Joshua Tree National Park Has Upgrades Planned To Ease Congestion

Annual attendance at the park has nearly doubled in the past five years to almost 3 million visitors in 2018, making it the eleventh most-visited park in the country last year. Joshua Tree National Park had 2.9 million people passing through the gates in 2018, about a 3.11 percent gain over 2017. The Park Service has experienced a similar surge at sites across the country. It has welcomed more than 300 million visitors to its parks every year between 2015 and 2018, according to the most recent data available. Meanwhile, the park's aging infrastructure, built for 1 million visitors, is sagging beneath nearly $66 million worth of "deferred maintenance" projects or, backlogged maintenance work as of September 2018, according to the National Park Service.

But the increase in attendance has also led to hour-long waits at the park’s west entrance and choked parking lots inside the park, according to news reports by The Desert Sun.  The Desert Sun reported this week that during peak periods, Park Service staff, from the superintendent on down, along with community partners, direct traffic, waving pass-holders through the entrance gate and managing parking at popular attractions.

To Ease the congestion in parts of Joshua Tree National Park, The Park Service has plans to demolish a fee booth and construct a new one with additional entry and exit lanes and automated fee pay stations. That project is expected to be completed by 2022.

There are also plans for new visitors’ centers to accommodate larger crowds.  A 5,000-square-foot visitor center in Twentynine Palms, California, which will replace an existing 600-square-foot space  will include educational exhibits and an outdoor stage for community events.

On the other side of the park, the Park Service will replace a trailer that serves as a center for visitor information with a new building with space for sales and exhibits. Officials also have plans to redesign a park campground following an increase in tent camping there.

If you are thinking about hiking in Joshua Tree National Park in the near future, or already have a trip planned, we have two hikes that we would gladly recommend, hiking to Mastodon Peak and hiking to Lost Palms Oasis.

Hiking Trails In The Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve

The Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve contains a series of hiking trails in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains just above Monrovia proper.  There are approximately 4.5 miles of hiking trails in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve.  It is hilly terrain, so any hike here, will have its ups and downs.... literally.  The hike we did was a short out and back hike from the Ridgeside Drive Trailhead to the lookout point.  This was a fun easy to moderate hike in the lower foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.  There were great views along the way and plenty of evidence of wildlife who inhabit this area.  The only downside is the Ridgeside Drive Trailhead is difficult to find from the road and signage for the hiking trails in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve is limited.

Directions to Ridgeside Drive Trailhead: To get to the trailhead to hike to viewpoint in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve, from the 210 freeway, exit Myrtle Avenue in Monrovia and head towards the San Gabriel Mountains. Travel through old town Monrovia and then make a right onto Foothill Boulevard. In 4 short blocks, turn left onto Canyon Boulevard. Once you're heading north on Canyon Boulevard, in 0.7 miles, make a left onto Ridgeside Drive.  Park at the location of Ridgeside Drive and the Lower Clamshell Road/Trail.  Unfortunately, there is no signage for the hiking trail on Ridgeside Drive, so it is possible to drive past the location like we did at first.  The trail signage is up the road past the easement for the private residences.  There is no cost for parking.  The preserve is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Below is a picture of what the entry gate to the trailhead looks like.

Description of Hike: This is an out and back hike to the lookout in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve.  It is a 2.5 mile round-trip out and back hike with approximately 600 feet of elevation gain.  The hiking trail is along a dirt fire road for most of the way.  Once you enter the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve the views only continue to get better the higher up the hiking trail you go!  There is limited shade on this hike, so if you go during hot sunny weather make sure to be prepared with enough water and sunscreen.  The hike is a gradual uphill the entire way to the viewpoint.  Once you get close to the top there is a sign indicating the side trail that breaks off to get to the viewpoint.  At the top you have views all the way to downtown Los Angeles, a majority of the San Gabriel Mountains and can see as far as the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County.  Dogs are allowed on the hiking trails in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve, so long as they are on a leash.  If you take your dog, please not that black bears are regularly seen in this area of Monrovia.  There is no running water along the hiking trail.

Further Thoughts: Ashley and I enjoyed our hike to the top of view point in the Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve.  We only saw one additional group of hikers while out on this hiking trail. We saw a couple of small snakes while on our hike and saw about 5 deer while on the hike.  We also saw evidence of bear tracks in one location along the hiking trail.  This was a fun quick hike that we were able to do near our home in Monrovia and we look forward to returning here soon!

