Celebrate National Take a Hike Day (November 17) with IRC!

Spending time outdoors offers more than just a change of scenery. Hiking is a great way to stay active, reduce stress and experience the natural beauty of Orange County’s wildlands. In celebration of National Take a Hike Day on November 17, we are highlighting ways to discover the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

From scenic ridgelines and rolling hills to peaceful oak woodlands and coastal canyons, there are a variety of landscapes and outdoor experiences. Whether you are looking for a challenging trek, a leisurely walk or an opportunity to learn more about local wildlife, there is an outdoor adventure waiting for you!

Choose the Best Trail for You

With so many trails to choose from, finding the right hike starts with knowing what you are looking for. Before heading out, consider a few things to find an outdoor experience that fits your interests and abilities:

• Difficulty and Distance: IRC activities feature difficulty ratings from Level 1 to Level 5, helping you choose an experience based on factors like distance, pace, elevation gain and terrain.
• Time of Day: Consider temperatures, daylight and opportunities for wildlife viewing when planning your hike.
• Scenery: Looking for scenic ridgelines, oak woodlands, native plants or local wildlife? Choose an experience that highlights what you would most like to see.
• Guided or Self-Guided: Join a volunteer-led hike to learn more about the area’s natural history, or explore available self-guided opportunities at your own pace.

Make the Most of Your Time Outdoors

Before heading out, a little preparation goes a long way. Bring plenty of water, wear comfortable shoes, pack sun protection and check trail access and conditions before your visit.

As you explore, remember to stay on designated trails, respect wildlife and practice good trail etiquette. Whether you are hiking, biking or horseback riding, being considerate of fellow trail users helps keep everyone safe. These simple actions also help protect sensitive habitats and ensure everyone can enjoy these special places.

7 Days of Outdoor Inspiration

We are celebrating National Take a Hike Day with a week of outdoor inspiration on social media! Follow along for our “7 Days, 7 Ways to Explore” campaign, featuring hiking tips, trail inspiration and fun ways to experience the Landmarks. From preparing for your next hike to finding your trail match, we will be sharing ideas to inspire your next outdoor adventure. Follow @irconservancy and @irnlandmarks on Instagram so you don’t miss a thing!

Take a Hike With Us!

Ready for your next adventure? Irvine Ranch Conservancy offers a variety of volunteer-led hikes, educational programs and outdoor activities throughout the year. Visit LetsGoOutside.org to explore upcoming activities and find your next opportunity to get outside with us!

National Take a Hike Day is a great excuse to get outside, but we hope it inspires you to make time for nature all year long. Whether you are exploring a new trail, joining a guided hike or simply enjoying a little fresh air, there’s always something waiting to be discovered across the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

Happy National Take a Hike Day!