Category: Hicks Haul Road

Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from the Mountains to the Sea

4/5/2018

Buck Gully

Collaborative efforts create opportunities for public programs in the City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, OC Parks and beyond

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks span across nearly 40,000 acres of open spaces that stretch from expansive canyons to oak woodlands and picturesque shorelines. One of the world’s bio-diversity hot spots, the Landmarks are home to biological treasures and unique geological features where hundreds of species of plants and wildlife thrive. Protecting and preserving the lands is a unified effort that involves the dedicated work of many who help support, preserve and restore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

A diverse network of partners contribute to the preservation of the Landmarks, helping protect and restore tens of thousands of acres of natural habitat. The Landmarks span open spaces in the City of Irvine, City of Newport Beach, OC Parks, and beyond. The collaborative efforts of landowners and managers ensure visitors have an opportunity to connect with nature in meaningful ways.

Skip the Gym and Get Fit on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/16/2018

Hikers on Limestone Ridge

Register for cardio programs of all skill levels for fresh air and exercise on the lands

Work up a sweat while enjoying fresh air and open spaces on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! Nature lovers can register for a variety of hiking and fitness programs on the lands that range from leisurely strolls to challenging distance hikes, and discover rare and native species along the way. Visitors of all skill and fitness levels are welcome to raise their heart rate while taking in the natural beauty of the land during fitness-focused activities on the Landmarks.

Experience the Natural Habitat of the City of Irvine

1/5/2018

Hikers enjoy Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine.

Explore the open spaces in the City of Irvine during programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Located in central Orange County, the City of Irvine is a thriving metropolis where thousands of people work, study, and live. However, just miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life are expansive open spaces and protected nature preserves. From Bommer Canyon to the riparian community of Agua Chinon to paved Hicks Haul Road, the City of Irvine offers the community an array of parks, preserves, and programs on Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Kick-start 2018 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

12/28/2017

Explore the great outdoors for fresh air & exercise in the New Year.

The New Year inspires people across the county and beyond to set goals to improve their quality of life. Every January people are often inspired to get healthy, spend more quality time with family and friends, and give back to the community. If there’s a resolution on your list that involves more time spent outdoors, there are many opportunities to get outside and enhance your lifestyle on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org or read below to browse an array of programs and activities to jump start New Year’s resolutions for a brighter 2018.

Rise and Shine on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

11/3/2017

Hikers enjoy an early morning stroll on Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Don't let Daylight Savings Time keep you indoors, explore the lands during morning programs for fresh air and exercise on the Landmarks

The clocks turn back on Sunday, November 5, but there's still plenty of time to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks! The Landmarks are home to many self-guided trails and activities across the open spaces, and with the end of daylight savings time comes earlier mornings that give trail enthusiasts more time to start their day in the great outdoors. Rise and shine on the Landmarks this fall and throughout the year by registering for a morning program.

“The Landmarks are home to many morning fitness, recreational, and interpretive programs that allow the community to start their day with fresh air, sweeping views, and exercise” commented Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director. “Whether visitors are looking to kick off their day with an invigorating 8-mile hike through Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve or ease into the day with a morning of Tai Chi in Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park, there’s a wide variety of programs to suit all ages and interests on the Landmarks.”

Skip the Gym and Get Fit on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

9/28/2017

Explore the great outdoors and register for fitness programs including hiking, yoga, Tai Chi and more!

As the weather begins to cool, skip the gym and head for the great outdoors on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Visitors can enjoy fresh air, exercise, and the local habitat by participating in a variety of activities offered on the open spaces. From hikes of all skill levels to yoga and Tai Chi programs, the community is invited to connect with nature during fitness programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, many of which are free and open to the public with required preregistration.

“Temperatures are cooling and it’s the perfect time to explore the local lands during a fitness program,” Dave Raetz, Irvine Ranch Conservancy Deputy Director, said. “Whether joining a long-distance cardio hike or mild fitness walk, the Landmarks offer many different activities for nature lovers as young as 8 years old to enjoy. These programs offer the unique opportunity to engage in physical activity while getting acquainted with Orange County’s spectacular open spaces that are home to many rare and native species.”

Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/23/2017

Enjoy Take a Walk in the Park Day at locations including the City of Irvine's Quail Hill trails.

Hit the trails and connect with nature on Thursday, March 30 in recognition of National Take A Walk in the Park Day.

“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

Looking for a reason to enjoy the great outdoors? National Take a Walk in the Park Day on Thursday, March 30 is the perfect catalyst to enjoy fresh air and exercise on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The Mediterranean climate that occurs on the Landmarks in Southern California is found in only five locations across the globe, but contains nearly 20 percent of the world’s known plant species. With a vibrant wildflower season in bloom, there’s never been a better time to visit the lands. Register for a program or explore designated trails for self-guided access in celebration of National Take a Walk in the Park Day.

Spring Forward and Enjoy Evening Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/16/2017

Hikers enjoy a sunset in Fremont Canyon.

Daylight savings time gives visitors to the Landmarks more opportunities to connect with nature during evening programs.

The days are getting longer, which means nature lovers can take advantage of extended daylight, cooler weather, and evening programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Finding time during the day to enjoy a guided hike to the Landmarks’ open spaces, native wildflowers, sycamore groves, and oak woodlands can be a challenge. With daylight savings time creating more opportunity for later programs, people with hectic daytime schedules can still take in fresh air and exercise on the land.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Walk on the Landmarks

2/2/2017

Twighlight and evening hikes often feature stunning sunset views.

Enjoy a peaceful walk with the special someone in your life and take in the beauty of the great outdoors.

Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and the month of February is a great time to head outside and enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with a loved one. The recent rainy weather has brought hints of wildflowers across the open spaces, and the fresh air and expansive views offer an ideal setting for a romantic walk through the lands. Whether bringing the special someone in your life to a night hike under the stars or finding an excursion for friends, there’s a program on the Landmarks fit for you and the ones you care for.

Trade TV for the Trails

4/21/2016

Embrace Screen-Free Week and explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

With all the technology people have right at their fingertips, it can be easy at times to forget what adventures await outdoors. National Screen-Free Week, May 2-8, is a program by the non-profit Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood encouraging people to put their smartphones away and embrace life beyond digital entertainment. Multiple locations within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are close to Orange County residents, so it’s the perfect place to go to grab a breath of fresh air and connect with the outdoors.

Share the Landmarks with Someone Special

2/5/2016

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to spot hearts out in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Give those who matter most to you the gift of quality time together outdoors this Valentine’s Day.

Wildflowers are starting to bloom; the sun is out a bit longer each night; and if you look up in the sky, you just might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of raptors courting – all sure signs Valentine’s Day is nearing in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Rather than book a reservation at a crowded, overpriced restaurant to celebrate, surprise your loved one this year with an outdoor adventure.

Whether it’s a romantic night hike, an adventurous outing, or an excursion for the whole family, show the people who matter most to you one of the most special sights in Orange County by exploring the Landmarks together this Valentine’s Day. Read more below to see which activity is right for you.

Zumba in the Morning, Zumba in the Evening, Zumba in Summertime

6/26/2015

Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning sessions offer cool summer times to get your Zumba on.

In the summer, sticking with a fitness routine usually means being stuck indoors. This summer you can still enjoy a workout in the fresh air with early morning and evening Zumba in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. These free and convenient classes allow you to discover and enjoy an exciting dance-oriented workout with the backdrop of blue skies and scenic hillsides.

Zumba is a dance fitness program, originating in Colombia, which incorporates hip-hop, salsa, meringue and mambo dancing styles into a Latin-flavored fitness routine enhanced with squats, lunges and resistance training. Zumba dance moves are easy to follow, and people can put as much effort into the moves as they like, tailoring the workout to a variety of fitness levels. If you’re a dancer, a workout enthusiast, or just someone looking for a fun aerobic workout routine in the great outdoors, consider registering for an upcoming Zumba class.

Catch a Spring Sunset This Week

5/9/2014

Free programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks take advantage of cool evenings.

Longer days and milder weather are an invitation to get outside in the evening, perhaps to take in a spring sunset. From easy family walks to challenging fitness hikes,www.LetsGoOutside.org is your source for a variety of convenient evening programs in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Free evening programs this week include fitness hikes in OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve on the paved Hicks Haul Road. These hikes are offered on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with the Thursday hike at a slower pace, perfect for beginners. A Friday evening hike will also be available this Friday in the same area along Hicks Haul Road. Sunset yoga and a full moon hike are both on Wednesday at Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine.

Zumba on Sundays, Yoga on Wednesdays, and Lots in Between

9/27/2013

A variety of fitness classes available daily in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

October is on the horizon, bringing a chill to the air and new opportunities to get fit outdoors in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. There are opportunities to explore Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark every day of the week, and now Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers free weekly Zumba and Yoga classes.

Here is a sampling of activities for every day of the week; all are free and require online pre-registration (unless otherwise noted). For more activities, or to register, visit www.LetsGoOutside.org.

Boogie Under Blue Skies: Free Outdoor Zumba Classes

5/10/2013

Zumba has taken over gyms worldwide, now it’s moving outdoors.

If you’ve tried Zumba, you know that it gets you moving. This dance workout is a fun way to exercise, but is usually held indoors. Now you can work up a sweat while enjoying blue skies and scenic hills. Irvine Ranch Conservancy is hosting regular outdoor Zumba classes, with Orange County’s only National Natural Landmark as the backdrop.

Zumba is a energetic mix of dance styles, combined to form a workout suited to many fitness levels. The workout combines aerobic elements with dance moves from hip-hop, samba, mambo, salsa and other styles. Since its launch in Columbia in the 1990s, the workout sensation has swept the world. The dance moves are easy to follow, and people can put as much effort into the moves as they like, tailoring the workout.

Combining Fitness and Wilderness on Hicks Haul Road

8/24/2012

Closed former ranch road is a popular spot for getting fit while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.

Before you take another trip to the gym or the same old walking route around your neighborhood, consider a change of scene for your fitness routine. At the north end of Jeffrey Road in Irvine, you can add hawks, deer and fragrant native plants to your exercise regimen, all without leaving a paved, safe surface.

Just past Portola Parkway, Jeffrey Road ends and Hicks Haul Road begins. The former ranch road once helped ranchers carry livestock and supplies up into the canyons, and now the closed road is a secret fitness spot for people who want a rewarding outdoor workout. The hike offers spectacular views of Irvine, but doesn’t require any special gear other than normal running shoes.

Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks from the Mountains to the Sea

Skip the Gym and Get Fit on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Experience the Natural Habitat of the City of Irvine

Kick-start 2018 on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Rise and Shine on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Skip the Gym and Get Fit on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Celebrate National Take a Walk in the Park Day on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Spring Forward and Enjoy Evening Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Romantic Walk on the Landmarks

Trade TV for the Trails

Share the Landmarks with Someone Special

Zumba in the Morning, Zumba in the Evening, Zumba in Summertime

Catch a Spring Sunset This Week

Zumba on Sundays, Yoga on Wednesdays, and Lots in Between

Boogie Under Blue Skies: Free Outdoor Zumba Classes

Combining Fitness and Wilderness on Hicks Haul Road

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