The Monrovia Hillside Wilderness Preserve was created in 2000, when the citizens of Monrovia voted to establish the wilderness park in the foothills north of city. More than a decade and a half later, following various legal maneuverings and negotiations with neighboring homeowners, the final of four access points opened up, making the entire 1,416-acre park available for public use.  There are four access points to the Hillside Wilderness Preserve that are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday - Sunday: Sleepy Hollow - Located off Norumbega Drive (West of Starlit Lane), Ridgeside - Located off Ridgeside Drive, 1/4 mile north of Briarcliff Drive, Cloverleaf - Located at the end of Cloverleaf Drive and Highland - Located at the end of Highland Place.

Rating: Elevation Gain: 600 (Moderate), Distance: 2.5 miles Roundtrip depending on trail (Easy).

Time to Complete Hike: 1.5 hours.

Halloween Zoo-tacular Returns to the OC Zoo October 26

The County of Orange and OC Parks are thrilled to declare the arrival of the annual Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo located inside Irvine Regional Park on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dare to celebrate the fall season with spooky festivities alongside the animals of the OC Zoo!

Children of all ages are invited to engage in all the chilling activities including trick-or-treating, fall-themed crafts, and a ghostly scavenger hunt. Watch as the OC animals join the festive fun and receive treat-filled pumpkins and special Halloween goodies throughout the day. The first 100 children in costume ages 12 and under will receive a free gift.

Activities for OC Zoo’s Halloween Zoo-tacular are free and included in the zoo admission price ($2 per person, ages 2 and under free) with no reservations required. Parking at Irvine Regional Park is $5 per car. Zoo coupons or free passes are not valid for this special event.

Join this annual Halloween celebration at the OC Zoo in Irvine Regional Park on Saturday, October 26.

October 26 – Halloween Zoo-tacular

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost: Free with zoo admission of $2 per person, ages 2 & under free

Parking: $5

Location: OC Zoo

Address: 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Website: http://www.ocparks.com/zoo

Contact: (714) 973-6847, oczoo@ocparks.com

OC PARKS SEPTEMBER 2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

OC PARKS SEPTEMBER 2018 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

September 1 – Free Fishing Days

If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you. California Department of Fish and Wildlife offer two Free Fishing Days each year. On these days, you can fish without a sport fishing license. Free Fishing Days provide a great, low-cost way to give fishing a try.  

Location: Mile Square Park. 16801 Euclid St., Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Website: www.ocparks.com/mile

Cost: Free     

Parking: $5 per vehicle 

Contact: (714)973-3197 

Special Instructions: For more information visit: www.ocparks.com/freefishing.

September 1 – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Black Star Canyon offers pleasant introductory trails for beginner hikers and families, and challenging experiences for seasoned trail users.  Designated trails are available for self-guided access for hiking, biking and equestrian use by connecting various loops to 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.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Baker Staging Area

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (714) 973-6607

Special Instructions: Parking is limited on Black Star Canyon Road and carpooling is strongly encouraged. Participants are required to stay on designated trails at all times. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/wad.

September 1 – Wilderness Access Day: Black Star Canyon, Equestrian

8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Discover the history found along the trails in beautiful Black Star and Baker Canyons from the back of your horse. Designated trails will be open for self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian use, where you can reach several peaks to view the local canyon terrain or meander along single tracks through the thick chaparral brush. Riders who have trail riding experience with a fit and able horse will enjoy choosing routes from easy 30-minute walks to strenuous 7 mile loops.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Baker Staging Area

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: 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 first come, first served for trailer parking and therefore pre-registration and early arrival is HIGHLY recommended. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/wadequestrian.

September 1 – Caspers Park Foundation Monthly Meeting

9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The Caspers Park Foundation hosts its monthly meeting in the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center. Please join for an interactive talk with a special guest.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: Please contact the park office for more information at (949) 923-2210.

September 1 – Volunteer Led Hike

12 – 1 p.m.

Join Caspers Park Foundation volunteers for a 1-mile guided nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. The hike will last approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area.

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: Please contact park office for hike updates and cancellations.

September 1 – Snakes of Orange County

7:15 – 8:45 p.m.

OC Parks invites you to join local herpetologist Steve Bledsoe at O’Neill Regional Park to learn all about snakes that can be found in Orange County. This family-friendly event will feature a live reptile display with local snake species. Come learn how to identify snakes, where they live and what to do when you encounter one on park trails. There will also be an informative presentation on rattlesnakes found in Orange County.

Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: Meet at the Nature Center at 7:15 p.m. For more information visit: www.ocparks.com/snakesofoc.

