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Events

South Coast Wilderness Activities



Learn about the flora, fauna, geology and history of this 20,000-acre wilderness area with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists and Orange County Parks staff. Water, hat, sunscreen and sturdy shoes are essential, along with any medications you need. Wilderness areas may be closed during high fire danger and for 48 hours after significant rainfall.


September 2010

South Coast Wilderness Calendar

September 2, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 3, Fri., 8-10 a.m., Elder Trek: Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person

September 4, Sat., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Big Bend Staging Area (ask for directions when making reservations). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 8, Wed., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Yoga Hike: Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 9, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 11, Sat., 8:30-10 a.m., Trailside Encounters: There are always new encounters along the trail! Hear the latest wildlife gossip on this easy, approximately 1-mile hike with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 11, Sat., 8:30-11:30 a.m., Native Plant Hike: Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike.Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road. Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 14, Tues., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Exploring Biodiversity Hike: Learn about the diversity of animal and plant species as you explore our ever-changing wilderness on an easy, 1.5-mile, slow and easy hike over rocky and uneven terrain. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person

September 16, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 17, Fri., 8-10 a.m., Elder Trek: Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 19, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 19, Sun., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate.) Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 20, Mon., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Baby and Me Hike: Explore Mother Nature on your way to fitness. This brisk, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) is for expectant women and mothers with babies in arms, packs or slings. No toddlers. (Trails not accessible for strollers.) Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 21, Tues., 8:30-10 a.m., Yoga for Seniors: Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches and breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation senior volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 23, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Road east to end; meet at the gate.) Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 23, Thurs., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Yoga for Children: Children ages 6-10 will explore a fun-filled yoga experience in a wilderness setting with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $18 for 6-class series; $3/child drop in.

September 25, Sat., 8:30-10 a.m., Family Bike Ride: Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 25, Sat., 8:30-11 a.m., California Natives Hike: Escape the summer heat while exploring the biodiversity of Wood Canyon on a leisurely, 2.4-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) through an oak canopy with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

September 26, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

September 26, Sun., 8-11:30 a.m., Birding Hike: Spot resident and summer migratory birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

September 30, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

 

INFORMATION: Visit http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast or http://www.ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons (click on Events and Programs). To be included on the monthly event e-mail list, call 949-923-2235. To learn more about volunteering or helping Laguna Canyon Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness,  call 949-497-8324.

September printable flyer
(presented in Adobe .pdf format)


October 2010

South Coast Wilderness Calendar

Hikes, Bird Walks and Other Guided Activities in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park and Adjacent Open Space Areas.

October 1, Fri., 9-11:30 a.m., Elder Trek: Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 10 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 2, Sat., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Not for beginners, for ages 15 and up. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Big Bend Staging Area (ask for directions when making reservations). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 2, Sat., 4:30-7 p.m., Early Evening Edible and Useful Plant Hike: Learn about edible and useful plants and on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 2.4-mile twilight hike (100-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 12 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 3, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

October 3, Sun., 8:30-11 a.m., Fall Hike: Look for signs of the new season’s arrival on this leisurely, but occasionally steep, 2-mile hike up Little Sycamore Canyon (400-ft elevation gain) led by OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $4/person.

October 5, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m., Yoga for Adults: Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches and breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation senior volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 6, Wed., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Yoga for Kids: Children ages 6-10 will explore a fun-filled yoga experience in a wilderness setting with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $18 for 6-class series; $3/child drop in

October 7, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 7, Thurs., 4-5:30 p.m., Junior Ranger Program 1: A Ranger’s Life: Second through fourth graders, ages 7-10, can learn about rangers’ work and earn a Junior Ranger badge by participating in six workshops: Ranger’s Life, Finding Your Way, Keeping People Safe, Caring for the Park, Plants and Animals, Leaving No Trace and Teaching Visitors. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Call for a complete schedule. Program: $5/student/session (includes material fee). Parking: $3.

October 9, Sat., 8-11 a.m., Native Plant Hike: Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Nadine Nordstrom (author of the South Coast Wilderness Plant Identification Guide) on this moderate, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile hike. For ages 12 and up Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 8, Fri., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Discovery Hike: Explore beautiful Wood Canyon as you discover its wildlife with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this moderate, but steep, uneven and rocky, 5-mile hike (200-ft. elevation gain). Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 9, Sat., 8:30-10 a.m., Trailside Encounters: There are always new encounters along the trail! Hear the latest wildlife gossip on this easy, approximately 1-mile hike with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

October 9, Sat., 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Volunteer Training & Orientation: Learn about various volunteer opportunities with Laguna Canyon Foundation. No experience required. For information and reservations call 949-923-2235 or e-mail volunteer@lagunacanyon.org. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Free (parking fee waived).

October 9, Sat., 1-4 p.m., Weekends at the Nix Nature Center: Amazing Raptors: Hawks, Owls & Falcons: Get a close look at live hawks, owls and falcons from the Orange County Bird of Prey Center. Learn to identify raptors in flight. Dissect an owl pellet. Find out how owls fly silently and discover other raptor survival secrets! Presentation from 2-3 p.m. for ages 8 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donations appreciated.

