Category: Hiking & Fitness

Enjoy Spring Break with Family on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/9/2018

After Work Fitness Hike on the paved Hicks Haul Road

Explore the Landmarks during springtime stewardship and fitness programs

Springtime in Orange County often brings warm weather with clear skies, fresh blooms, and new wildlife throughout the protected wildlands and open spaces. Families looking to spend time together and explore their natural surroundings over spring break can join stewardship and fitness activities on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. No matter what week spring break falls, there are diverse opportunities on the Landmarks to get outside, stay active, and connect with the local lands!

Groundhog Day on the Landmarks: Activities Visitors can Enjoy Time and Time Again

1/26/2018

The Landmarks may not have groundhogs, but we're always excited to see a weasel pop up for fresh air and sunshine!

Celebrated by North America and Germany, February 2 is Groundhog Day. While we don’t have groundhogs in Orange County, we still wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil casts a shadow to predict if we’ll experience 6 more weeks of winter. Some people commemorate the day with a yearly viewing of the movie Groundhog Day, where the main character experiences the same day over and over again. There are several great programs offered on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks that reoccur, giving visitors the opportunity to easily incorporate them in their weekly and monthly schedules.

Even if the groundhog predicts 6 more weeks of winter, Orange County experiences favorable weather all year long! Irvine Ranch Conservancy encourages visitors to get outside and experience some of the reoccurring programs offered on LetsGoOutside.org

Explore the Irvine Open Space Preserve this Winter

1/18/2018

Planting stewardship at Bommer Pass

Explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and learn more about the Bommer Canyon restoration project set to break ground this winter

Designated a Natural Landmark by the State of California and the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks consist of over 40,000 acres of open space stretching from the mountainous terrain in inland Orange County to the coastal community of the sea.

The City of Irvine is home to many open spaces, and welcomes nature lovers to enjoy Orchard Hills, Quail Hill, and Bommer Canyon. These expansive preserves provide the community with countless opportunities for wilderness exploration and educational outdoor adventure through public programs, with Bommer Canyon set for new planting and restoration in 2018.

Enjoy Nature at Your Own Pace with Self-Guided Access Trails

1/12/2018

Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and start the New Year Outdoors

January represents a fresh start as a new year arrives, and can be a time to re-set and focus on goals to achieve in the New Year. While half the country is greeted with cold temperatures and snow in the winter months, Southern California residents have an opportunity to get outside in the sunshine and start the New Year off on the right foot. Grab a pair of hiking boots and enjoy favorable temperatures and fresh air on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Hikers and bikers can take advantage of the warm weather and hit the trails daily for self-guided access on several of Orange County’s vast open spaces and preserves.

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.”

Programs are Open on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

10/20/2017

Join activities in OC Parks' Black Star Canyon.

Explore the Landmarks during activities on the open spaces and learn how the community can help prevent wildfires by joining the Orange County Fire Watch.

As fall sets in across southern California, dry weather, high temperatures, and Santa Ana winds increase the risk of wildfires on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. The recent Canyon Fire 2 spread across 9,000 acres of parks and open spaces in Orange County, but with the work of the Orange County Fire Authority and firefighters from across the state the fires have been 100% contained. Irvine Ranch Conservancy invites the community to continue to enjoy the open spaces by registering for fitness or interpretive programs, or help care for the lands by joining a stewardship activity or through the Orange County Fire Watch.

On October 9th 2017 a wildfire started near the intersection of the 91 freeway and 241 toll road and continued to spread through Anaheim Hills and East Orange reaching, reaching various parts of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks and OC Parks. The coastal sage scrub and chaparral in the area, which dried out after the long summer months, left the plants and brush with very little moisture and contributed to the rapid movement of the fire. Though the fire has been contained, some parks and open spaces remain closed to the public.

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.”

Learn the Dos & Don’ts of Hiking on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

8/17/2017

Hikers enjoy the views in Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve.

Tips and tricks to stay safe on the trails

Beautiful sites, enticing sounds, and a great work out are just a few reasons to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Lacing up your hiking boots and getting out onto the trails can help relieve stress, boost morale, and improve overall health. To ensure the best experience on the Landmarks, it’s important to know how to choose the hike that’s right for you and learn the dos and don’ts of hiking to stay safe in the outdoors.

Before signing up for an activity and getting out on the Landmarks, it’s important to read and understand the activity description and difficulty rating. Distance, pace, elevation gain, and trail surface are key factors considered when determining the difficulty rating. Each activity includes a difficulty rating between 1-5 to ensure participants are mentally and physically prepared for the hike.

Enjoy Cooler Temperatures During Evening Programs on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

8/11/2017

Discover the Landmarks’ many rare and native species in the soft light of dusk by registering for a free program on the open spaces.

Fresh air is vital to a healthy, happy lifestyle, and nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors during cool evening temperatures on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Whether looking to avoid the heat or take a break from spending too much time indoors, hikers of all ages can enjoy fresh air on the lands at dusk. Make the most of long summer days and learn about the local lands through an interpretive program, fitness program, or give back to the land through a stewardship program. Enjoy a calendar full of evening activities offered at various difficulty levels and distances on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks!

Beat the Heat on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

7/27/2017

Stay safe under the summer sun during Wilderness Access Day at Limestone Canyon on August 5 and all season long.