September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Ranger Led Hike

8 – 9:15 a.m.

Join OC Parks rangers for a 1-mile nature hike in the beautiful Bell Canyon area of Caspers Wilderness Park. The hike will last approximately one hour and is suitable for all ages.

Location: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Meet at the Old Corral Day Use Area.

Website: www.ocparks.com/caspers

Cost: Free

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Contact park office for hike updates.

September 4, 11, 18, 25 – Tuesday Morning Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

7:30 – 10 a.m.

Ready for a workout? Forget the gym for the day and head outside! Join us for an exhilarating morning fitness walk on the paved Hicks Haul Road. 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 to 3.5 miles per hour.

Location: Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, Hicks Haul Road, Jeffrey Staging Area

Website: www.ocparks.com/irvineranch

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: The road is paved and the terrain is smooth, so this is a great walk for anyone who wants a “wilderness experience” without getting dirty! We will have two fairly steep hill ascents and descents. 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. Walkers should be confident in their ability to hike 3, 6 or 8 miles at a steady pace. Ages 16 and up. Low interpretation. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/tuesdaymorninghike.

September 4 – Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon

9 – 11 a.m.

Please join Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and volunteers as we work to restore and maintain the land along the new Waterworks Trail in Fremont Canyon! This is a stewardship activity and duties may include removing invasive plants, watering and weeding around existing native plants that were planted earlier in the year or other similar duties.

Location:  Fremont Canyon Nature Preserve, Lot 15. Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Rd., Orange, CA 92869

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Participants must wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and preferably wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Participants must also bring their own water as well as wear sunscreen and hats. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/waterworks.

September 5, 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26 – After Work Fitness Hike on Paved Hicks Haul Road

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Join us every Monday and Wednesday nights 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.

Location: Limestone Canyon Wilderness Park, Hicks Haul Road, Jeffrey Staging Area

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: 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! Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/afterwork.

September 6 – Thursday Morning Trek: Limestone Canyon and Dripping Springs

7 – 10:30 a.m.

This week in the Irvine Ranch Open Space, we’ll hike in Limestone Canyon to Dripping Springs. The hike is 7-mile loop hike which includes some hills and descents. In addition to the springs, we will enjoy panoramic views of the wildlands from East Loma.

Location:  Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Augustine Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Please bring water, a trail snack, sunscreen, a hat, and any other necessary equipment to keep you safe on the trail, and wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking boots. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/thursdaytrek.

September 6 – Fitness Hike at Ridge Park

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this moderate, fast-paced, 6.5 mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700 ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners, pace is approximately a 19-minute mile. Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Please wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.

September 6 – Cardio Hike: Mesa Loop 

6 – 7:30 p.m.

Join us for a strenuous, extremely challenging, fast-paced, afternoon cardio hike starting in Limestone Canyon. Along the way we’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Orange County and possible wildlife sightings.

Location:  Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park. Canyons Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 18 and up. Please bring a minimum of 70 oz. water and trail snacks.  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 for the extreme fast-paced hike in a wilderness area.  Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/cardiohike.

September 7 – Baker Canyon Equestrian Ride in Black Star Wilderness Area 

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Take a leisurely double loop equestrian ride through beautiful Baker Canyon in the Black Star Wilderness Area, home of oak woodlands, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub. 

Location:  Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Baker Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Riders should have trail riding experience and a fit and able horse.  They must have the ability to transport their horse to the staging area. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/bakercanyonequstrianride.

September 7 – Moana: 2018 OC Parks Sunset Cinema

6 – 10 p.m.

The County of Orange and OC Parks are pleased to present the annual Sunset Cinema film series, featuring 14 free movies at OC parks across the county. The 2018 OC Parks Sunset Cinema series continues with Moana at Buff Park at Salt Creek Beach.

Website: www.ocparks.com/saltcreek

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2280

Special Instructions: Pack a picnic, blankets, and beach chairs and head to OC Parks Sunset Cinema and enjoy recent popular flicks and introduce the young ones in your life to beloved classics. All movies are free to attend, with free parking beginning at 6 p.m. and show times starting around 8 p.m. after the sun has set. Food trucks will be serving on-site. For the entire Sunset Cinema calendar visit: http://www.ocparks.com/sunsetcinema

September 8 – Native Plant Nursery

8 – 11 a.m.

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers in beautiful Laguna Coast Wilderness Park at our native plant nursery as we care for native plants from their seed stage to their mature, ready-to-be planted stage. Volunteers may collect seeds, sow seeds in flats, bump plants up, plant at restoration sites, sterilize plant containers, and/or help maintain the facilities for the plants. Gain hands-on experience with habitat restoration while working alongside other zany and interesting plant lovers!

