Activities and Programs

Join us for a slow-paced hike in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Our pace will be around 2.5 MPH for this 5.5-mile hike with an elevation gain of about 400 feet. Slowing our pace will encourage us to experience the land with all of our senses. This hike is perfect for hikers that are looking to take a slower hike through Limestone Canyon.

Our hike will take us along Limestone Canyon and then over to Dripping Springs. Dripping Springs is a year-round spring where we will encounter water that is expressed through the side of a vertical rock face. Due to shade and moisture, we will find that the plants in Dripping Springs are very different from the plants and flowers found in the meadow area of Limestone Canyon.

Join us every Monday night for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. This hike allows you to choose between a 3, 6, or 8 mile route, all of which are conducted at the speed of about 3.0 to 3.5 miles per hour. The footing on the asphalt paved road is smoother than dirt roads and single track trails normally found in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, but is beginning to show its age with cracks, crevices and an occasional dip. Otherwise, the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! The 6 and 8 mile routes experience two fairly steep ascents and descents. The 3 mile route takes you to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. Along the way, you will have sweeping views of much of Orange County and the Santa Ana Mountains. Various animals, like hawks, deer, and lizards are also frequently seen in this area.

IRC Volunteer Stewards are invited to help process seed at this farm workday! Our specific tasks each day are to be determined, but we’ll be working on cleaning, prepping, and bagging seeds for IRC’s restoration work.

Processing the seed that we collect out in the wild or grow out at the farm is a necessary part of the Native Seed Farm’s goal to provide a reliable source of quality seeds for restoration projects. Seed collected in the farm and field often is not pure – with a variety of excess plant material, dirt, and other substances that are not desirable. By processing the seed using a variety of different methods – hand sorting, sifting, crushing, etc. – we are able to ensure that our restoration team has pure seed for their projects!

Activities may include bending, stooping, crouching, squatting, as well as long periods of sitting, standing, reaching, pulling, grabbing, and pushing. Please email the event lead, Mel Letterman, ahead of time if you have any physical limitations to the previously described tasks so they can assign a project that is accessible for you.

Late arrivals and early exits are permitted with prior communication with the event lead.

Volunteers will spend their morning nurturing the Nature Garden at the Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp by performing trail maintenance and weeding from within the garden alongside Concordia University students and staff. This activity takes place on some uneven terrain, and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. Training and tools will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort.

Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-3 activity on the land.

Come out and enjoy the evening with us on the Orchard Hills loop trail. This trail meanders around an avocado orchard on the edge of the open space preserve and provides fantastic ridge-top views of Irvine and the Pacific coastline.

The three-mile loop has several very steep climbs and uneven terrain. This hike is done at a moderate pace. Your effort is rewarded with a beautiful, unobstructed view to the west. This hike is not suitable for children under 12. Wear sturdy, closed-toed hiking shoes, bring water and a red LED flashlight.

Join us for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water and a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

Are you looking to add a slower paced hike to your fitness journey? Join us on this introduction to fitness hike along the Agua Chinon trail to the West Sinks at an average moving speed of 25 minutes per mile. This is a 6-mile round triphike with one challenging section of a sustained climb. Along the way, you may hear birds singing and small animals rustling in the bushes. At our West Sinks
destination, you will be treated to a panoramic view of the sandstone cliff faces of the Agua Chinon Wash.

Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes. Remember to pack plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and all other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. This activity originates in the City of Irvine (Portola Staging Area) and travels into OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space.

Join us for a fast-paced, introduction to cardio hiking in the Saddleback Wilderness, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space. Along the way, we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings. This is a 3.5-mile cardio hike, completed in less than 1.5 hours and includes a 350+ foot total elevation gain. This hike is for physically fit hikers who enjoy the challenge of a faster paced outdoor experience. There are no rest stops, and the average 3.5 mile per hour pace can be difficult in the wilderness setting. Please bring a minimum 32 oz. of water. Come prepared with a pack, sturdy closed-toed hiking shoes or boots, sunscreen, first aid, and all other supplies to keep you safe and healthy on the trail. Each participant must carry his or her own pack and water. Under-prepared participants may be denied access to this activity.

Join us every Wednesday night in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at an average of 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water.

This week in OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Baker Canyon. This scenic hike includes steep climbs and descents on both single and double-track trails with about 1100 feet of accumulated climbing. We will enjoy sweeping views of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and the Santa Ana Mountains. On clear days, we can see Catalina Island and even beyond into the Los Angeles Basin. Please wear hiking shoes/boots and bring water, a trail snack, sun screen, hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail. Participants must be able to hike 7 miles with an elevation gain of 1100 feet at an average moving rate of 3 miles per hour. Each hiker must carry their own water and supplies.

