Spend the holiday season with OC Parks at Heritage Hill Historical Park this December!

The 39th annual Candlelight Walk will take place over three festive evenings Dec. 5, 6 and 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening stroll through the decorated grounds as well as live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids* and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

Event and parking are free.

Inclement weather may cancel the event.

For more information, call (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com. 

Spend the holiday season with OC Parks at Heritage Hill Historical Park this December!

The 39th annual Candlelight Walk will take place over three festive evenings Dec. 5, 6 and 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening stroll through the decorated grounds as well as live musical performances, holiday crafts for kids* and a visit with Santa Claus! Light refreshments will be available for cash purchase.

Event and parking are free.

Inclement weather may cancel the event.

For more information, call (949) 923-2230 or email heritagehill@ocparks.com. 

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Autumn? 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, weeding, trimming, or planting seed of our beautiful native plants.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local native plants, ecology, 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.
  • Minors must be 8 years of age or older to participate in activities at the Native Seed Farm.

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.

The Native Seed Farm is home to a large variety of plants, some of which may cause allergic reactions in people with certain sensitivities. Individuals with known sensitivities to pollen, plant resins, or plant oils should be cautious and prepared should they develop a reaction such as coughing, congestion, or dermatitis. If you suspect you are developing an allergic reaction while participating in this activity, please let the activity lead know as soon as possible. To keep participants safe, those experiencing allergy symptoms may be asked to take a break away from the work area. If a participant’s symptoms persist, they may be asked to excuse themselves from the activity at the lead’s discretion.

Learn more and register here

Take a leisurely ride on beautiful Hall Canyon and Helo trail in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. View evidence of the old ranch days when cattle once roamed the area and see wildflowers that are native to our area. You will see amazing views of the local canyons and red rock. Evidence of a more recent use of the land is an area used for helicopter landings and a large metal ball and chain the military and OC Fire departments used for training.

Equestrians who have trail riding experience, and their own fit and able horse are welcome. You will need to transport your horse to the staging area. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing will include areas of gravel, rocky creek areas.

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.
• You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to listed departure time to ready your horse.
• We will be contacting you for trailer details so we can give you direction on where to park it.
• 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-3 activity on the land. Please visit our FAQ page for answers to activity specific questions you may have prior to registering.

Learn more and register here

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Autumn? 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, weeding, trimming, or planting seed of our beautiful native plants.

Working with us at the Native Seed Farm is a great way to grow your community and cultivate knowledge about local native plants, ecology, 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.
  • Minors must be 8 years of age or older to participate in activities at the Native Seed Farm.

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.

The Native Seed Farm is home to a large variety of plants, some of which may cause allergic reactions in people with certain sensitivities. Individuals with known sensitivities to pollen, plant resins, or plant oils should be cautious and prepared should they develop a reaction such as coughing, congestion, or dermatitis. If you suspect you are developing an allergic reaction while participating in this activity, please let the activity lead know as soon as possible. To keep participants safe, those experiencing allergy symptoms may be asked to take a break away from the work area. If a participant’s symptoms persist, they may be asked to excuse themselves from the activity at the lead’s discretion.

Learn more and register here

Join us for an evening/night mountain bike ride through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve and Red Rock Wilderness, part of OCParks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. We will ride approximately 12 miles, with 1500′ of climbing along a variety singletrack trails and ranch roads. The route will vary based on trail conditions/availability.

This ride is not recommended as a first time night ride. Bring adequate lights, a jacket, plenty of water, spare tubes, tools and all other equipment to be self-sufficient on the trails. Hopefully we will see some of our local nocturnal critters. Motorized recreation vehicles of any class or type are not permitted for use in the Nature Preserve.

Please note that you will be asked to adhere to the following measures during the activity 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.

Learn more and register here

Enjoy a morning at Clark Regional Park and learn about ancient life in Orange County! Participants will visit the Interpretive Center, listen to a story, take a short walk in the park and make a paleontology themed ornament. Activities are designed for ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome.

We will meet in front of the Interpretive Center.

Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Space is limited; parents must register themselves and each child. Learn more and register here. 

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

*This program takes place at Riley Wilderness Park, 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, CA 92679*

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 Riley Wilderness Park, 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 is free and parking is $3 per vehicle. Inclement weather will cancel the program.

Advance registration is required. Learn more and register here.

For questions, please contact Resource Specialist Gray Crouch at Gray.Crouch@ocparks.com.

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

Join OC Parks volunteer naturalists and Laguna Canyon Foundation for a relaxing bird walk along Aliso Creek. This program will introduce the basics of birding in a friendly way while hiking along a 3-mile path with 50 feet of elevation gain on uneven terrain. While the focus is on beginners, birders of all experience levels are welcome. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the morning as we explore the natural beauty along the creek! 

Wear hiking or walking shoes, sun protection and bring binoculars and water. This program is for ages 12 and older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

The program will meet at the Visitor Center.

Advance registration required. Learn more and register here.

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

Inclement weather may cancel this program.

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.

*This program has been cancelled.*

Explore Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park where you might see deer, bobcats and hawks. Learn about acorn woodpeckers, the wonderful ways of woodrats and the peculiar nature of certain plants. Enjoy wildlife sounds, smells and sights on this moderate 5-mile hike on rocky terrain with less than 500 feet of elevation gain. 

Participants must be 16 or older. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. 

Inclement weather may cancel this program. 

For questions, call 949-497-8324 on weekdays or 949-923-2200 on weekends.