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free

Parking: Free parking passes will be provided at nursery

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Wear closed toe shoes, layered clothing and sun protection. Bring water. Youth ages 16 and 17 are eligible to volunteer with parent permission. A form is required to be signed by their parent or guardian prior to starting the volunteer activities. Youth under the age of 16 are not eligible to volunteer unless accompanied by an adult or guardian. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Monday to Friday or (949) 923-2200 Saturday and Sunday. Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/nativeplant.

September 8, 15, 29– It’s Harvest Time! Collect Wildflower Seeds at the Native Seed Farm

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Want to stand knee deep in rows of blooming color? Want to refresh your senses while giving back to nature? Then sign up to help behind-the-scenes at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s one-of-a-kind Native Seed Farm in Irvine! You will be harvesting seeds from quirky native summer wildflowers, like Yellow Pincushion and California Wishbone Bush. Absolutely no experience or special equipment required! The seeds you will pick has a direct impact on our local wildlife. It will be used out in the wild to re-grow animal habitat within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The types you’ll help harvest were specially selected by our ecologists to provide animals with food and shelter, and also to buffer the negative impacts of floods and wildfires, which affect people too. Come help us harness the special traits of these plants to heal the wildland within the Landmarks!

Location: Native Seed Farm

Cost: Free     

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/harvesttime. Please note our Minors Policy as noted on the letsgooutside.org website: All minors (under 18 years of age) must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. They must also (both parent and minor) be registered for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy led program they wish to attend.

September 8, 15, 22, 29 – Walk with a Naturalist

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join O'Neill Regional Park naturalists and learn about the animals and nature of Trabuco Canyon. This will be a light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads.

Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678. Meet at Nature Center Patio

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: Event is conditional on weather.  

September 8 – Family Fossil Day

9:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Family Fossil day is a hands-on experience for all ages with real fossils The three-hour program will introduce you to the fossil history of Orange County. Participants age 6 and older will also be able to visit Clark Regional Park's marine fossil site.

Location: Clark Regional Park. 8800 Rosecrans Ave. Buena Park, CA 90621. Meet at interpretive center.

Website: www.ocparks.com/clark

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (714) 973-3170

Special Instructions: Event is rain or shine. Pack a picninc lunch and stay for the day at the park following the program. For more information visit: www.ocparks.com/familyfossilday.    

September 8 – Geology Hike at Dilley

1:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Step back 25 million years in Orange County's history to a time when the seas receded and the San Andreas Fault was just starting to form. With a Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist, discover the geologic processes going on today and how they affect the natural landscape. This moderate 3-mile hike is over uneven, steep and sometimes rocky terrain with a 300 ft elevation gain.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; and make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).

Website: www.ocparks.com/laguna

Cost: Free                                           

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2240

Special Instructions: For ages 15 and up. Bring water, hiking shoes (hiking poles suggested), snacks, the field guides of your choice, and a sense of adventure! Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/geologyhike.

September 9 – Second Sundays Restoration Program

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Join preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing Upper Newport Bay's habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash removal and garden maintenance.

Location: Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Website: www.ocparks.com/newport

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. No experience is necessary. Water and tools are provided. Minors ages 16 and younger must have a legal guardian present at all times. Rain cancels event. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/secondsunday.

September 9, 30– Beginning Archery Class

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join Mile Square Park Staff for a beginning archery course for first time archers. This course will include a safety instruction and provide you with an introduction to the sport of archery. All archery equipment will be provided. Park in the overflow parking lot near the archery range. 

Location: Mile Square Regional Park. 16801 Euclid St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708

Website: www.ocparks.com/mile

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (714) 973-6600

Special Instructions: Event and parking are both free. Rain will cancel event. Ages 12 and up. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required, sign up online at https://letsgooutside.org/beginningarchery.

September 9 – The Mysterious World of O’Neill Park

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Have you ever wondered, "Where are all the wild animals in the park?"  Visit a Show and Share exhibit next to the Nature Center at O'Neill Regional Park and discover mysterious clues animals leave behind. Make a wild animal track mold. Enjoy nature, crafts and games. Show and Share exhibit activities from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Scavenger Hunt 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Location: O’Neill Regional Park. 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678

Website: www.ocparks.com/oneill

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2260

Special Instructions: Meet at the Nature Center Patio. For more information visit: www.ocparks.com/mysteriousworld.