Be prepared to experience the beauty and wonder of Weir Canyon, part of OC Parks’ Irvine Ranch Open Space, steeped in history and lore, on this morning equestrian ride. The ride will travel through Weir Canyon, where the trail weaves its way through a beautiful oak woodland inhabited by deer, coyote, bobcat, and many different birds. You will travel the route of the Butterfield Stage and see a monument dedicated to the Mexican ox cart drivers. If time permits, we will climb to the Two Tower vista point to look at distant views. This ride travels on wide trails with several easy to moderate climbs. 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 and distances over asphalt pavement. Please bring water on the ride.

Spend your morning helping to remove weeds and rebuild berms within the butterfly habitat islands in Limestone. With your help we will be able to maintain “islands” of host and nectar plants for butterflies in decline in Limestone Canyon. You will be transported from via a safari style truck from butterfly island to butterfly island through a beautiful oak woodland.

Join us for a fitness-focused hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. During the spring, summer and fall, hikers will enjoy wonderful sunset views and a panoramic overview of Orange County. This hike travels about 3.5 miles, up to the top of Loma Ridge and back down. The hike is conducted at about 3-3.5 miles per hour, but you may travel a bit faster or slower, at a walk, run, or jog depending on your comfort level. Most participants finish the route in about 1 hour. Because of the paved surface of the road, you may wear regular running or walking shoes. Trail shoes are fine, but not required. Please bring adequate water and a red-tinted flashlight as the return portion of the hike may be after sunset.

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.

Join us for an unforgettable guided mountain bike adventure through some of Orange County’s most scenic and protected landscapes. This docent-led ride kicks off at the historic Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp, where we’ll climb the West Fork Trail to the top of Bommer Ridge. Take in sweeping panoramic views as you catch your breath—this is just the beginning.

From there, we’ll flow over to Lizard Trail, riding through lush riparian habitat before a short climb brings us to Serrano Ridge. Enjoy a fun descent down Camarillo Trail as we make our way to the Nix Nature Center for a quick water refill and reset.The adventure continues with a mix of rolling climbs and rewarding terrain as we make our way to the Cattle Crest trailhead.

From there, we’ll ride Cattle Crest into Shady Oaks—both offering a fun blend of challenging downhill singletrack and short, punchy climbs to keep things exciting.
After one final push out of the canyon, we’ll reach the gate to Hogback—your gateway to one of the most fun, flowy singletrack descents in Orange County. We’ll finish with the exhilarating Ridge Route, a fast, flowing ride back down to our starting point.

Expect great trails, stunning views, and a supportive group atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself or simply enjoy the ride, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. This intermediate-paced ride is designed for experienced riders who are in excellent physical condition and comfortable on challenging singletrack terrain. Expect a rewarding 15-mile route with approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain, featuring a mix of sustained climbs, exhilarating descents, and a few technical sections where riders may choose to walk their bikes.

If you have at least a year of mountain biking experience and are ready for a fun, challenging ride in a truly beautiful setting, we invite you to join us. Reviewing the 1-through-5 Difficulty Ratings will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-5 activity on the land

This activity originates in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve and travels into OC Parks’ Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. You can view the approximate route and find more details here. Please note that some trails are only accessible on designated Wilderness Access Days or on scheduled activities such as this. Also, routes are subject to change.

After a brief walk from the Community Center, enjoy a 4+ mile fitness hike on the Buck Gully Trail to warm up your legs before yoga.  Please note this is not a beginner hike however, the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience.  It features basic poses centered on the muscles used for hiking, biking and other sports.  Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has positive effects on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never done a yoga hike before you will be surprised how connected you feel to nature. Please bring water, a yoga mat and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Birds and other wildlife need healthy habitat to thrive. Simple things like planting native plants or removing non-native plants can greatly improve habitat for wildlife. You can be part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Buck Gully near Newport Beach. Come help us with a variety of activities ranging from seed collection to weeding invasive plants.

This activity takes place on sloped terrain and sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. All training, tools, and gloves will be provided to ensure your safety and comfort. Rattlesnakes are occasionally seen here and generally avoid people, but protective gear will be provided.

Looking for a way to give back to Nature this Summer? 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! 

Join OC Parks Naturalists as we explore one of the most aromatic ecosystems in the world: Coastal Sage Scrub. We’ll reflect on how scent can awaken memories and emotions in our own lives and end the program by making a personalized perfume to take home.

Age: 12 years and older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Location: Nix Nature Center, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach 92651, West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133).

Parking: $3/car at Nix Nature Center parking lot. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Difficulty Rating: 2/5

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Safety precautions and protocols:

• Advanced registration required. Every individual, including children, must be registered.  Register here.
• Group sizes are minimized for safety purposes. For group registrations or questions please email volunteer@lagunacanyon.org
• Participants must individually sign a waiver at the beginning of the program. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver.
• To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness or have been in contact with someone who was ill.
• If you register and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your registration as soon as possible to allow others the chance to register.

Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org and shelbi.richardson@ocparks.com with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.