gentle and meditative walk-through Mile Square Regional Park. Inspired by the Japanese practice of “shinrin-yoku,” or “forest bathing,” you will discover the healing power of nature for yourself.

This slow-paced walk will begin with a guided meditation to help you engage with your senses, followed by a series of invitations focusing on sense-based explorations. Throughout the program, you will be encouraged to deepen your connection with nature to help reduce stress and leave you feeling recharged.

Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat or other comfortable seating and their favorite tea or water for the closing tea ceremony. Please note this program involves drinking tea from sustainably sourced native plants. Wear closed-toe shoes, sun protection and bring water.

We will meet at Freedom Hall next to parking lot G. Please arrive on time to experience the full sequence of the program.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

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

For questions, please call (657) 735-3596 or email averil.lough@ocparks.com.

Inclement weather may cancel this program.