Learn about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the 20,000-acre wilderness area around us 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 rain or high fire danger, so check http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast prior to a scheduled activity. Note that, unless otherwise specified, the parking fee is $3, the donation per person for each activity is $2, and reservations are required for most activities by calling 949-923-2235.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Activities:
Saturday, May 14 – Backcountry Flora & Exploration Hike, 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. Join Laguna Canyon Foundation in exploring the backcountry of the park to discover the hidden treasures that few venture far enough to see. Spring Wildflowers, fossils and more will be discussed on this rigorous 6-mile hike on steep and uneven terrain (1,000-ft. elevation gain). This hike is for experienced and conditioned hikers only. Proper footwear, 2 liters of water and a snack are required to attend this hike. Meet at Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection).
Sunday, May 15 – Fitness Hike, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. 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. Ages 15 and up. Not for beginners. Hiking poles suggested. Meet at Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd east to end; meet at the gate.)
Tuesday, May 17 – Yoga for Adults, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a peaceful, 1.5-mile walk as you learn yoga stretches and breathing and relaxation exercises with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Meet at James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).
Tuesday, May 17 – Yoga For Kids, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Children will explore a fun-filled yoga experience in a wilderness setting with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers. Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. Meet at 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).
Thursday, May 19 – Fitness Hike, 8:30 – 10:30 a.m. 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. Meet at James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Road).
Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park:
Monday, May 16 – Baby and Me Hike, 9 – 11 a.m. 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 by strollers. Meet at Canyon View staging area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turn into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas to Canyon View Park).
Saturday, May 28 – Family Bike Ride, 10 – 11:30 a.m. Catch beautiful canyon views on this easy, family-friendly, 6-mile bike ride with OC Parks Ranger, Portia Arutunian. Meet at Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy. (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd. turn right on Alicia, first right AWMA Rd., left into parking lot).
To make required reservations for any of the above activities, call 949-923-2235. For more information, visit http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast (click on Events and Programs); o be included on the monthly event e-mail list, call 949-923-2235; and to learn more about volunteering or helping the Laguna Canyon Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness, visit
www.lagunacanyon.org or call 949-497-8324.