Nature lovers can enjoy the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks during Wilderness Access Day programs throughout the year, and explore the lands by foot, bike, or saddle! Wilderness Access Days are free with required preregistration and give visitors the opportunity to travel through designated trails during self-guided access.

The upcoming Wilderness Access Day at Limestone Canyon kicks off at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 5 and welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy mild walks or strenuous cardio hikes at your own pace. With summer in full swing it’s important to keep heat safety in mind, and we’ve rounded up tips on spotting heat exhaustion and staying safe under the summer sun. Check out the tips below and register for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks today!

Spend Summer on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

6/30/2017

Connect with the great outdoors during summer months and enjoy stewardship, interpretive, and fitness programs on the lands.

Summertime is the perfect season to venture outdoors, explore the local lands, and connect with nature by registering for a program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. Discover new activities or revisit your favorite programs, and spend summer enjoying an array of activities including restoration efforts, interpretive programs, and fitness activities on the open spaces.

Power Down and Head Outdoors During National Screen-Free Week

4/27/2017

Volunteers get ready to harvest seeds at the Native Seed Farm.

Visit the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks in celebration of National Screen-Free Week to connect with nature and enjoy fresh air and exercise.

National Screen-Free Week kicks off on May 1, and the seven-day celebration encourages people to put down their devices and take time to enjoy the great outdoors. The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to a variety of programs, welcoming the community to explore the unique geology and diverse range of flora and fauna found on the lands. Register for a free activity on the Landmarks to enjoy fresh air and sweeping views, from the mountains to the sea.

The Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are found near densely populated areas, making them an oasis of nature amidst an urban landscape. Hundreds of species of plants and animals live on the open spaces, including eagles, badgers, mountain lions, rare species of birds and trees, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians.Screen-Free Week is the perfect opportunity to discover the wilderness in your own backyard, and explore permanently protected and rare natural habitats.

Discover the Trees of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

4/20/2017

A coast live oak in Limestone Canyon.

Celebrate Arbor Day by registering for a free program on the open spaces, and explore the trees of the Landmarks during the month of April and beyond.

National Arbor Day is April 28, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by registering for a free program on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. With over 40,000 acres of protected open spaces, the Landmarks are home to many majestic species that are a vital part of Southern California’s Mediterranean climate. Some species provide shade while others rely on the warm climate to survive, and they’re all an important part of the local habitat. From the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully to OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon, there are a variety of trees to admire on the lands in honor of Arbor Day.

Coast live oaks (Quercus agrifolia) are among the most recognizable trees on the Landmarks, thanks to their distinctive, contorted branches that can stretch low and spread out in all directions. Mature coast live oaks can reach a height of up to 80 feet and can live for roughly 250 years if left to grow. Hikers can admire coast live oaks during the Thursday Morning Trek: Agua Chinon and The Sinks on Thursday, April 27, which begins in the City of Irvine and stretches into OC Parks’ Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve. Paved Hicks Haul Road in Limestone Canyon also offers coast live oak sightings during weekly programs.

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.

Find Peace and Balance on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks

3/2/2017

Participants enjoy yoga at Orchard Hills.

Register for a free yoga or Tai Chi program on the Landmarks to connect with nature while enjoying fresh air and exercise.

Spending time in the great outdoors is an ideal way to slow down and re-center a busy lifestyle, and the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks are home to free programs that can help people find peace and balance while enjoying fresh air and exercise. Many programs found on the Landmarks are great for long-distance hiking or cardio-centric exercise, but there are also programs that focus on slower-paced fitness and mental clarity. A variety of programs offer yoga and Tai Chi, and welcome nature lovers to stretch amidst sycamore groves, coast live oaks and wildflowers while staying in tune with their physical and mental well-being.

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.

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.

Learn Something New in Nature This Weekend

10/9/2015

Photo courtesy of lupgv on Instagram.

Activities held Saturday and Sunday will teach skills you can use forever.

If you’ve visited the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, you know that there is always something new to discover. Learn a new way to look at the land this weekend, through hikes, walks, rides and workouts that will introduce you to skills such as wildlife tracking, cactus planting, mountain biking and even Zumba.

Two very exciting Saturday activities will help visitors learn about the easiest way to “see” wildlife on the trails: animal tracking. By learning which prints are which and “whose scat is that,” you can tell what type of critter was on the trail before you. In Round Canyon, the City of Irvine presents Beginner Animal Tracking, which covers the basics of spotting and identifying animal tracks over a short, 1.5-mile walk. OC Parks is presenting Watching Wildlife in Fremont Canyon, a program that also covers tracking, and will include information about raptors flying overhead near Irvine Lake. This program includes a 4 mile hike with some hills and spectacular views. Both programs are for visitors age 12 and up, and are led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy naturalists.

Two Ways to Explore Agua Chinon

9/25/2015

In Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, there is a scenic 1,200-acre canyon called Agua Chinon. This unique area starts in an oak riparian habitat and travels up through coastal sage scrub to The Sinks, providing visitors with a great hike or ride as well as a peek into active habitat restoration. The diverse opportunities for recreation and volunteering along this one stretch of canyon makes Agua Chinon a popular destination for visitors of varied interests.

OC Parks hosts regular hikes and rides along the Agua Chinon trail, led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy staff and docents. You can also join Conservancy staff to participate in habitat restoration work on this beautiful bit of OC Parks open space. Many hikers walking by the restoration areas on their way to The Sinks are able to see the restoration as it progresses, and this personal connection leads them to become more actively involved in the project.

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