OC Parks December 2012 Calendar of Events

Here are some highlights from the OC Parks December Calendar of events, if you are looking for hiking ideas or other outdoor events in the month of December.

OC Parks DECEMBER 2012 calendar of events

December 1 – Saturday Wilderness Hike

8:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers on this moderate but strenuous 5-mile wilderness hike through the Coastal Sage plant community (one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States). The terrain will be rocky and uneven with a 400-ft. elevation gain. For your safety and comfort please bring water, a hat, snack and proper hiking shoes.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road)

December 1 – Geology Hike

8:30 a.m – 12 p.m.

Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about the geology of this area. The rocks and fossils reveal fascinating stories about the park’s ancient environments. We’ll examine a cave, several faults, sandstones from Topanga and Vaqueros formations. You’ll discover laminations in the sandstone, fossil scallops, modern and prehistoric landslides, and huge lava-filled fissures (or dikes) radiating across the landscape. This will be a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-ft. elevation gain).

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). For questions, call: (949) 497-8324.

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 – Nature Walk

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Join our Naturalist on a nature walk and learn about Trabuco Canyon animals and nature. Light to moderate walk on mostly paved roads. Meet at the Nature Center just inside the main entrance of the park.

Location: O’Neill Regional Park, 30982 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2260 or (949) 923-2256

Special Instructions: All ages welcome! Event is conditional on the weather.

December 1 – Caspers Park Foundation Meeting

9:30 – 11 a.m.

Interested in volunteering at Caspers Wilderness Park? Join our monthly volunteer meeting held in the Caspers Wilderness Park Nature Center. This is a great opportunity to learn just what volunteers do, as well as meet others who love nature, the outdoors, and preserving the park for all. Meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Holiday Potluck at 10 a.m.

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

Cost: Free Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2207 or (949) 923-2210

Special Instructions: Ages 16 years and up. Please bring a favorite dish for the potluck.  

December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 – 5 Senses of Nature

9:30 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Join Josh, one of our trained staff, on a walk to the Redwoods on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Josh will help you use your 5 senses to engage with nature as you stroll to the Redwoods and hear the story of these majestic trees and how they came to Carbon Canyon Park. The walks will be every Saturday and Sunday mornings and in the afternoons. You will also get a chance to visit the Nature Center.

Location: Carbon Canyon Regional Park. 4442 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-3160 or (714) 973-3161

Special Instructions: All ages. Carbon Canyon is located off the 57 freeway, exit Lambert rd and drive toward the hills, once you cross Valencia St.; Lambert turns into Carbon Canyon rd. We are located at Santa Fe and Carbon Canyon rd. The walk begins at the nature center.

 

December 1 – Mile Square Nature Walk

10 – 11 a.m.

Come "Walk in our Wild Side" as you join a Park Naturalist on an easy 1-mile walk in our 15-acre Natural Area. See birds, hawks, insects, butterflies, and native plants. Recommended: Hat, binoculars, drinking water, and comfortable shoes.

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

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Meet at the entrance of the Natural Area just located next to parking Lot F.

December 1 – Historic Yorba Cemetery Tour

11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Between 1858 and 1939, many of the northern Orange County's rancho families were buried at the Yorba Cemetery, Orange County's oldest private cemetery. Join us on the first Saturday of December to hear stories of the Yorba’s and other families of the Santa Ana Canyon, and about the cemetery's transformation from horse corral to historic landmark.

Location: Yorba Cemetery. Woodgate Park, Yorba Linda, CA 92886

Cost: Free

Contact: (714) 973-3190 or (714) 973-3191

Special Instructions: From Imperial Highway, turn east onto Orangethorpe/Esperanza. Turn left onto Fairlynn, right onto Woodgate, and left onto Parkwood. Parking is available on the right side past the tennis courts.

December 1 – Peralta Adobe Tour

11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Visit the Peralta Adobe, Santa Ana Canyon's oldest surviving adobe structure, on the 1st Saturday of each month. Built in 1871 by Ramon Peralta, the adobe has served over the years as both residence and roadside cafe. Join our docents as they discuss the history of the Santa Ana Canyon from its exploration by the Portola Expedition in 1769, the Spanish & Mexican rancho eras, our agricultural past, and to the extension of the modern 91 Freeway.

Location: Peralta Adobe. 6398 E. Santa Ana Canyon, Anaheim, CA 92807

Cost: Free

Contact: (714) 973-3190 or (714) 973-3191

Special Instructions: The Peralta Adobe is surrounded by the Tarbell office at Fairmont & Santa Ana Canyon.

