Take advantage of monthly full moon activities and experience natural surroundings in a way you might not have experienced them before.
If you want to experience one of your favorite canyons in a new way, or want to hear coyotes howling to each other while on the prowl, then grab your sturdy shoes, warm clothing and a flashlight and sign up for one of the popular upcoming full moon activities. The lunar phase known as a “full moon” occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. This is when the moon reflects the most light towards Earth—naturally illuminating beautiful landscapes on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
If you want to experience one of your favorite canyons in a new way, or want to hear coyotes howling to each other while on the prowl, then grab your sturdy shoes, warm clothing and a flashlight and sign up for one of the popular upcoming full moon activities. The lunar phase known as a “full moon” occurs when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. This is when the moon reflects the most light towards Earth—naturally illuminating beautiful landscapes on the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
During the full moon there are a variety of night-time events to help people escape the light pollution of their urban neighborhoods and experience the serenity of moonlight in a quiet, natural setting. Experience the last full moon of 2014 with trained naturalist guides as they discuss the night sky and moonlit landscapes of the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. You can even explore OC Parks’ historic Limestone Canyon by night on a mountain bike on Monday, December 8 during the Full Moon Mountain Bike Ride in Limestone Canyon-- a strenuous ride that climbs 1,600 feet in elevation for a commanding view of the lights of Orange County from Loma Ridge.
Activities are scheduled on the day of the full moon, as well as the days just before and after. On Friday, December 5 join docents in the City of Irvine for a 3-mile Full Moon Hike in Bommer Canyon which includes 700 feet of climbing with some steep inclines-- recommended for participants in good physical condition. On the following night in OC Parks’ Baker Canyon, participants will enjoy a moderate 3.5-mile Full Moon Hike in Baker Canyon that leads to hill-top views of a moonlit landscape. Also on the evening of Saturday December 6, during the Full Moon Hike in Black Star Canyon, participants will travel a 3-mile loop at an easy pace along a flat trail that crosses a dried creek bed. If you’d prefer to stumble around in the dark on a paved road, then consider signing up for the moderately paced 3-mile round trip Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road in OC Park’s Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, bringing travelers through coastal sage scrub into the canyon’s dark interior, also on Saturday, December 6. Spaces are still available for most of these popular upcoming activities. Next year’s events will be posted soon.
Participants are asked, whenever possible, to bring red-tinted flashlights that allow users to see the trail or a map without interfering with the eye’s gradual adjustment to the dark environment.
These programs, which vary in difficulty, are free and require pre-registration for all participants (children and their parent or guardian). To register and to find more information about the above activities, please visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities.
Activities are scheduled on the day of the full moon, as well as the days just before and after. On Friday, December 5 join docents in the City of Irvine for a 3-mile Full Moon Hike in Bommer Canyon which includes 700 feet of climbing with some steep inclines-- recommended for participants in good physical condition. On the following night in OC Parks’ Baker Canyon, participants will enjoy a moderate 3.5-mile Full Moon Hike in Baker Canyon that leads to hill-top views of a moonlit landscape. Also on the evening of Saturday December 6, during the Full Moon Hike in Black Star Canyon, participants will travel a 3-mile loop at an easy pace along a flat trail that crosses a dried creek bed. If you’d prefer to stumble around in the dark on a paved road, then consider signing up for the moderately paced 3-mile round trip Full Moon Hike on Hicks Haul Road in OC Park’s Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, bringing travelers through coastal sage scrub into the canyon’s dark interior, also on Saturday, December 6. Spaces are still available for most of these popular upcoming activities. Next year’s events will be posted soon.
Participants are asked, whenever possible, to bring red-tinted flashlights that allow users to see the trail or a map without interfering with the eye’s gradual adjustment to the dark environment.
These programs, which vary in difficulty, are free and require pre-registration for all participants (children and their parent or guardian). To register and to find more information about the above activities, please visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities.
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