September 10 – Discover Hidden Canyons of OC: Baker Canyon Meadow

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Discover the hidden canyons and trails found on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These seldom hiked trails offer fantastic vista views, secluded oasis of oaks or rising rocky outcrops. Come take a stroll along the trails to discover the hidden gems of Orange County. We will listen to tales about how the geology was formed underfoot to tales of the plants and animals that call these protected habitats home.

Location:  Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Baker Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Ages 13 and up. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes for our hike as well as bring proper sun protection and water. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/discoverhiddencanyons.

September 10, 17, 24 – Tai Chi in the Canyon

9 – 11 a.m.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese exercise renowned for the benefits of its slow, non-stressful physical exercises as well as its meditative qualities. Baker Canyon offers a natural setting as a perfect location for deep breathing of the fresh air, energizing our internal energy (Qi) and using it to root ourselves to the land. The class will perform gentle warm up exercises directly associated with many of the moves and we will then learn and practice the Yang style.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Baker Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: The first hour will be dedicated to beginning students learning the first set and the second hour focuses on the advanced students to study the second and third sets. All participants are welcome to either participate or observe both sessions as the gate will be closed for the 2 hour duration. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/taichi.

September 11 – California Native Plants and Uses

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Learn about the many fascinating uses of California native plants during the pre-mission period on this 2-mile hike (490-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain. This hike will focus on plants used historically for tools, food and building materials.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road, make U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free    

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235

Special Instructions: Ages 12 and up. Online reservations required at www.eventbrite.com/canativeplants. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Monday to Friday or (949) 923-2200 Saturday and Sunday

September 11, 18 – Evening Hike in the Canyons

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Come join us for some after-work exercise on the Mesa Loop. The hike will cover close to 3 miles round trip at a moderate pace and will offer us beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding canyons. Also, keep your eyes open for any animals starting their nightly routines.

Location: Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, Canyons Staging Area

Cost: Free

Parking: Free

Special Instructions: Please bring water and wear sturdy shoes. A flashlight with a red tinted light is not required but might be nice to have as it will be dark out when we finish our hike. Registration is required, sign up online at www.letsgooutside.org/evninghike.

September 12 – Restoration Stewardship Day

8 – 11 a.m.

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation for a morning of habitat restoration work in the Pecten Reef area of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. Help us create a healthier habitat for the native plants and wildlife that call the park their home. Depending on the time of year, volunteers will assist with various restoration activities including removal of non-native plants, seed collection, and/or planting of native plants.

Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 17 and up (must have waiver signed by parent). Lunch and refreshments served. Trail to be determined closer to event and notification will be sent to those signed up. We will be meeting at the Aliso Viejo Community Park on the opposite end of the middle school. Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/trailstewardship.

September 12, 26 – Discovery Hike

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Explore beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its native flora and fauna with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this steep, uneven and rocky, 5-mile hike (depending on trail choice, up to a 500 ft. elevation gain). We will stop from time to time, spending moments to discover.

Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Begin at Wood Canyon Trail off Canyon Vistas in Aliso Viejo. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22100 region of Canyon Vistas).

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2200

Special Instructions: Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/discoveryhike. This hike isn't for beginners.

Please wear closed toe hiking shoes, sun protection and bring plenty of water.

September 12 – Yoga Hike

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park. 28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Begin at Wood Canyon Trail off Canyon Vistas in Aliso Viejo. From Pacific Park/Canyon Vistas intersection, go northwest on Canyon Vistas. Park legally (note street signs) on or near Canyon Vistas, preferably between Coastal Oak and Madia (22100 region of Canyon Vistas). Wood Canyon Trail starts as a paved sidewalk between a neighborhood park and tree-lined easement, then becomes dirt trail into the canyon. Hike leaders and participants will meet at the end of the paved sidewalk, entering the canyon.

Website: www.ocparks.com/aliso

Cost: Free   

Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-220

Special Instructions: For ages 12 and up. Please bring a towel and water, yoga mat optional. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Monday to Friday or (949) 923-2200 Saturday and Sunday. Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/yogahike.

September 13 – Fitness Hike at Willow

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5.5 mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (571-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Willow Canyon Staging Area (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Park and walk up the gravel trail 100 yards to get to the small native plant nursery, just before the trailers.

Website: www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast

Cost: Free

Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 15 and up. Registration is required, sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/fitnesshike. Please wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. Remember: This hike is stenuous and fast-paced. Please be sure you can maintain a 19-minute mile. Please arrive 15 minutes early