December 1 – Victorian Christmas

11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Festive holiday entertainment, children's crafts, historical exhibits, handicraft vendors, tours through decorated historic buildings staffed by our docents, and visits with Santa Claus.

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Cost: $4 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12 years old)

Contact: (949) 923-2230  

December 1 – First Saturday Tours at Key Ranch

12:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Join us at George Key Ranch Historical Park on the First Saturday each month for a tour of the park. Tour the 1898 Key Ranch Home, walk through our historic orange grove, picnic under a heritage oak, or relax in the verse garden. Individuals or small groups are welcome to join us at 2 pm for a free tour of the ranch home. Groups of 10 or more, please contact park ranger in advance to schedule your tour.

Location: George Key Ranch Historical Park. 625 W. Bastanchury Rd., Placentia, CA 2870.

Cost: Free

Contact: (714) 973-3190 or (714) 973-3191

Special Instructions: Small parking lot accessible through Bastanchury gate. Additional street parking available on Gilman Circle. Pedestrians may enter park through Bastanchury Rd. or Gilman Circle gates.

December 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14-23 – Irvine Park Railroad’s 17^th Annual Christmas Train

Times vary.

It’s the season, once again for Irvine Park Railroad’s annual Christmas Train. Come with family and friends and take this enchanting night ride through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train will depart from the brightly-lit train station and drop you off at Santa’s Village. While waiting to meet Santa, you may purchase coffee, hot chocolate, freshly-popped popcorn and cookies from our Elf House Snack Bar to warm you up. A full kitchen menu is also available at the Train Station. Visitors may take their own pictures with Santa or you may purchase a picture taken by Irvine Park Railroad. Each 5” x 7” photo will be presented with an Irvine Park Railroad border and available for pickup shortly after being taken. After visiting with Santa, hop back aboard the train and enjoy the colorful Christmas lights and decorations, as well as the magical “Tunnel of Lights”, on the ride back to the station house. When visiting the Christmas Train, remember to dress warmly, bring your camera and film, and arrive early to avoid crowds. 

Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: $10 per person (children younger than 24 months ride for free) Parking: $3 per vehicle weekdays, $5 per vehicle weekends, free after 5 p.m.  

Contact: (714) 973–6836 or (714) 973-6835

Special Instructions: All ages welcome! Tickets may be purchased online. Visit www.irvineparkrailroad.com or call (714) 997-3968 for more information.

December 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 –Campfire Program

7 – 8 p.m.

Join us for a campfire program that may include a slide presentation, wilderness safety, games and activities for children, animal adaptations, skins and skulls, a live animal demonstration and a chance to visit the Nature Center. Topics may vary weekly. 

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

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2207 or (949) 923 - 2210

Special Instructions:  All ages welcome! For more information call 949-923-2210.

December 2 – How Native Americans Used the Local Wilderness 

8 – 11 a.m.

To the Native Americans who lived in Orange County, the wilderness constituted a one-stop grocery, pharmacy and hardware store. Early European pioneers found their own uses for local and introduced plants, and now science is finding out more about potential valuable medicines in our wild back yard. Learn about these edible and useful plants during a moderate 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (650-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 – Nature Hike

9 – 10 a.m.

Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Topics may vary and meet at Old Corral Day Use area. If rain hike cancels and for more information, call (949) 923-2210.

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

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2207 or (949) 923 - 2210

Special Instructions:  All ages. Comfortable clothing, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended. For additional information, call (949) 923-2210.

December 2 – 3^rd Annual Puppet Show and Holiday Crafts 

12 – 3 p.m.

Join OC Parks and The Puppets and Players Little Theatre for a puppet performance of "Puff, the Magic Dragon." The free performance will take place at Shelter #4 near the front of the park. Lawn seating will be available, bring blankets and chairs to sit on. Come early for free holiday crafts and puppet demonstrations beginning at 12 p.m. The show will begin at 2 p.m. The puppets will also be available for photos, so be sure to bring a camera!

Location: Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Rd., Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 

Cost: Free Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2240

Special Instructions: All ages.

December 6 – 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 (650-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 6, 12 – Creatures In The Cold – Toddler Program 

10 – 11 a.m.

Come learn all about animals that live in the cold! Class includes hands-on learning, fun crafts, and meeting animals up close. Please see special instructions.

Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-6847

Special Instructions: PHONE REGISTRATION REQUIRED. Call Marcy Crede-Booth, Education Coordinator at (714) 973-6846. For ages 3 to 4 years old. Additional parents/siblings/family/friends must pay admission fee to enter zoo. Please note spaces fill quickly for toddler classes.

December 7 – Explore the Plants on the Trail to Barbara’s Lake

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Join us on a wonderful morning walk to Orange County’s only natural lake while learning about our native California plant life. This 2-mile leisurely hike will be led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 8 –2^nd Saturday of the Month Trail Work Day 

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Come join the Rangers and other enthusiastic volunteers as we perform work on our trails. You will work with our trail leaders to remove non-native plants, plant new native plants and/or repair a trail within our park. Please bring water, work gloves, sunscreen and sturdy hiking shoes (please no sandals or tennis shoes).

Location: Irvine Regional Park. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: Free Parking: Free 

Contact: (714) 973–6836 or (714) 973-6837

Special Instructions: Ages 10 and up. Please meet at parking lot #7. Let the parking attendant know that you are at the park as a volunteer for trail day.

December 8 – California Native Plants & Wildflower Hike

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate but very fast-paced, steep and rocky, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain).

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required

December 8 – Christmas at the OC Zoo! 

10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Come visit with Santa, join Mrs. Claus at story time, make festive crafts, and get your face painted! Come see the zoo animals receive treats inside their Christmas trees!

Location: Orange County Zoo. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869

Cost: $5 per child (one parent included) Parking: $5 per vehicle

Contact: (714) 973-6847

December 8, 9 – Candlelight Walk

5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Two enchanting evenings with luminary lit paths, park aglow with holiday lighting, strolls through restored historic buildings adorned in holiday decor and staffed by our docents, carolers, live entertainment in each building, storytellers, visits with Santa, and refreshments available for a nominal fee.

Location: Heritage Hill Historical Park. 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630

Cost: $4 for adults, $3 for children (ages 3-12 years old)

Contact: (949) 923-2230

December 9 – Sunset Hike

3:30 p.m.

Experience Riley Wilderness Park at sunset by joining a Ranger for a leisurely 1-hour hike through Oak Woodland, Coastal Sage Scrub and Grassland communities. Enjoy the wide variety of plants and animals that make their home here. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the evening hike as well as hiking shoes. Please No Baby joggers or strollers.

Location: Thomas F. Riley Wilderness Park. 30952 Oso Parkway, Coto de Caza, CA 92679

Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923–2265 or (949) 923-2264

December 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. For ages 12 and up.

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 12, 19 – Beginning Fitness Hike

9 – 10:30 a.m.

Fall is a great time to start a new fitness routine beginning with an easy 2-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain to Barbara’s Lake & back (100-ft. elevation gain). Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer and registered dietitian to learn about fitness and nutrition during this 1.5-hour hike. Wear walking or hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring water.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and up. James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/Sr-133 just north of 73 Toll Road). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 13 – Fitness Hike at Canyon View

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 (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. For ages 15 and up.  Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park).

December 14 – Discovery Hike

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Explore beautiful Wood Canyon and discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 5-mile hike (200-ft. elevation gain).

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 14 – Moonlight Stroll

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Come see Santiago Oaks in a completely different setting, in the dark! Park Rangers will lead a starlit hike showcasing the natural wonders that can only be seen at night. The Moonlight Stroll will feature a visit to the Nature Center, a live animal presentation by the OC Zoo, hot cocoa and cookies, followed by a 2-mile moderate level hike through the wilderness area. 

Location: Santiago Oaks Regional Park. 2145 N. Windes Drive, Orange, CA 92869

Event Fee: Free Parking: Free

Contact: (714) 973-6620 or (714) 973-6622

Special Instructions: All ages. This is an outdoor event. Please dress warmly, wear good walking shoes, and bring a flashlight.

December 15 – Keep It Wild Volunteer Day

8 – 11 a.m.

Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than by joining Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal and/or planting native plants. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: Free Parking: Free for volunteers

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 15 – Keep it Wild Volunteer Day

8 – 11 a.m.

Come on out and help restore the wild lands we so enjoy! There’s no better way to start a Saturday morning than to join Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff in an invigorating project of non-native plant removal. Help us make a healthier environment for the native wildlife and for ourselves.

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

Cost: Free Parking: Free for volunteers

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right on AWMA, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 15 – Family Hike

3 – 5 p.m.