October 12, Tues., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Exploring Biodiversity Hike: Learn about the diversity of animal and plant species as you explore our ever-changing wilderness on an easy, 1.5-mile, slow and easy hike over rocky and uneven terrain. For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 13, Wed., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Yoga Hike: Stretch your mind and body on this 2.4-mile hike with a yoga twist over steep and uneven terrain (100-ft. elevation gain) led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 12 and up. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 14, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 15, Fri., 9-11:30 a.m., Elder Trek: Enjoy the outdoors and learn about diverse plant life on this easy, level, 2-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. For ages 10 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person

October 15, Fri., 9-10 a.m., Tot Walk: Bring your wee ones, babies to 3-year-olds, to explore our wild backyard on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 16, Sat., 8-11 a.m., Keep It Wild Volunteer Day: Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).

October 16, Sat., 8-11 a.m., Keep It Wild Volunteer Day: Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with restoration projects. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).

October 16, Sat., 6-8 p.m., Sounds of the Lake at Dusk: Bring your cameras and sketchbooks for a stroll to Orange County's only natural lake with OC Parks Ranger Molly Stallcup. Enjoy this busy time of day in the wilderness with the awakening of nighttime animals. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235 Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

October 17, Sun., 8-10 a.m., Recreational Mountain Bike Ride: Catch beautiful coastal canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain) with OC Parks Ranger Ed Bridges and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

October 18, Mon., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Baby and Me Hike: Explore Mother Nature on your way to fitness. This brisk, 2-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) is for expectant women and mothers with babies in arms, packs or slings. No toddlers. (Trails not accessible for strollers.) Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 19, Tues., 9-10:30 a.m., Yoga for Adults: Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches and breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 20, Wed., 3:30-4:30 p.m., Yoga for Kids: Children ages 6-10 will explore a fun-filled yoga experience in a wilderness setting with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Please bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $18 for 6-class series; $3/child drop in.

October 21, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike (400-ft. elevation gain) over steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 21, Thurs., 4-5:30 p.m., Junior Ranger Program #2--Finding Your Way: Rangers need to know their way around the park. Learn to use a compass on a “treasure hunt” and earn your own. : (Second through fourth graders, ages 7-10, can earn a Junior Ranger badge by participating in six workshops: Ranger’s Life, Finding Your Way, Keeping People Safe, Caring for the Park Plants and Animals, Leaving No Trace and Teaching Visitors.) Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $5/student (includes material fee). Parking: $3.

October 22, Fri., 4-6 p.m., Stress-Free Early Evening Hike: Enjoy a stress-free end to your day on a 2.4 mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (100 ft. elevation gain) through one of the park’s most biologically diverse areas. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 22, Tues., 5:30-8:30 p.m., Full Moon Hike: Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists at sunset for this moderate, 3.5 mile-hike through Laurel and Willow canyons and up to Bommer Ridge for spectacular views under a full moon. Please bring a flashlight and water and wear long pants, a jacket and sturdy hiking shoes. Inclement weather will cancel. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 23, Sat., 9-10:30 a.m., Family Bike Ride: Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger Portia Arutunian. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Program: $2/person.

October 23, Sat., 2-5 p.m., Wild Writing: Come deepen your connection with nature on a 2-mile hike (400 ft. gain over uneven terrain), as you participate in a creative writing experience under an oak and sycamore canopy with English professor Thea Gavin. Bring notebook, pen(cil), and something to sit on. For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 24, Sun., 8-11:30 a.m., Birding Hike: Spot local native and fall migratory birds with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists on this 2-mile hike over uneven terrain through one of the most diverse plant communities in the United States. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Road/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 24, Sun., 8-11 a.m., Geology Hike: Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about local geology on this strenuous, 3.5 mile hike (700 ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 26, Tues., 9-11 a.m., Dilley Loop Hike: Get close to nature on this leisurely loop (370-ft. elevation gain) over steep and uneven terrain as you spot plants and animals or maybe just their tracks and signs along the way. For ages 12 and up. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 28, Thurs., 8:30-10:30 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this difficult, strenuous and fast-paced, 5-mile hike (700-ft. elevation gain) over very steep, uneven terrain with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. For ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Donation: $2/person.

October 30, Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m., California Natives Hike: Enjoy our own fall color while exploring the biodiversity of Laurel and Willow Canyons on a 3.5-mile hike over steep and uneven terrain (700-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Road, just south of El Toro Road intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

October 30, Sat. 10 a.m-12 p.m., Creepy Crawly Insects and Spiders: Learn about the intriguing and important world of arthropods on this easy, 1-mile hike with Dr. Peter Bryant. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA, left into parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $2/person. Parking: $3.

October 31, Sat., 8-11 a.m., Geology Hike: Enjoy unspoiled canyon views and learn about local geology on this strenuous, 2-mile hike up Little Sycamore Canyon with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3. Donation: $2/person.

INFORMATION: Visit http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast or http://www.ocparks.com/alisoandwoodcanyons (click on Events and Programs). To be included on the monthly event e-mail list, call 949-923-2235. To learn more about volunteering or helping Laguna Canyon Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness,  call 949-497-8324.

October printable flyer
(presented in Adobe .pdf format)


Laguna Canyon Foundation
3384 Legion Street, Laguna Beach CA 92651
Mailing Address: PO Box 4895, Laguna Beach CA 92652
949-497-8324 Fax: 949-376-5590
E-mail:
lagunacf2@lagunacanyon.org