Activity Cards

New to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park? Whether you’re a volunteer, a new hiker, or simply curious about this wild and beautiful landscape, join us for a welcoming orientation hike that will help you get your bearings—both on the trails and in the ecosystem.  

This guided hike is designed to introduce you to key landmarks, trail connections, scenic viewpoints, and the incredible wildlife and native plants that call this place home. Along the way, we’ll share tips for exploring and stewarding the land responsibly. Perfect for first-time visitors, new volunteers, or anyone who wants to feel more at home in the coastal canyons. 

This moderate difficulty hike is approximately 5 miles long and has 800 feet of elevation gain, and includes views of the beautiful rock formations in the Canyon, the expanse of the South Coast Wilderness, and surrounding features. 

Age: 12 or 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, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133). 

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

Difficulty Rating: 3/5  

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. 

Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions. 

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

Please be aware that this is a Fitness Hike and not for beginners; the pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteers to raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 8.25-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain with a 1,200-ft. elevation gain. There is some rock scrambling involved in this hike. We will hike 2.5 miles on the relatively flat Wood Canyon trail, climb Car Wreck trail to the top, descend Mathis Canyon trail to Coyote Run trail, then return on Wood Creek trail to the staging area. 

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early. This group leaves promptly at 8:30 a.m. 

Age: 16 or older. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Location: Canyon View Staging Area, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. We will meet on the paved sidewalk easement leading toward Wood Canyon Trail. 

Parking: Free neighborhood parking. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22144 region of Canyon Vistas). Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged. 

Difficulty Rating: 4/5  

Materials: Participants must bring plenty of water, closed-toed hiking shoes, and sun protection. Hiking poles are recommended.  

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. 

Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions. 

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