Category: Hiking & Fitness

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.

Not Too Late for New Year’s Resolutions

1/22/2016

Limestone Canyon photo courtesy of Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer Alex Gurrola.

Whether it’s staying fit, giving back to community or spending time with the family, give your New Year’s resolution a second wind at the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Already slipping on your New Year’s resolutions? You may find the solution out on the trails.

A study by Franklin Covey showed that 35 percent of people will have already broken those commendable promises by the end of January. If you’re at risk for joining that group, let the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks give your New Year’s resolution a second wind. Year after year, the most popular resolutions include getting healthy, trying something new, giving back to the community, and spending more time with the family; whichever of these resonate with you most, there’s an activity outdoors that can help you still make 2016 your best year yet.

New Loop Trail is Both Simple and Breathtaking

1/1/2016

The Mesa Loop Trail opens for docent-led activities and spectacular plateau views.

There’s an area in OC Parks’ Black Star Canyon that locals call “the Mesa,” and it certainly lives up to its name. Standing at the top of the Library Trail along the Mesa Loop, you can take in a 360° view that includes Black Star Canyon, Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, and Cleveland National Forest. Beginning in January, visitors can check out this view for themselves during a variety of docent-led activities provided by OC Parks and led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy.

Events kick off Tuesday, Jan. 19, with Quick Cardio on the Mesa, where visitors can explore the sights and smells of coastal sagebrush and the vista of the canyons while getting a workout in. Additional programs tailored to different interests ensure there are a variety of ways to connect to the land, including Twilight Trek on the Mesa on Friday, Jan. 22, for night owls; family-focused activities such as Morning on the Mesa Loop Family Hike on Saturday, Feb. 13; and even Art on the Landmarks for those seeking inspiration from nature. There is a new program to enjoy on the Mesa Loop nearly every week throughout the winter, and you can register for them at www.LetsGoOutside.org/activities.

End the Year with Yoga

12/11/2015

Gather for 2015's last yoga class in Bommer Canyon. The program picks up again in the New Year.

End the year with a relaxing combination of hiking and yoga at Morning Yoga in Bommer Canyon on Wednesday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. This is the last chance to gather in the City of Irvine’s picturesque Bommer Canyon for this Irvine Ranch Conservancy-led program before it breaks for the holiday season and resumes in the New Year.

Rich in both Irvine Ranch lore and nature’s wonders, Bommer Canyon beckons walkers, hikers and yoga enthusiasts to enjoy the beautiful ancient oaks, sycamore groves and rough rock outcrops. Morning yoga participants will begin with a hike around a 1-mile loop, strolling through the local meadow and finding unity within nature. The hike will end at the yoga mats for a 45- to 60-minute guided yoga class, as the canyon slowly begins to warm for the day.

Giving Thanks for the Land

11/20/2015

Serve, study and sweat your way through Thanksgiving week in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

There is much for those of us in Orange County to be thankful for, not the least of which are the stunning views of both mountains and sea within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. This Thanksgiving, take the time to experience and appreciate some of these stunning lands in person. From fitness hikes and outdoor yoga, to mountain biking and habitat restoration opportunities, organizations such as OC Parks and City of Irvine are offering a variety of public programs this Thanksgiving holiday week suitable for all ages, interests and skill levels.

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Share the Landmarks with Someone Special

Not Too Late for New Year’s Resolutions

New Loop Trail is Both Simple and Breathtaking

End the Year with Yoga

Giving Thanks for the Land

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