Come and begin your weekend with an enjoyable, easy 3-mile hike over moderate but uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain). Families welcome. You will hike in one of the most diverse areas, through a canopy of oaks, past Barbara’s Lake, and back. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/Sr-133 just north of 73 Toll Road). For questions call: 949-497-8324.

December 16 – 3^rd Sunday Restoration Day

8 – 11 a.m.

Enjoy the outdoors while volunteering for "3rd Sunday Restoration Day" at Peters Canyon Regional Park! You can help on the third Sunday of each month with the removal of non-native plants and amending the disturbed areas with native plantings. This activity enhances the local landscape and encourages a better habitat for the parks flora and fauna.

Location: Peters Canyon Regional Park. 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869

Cost: Free Parking: Free

Contact: (714) 973-6611

Special Instructions: Ages 16 and up. Please wear durable shirts, jeans and work boots. We will be working in brush and getting dirty! Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen! Contact the park office at (714) 973-6611 for registration of individuals and groups. Meet in parking lot.

December 16 – Exploring San Juan Hot Springs and Cold Springs Canyon Hike

9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Please join Caspsers Park Naturalist Karin Klein on a 3 mile journey (400-ft. elevation gain) through history and nature as we explore the San Juan Hot Springs and Cold Springs Canyon. This hike will take you past the Hot Springs while learning its history and geologic significance, then it's up Cold Springs Canyon where you'll find a wide variety of Milkmaids, Canyon Sunflower, Miners Lettuce and Canyon Pea under this beautiful Coast Live Oak canopy

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

Cost: Free Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 923-2207 or (949) 923 - 2210

Special Instructions:  Ages 7 and up. Reservations required. Please contact Office Technician Cindi Morgan at (949) 923 2207 or cindimorgan@ocparks.com. Limited spaces. Please bring water, sunscreen, hat and sturdy shoes. Meet at Hot Springs Parking lot on Hot Springs Road, behind Fire Station. Call for directions (949) 923.2210

December 17 – Baby and Me Hike

9 – 11 a.m.

Join us on this hike for anyone carrying a baby in a sling, or backpack or for expectant mothers (Dads welcome, too!) This is a brisk, 2-mile hike with some fairly steep terrain (400-ft. elevation gain). It is important that both children and adults have water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack. Trails are not accessible for strollers.

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 20 –Fitness Hike at Dilley

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 (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/Sr-133 just north of 73 Toll Road). For questions call: 949-497-8324.

December 21 – Tot Walk

9 – 11 a.m.

Bring your wee ones (babies to 3 years), to explore our wild backyard on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. 

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle 

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Ages 0 to 3 years. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). For questions, call (949) 497-8324. 

December 21 – A Morning Stroll to Barbara’s Lake

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this leisurely paced, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call 949-497-8324.

December 22 – Cultural Resource Hike

9 – 11:30 a.m.

Learn how Native Americans of this area used various plants on this rigorous, steep and uneven 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.     

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions:  Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).

December 22 – Family Hike

4 – 6 p.m.

Enjoy nature with friends and family on a 3-mile level and moderate hike (100-ft. elevation gain) through riparian landscape and open grassland. Along the way discover evidence of bobcat, coyote and deer through scat and other signs. Led by Laguna Canyon volunteers.

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

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 7 and older. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Pkwy, first right on Awma Rd, left into parking lot).

December 23 – Holiday Meditation Hike

2 – 4:30 p.m.

Enjoy the holiday season in the wilderness. What opportunities and lessons does the Orange County wilderness offer us in December? Hike to the top of Little Sycamore Trail with Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and observe wildlife in winter. Look for “California Holly.” During the holiday rush, take time to slow down with some walking and sitting meditation in nature, a good way to “defrag” your mental computer.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: Free Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 8 and up. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 27 – Fitness Hike at Little Sycamore

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers.

Location: Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Cost: $2 donation per person Parking: $3 per vehicle

Contact: (949) 923-2235 or (949) 923-3702

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5-miles south of I-5/405). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.

December 29 – A Morning Walk in the Park

8:30 – 11 a.m.

Enjoy a morning walk in beautifully lush Wood Canyon, while exploring its wildlife with OC Parks Resource Specialist Rick Schaffer. This is a moderate but steep, uneven and rocky, 5-mile hike (200-ft. elevation gain).

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

Cost: Free Parking: Free

Contact: (949) 497-8324

Special Instructions: Reservations required, sign-up online: www.lagunacanyon.org/activities. Ages 12 and older. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). For questions, call (949) 497-8324.