Tag: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park


Sep
2015

Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore
Image from laguna-beach-info.com
Image from laguna-beach-info.com

Yes, it’s been a while since I posted any hikes & bikes posts but I like hiking and I love cycling so I’ve decided to start them up again. It’s not too late to get our there this morning. Throw the bike on the carrier  or put your hiking shoes on and get out there!

Beginning Mountain Bike Ride  – Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette on this 6.8-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (800-ft. elevation gain) while enjoying canyon views. Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants.

  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Ridge Park Staging Area (Newport Coast Drive to Ridge Park Rd. east to end; meet at the gate.)
  • For questions call: 949-497-8324
  • Parking: Free.


Online Registration
Date:  9/12/2015
Time:  8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Car Wreck Fitness Hike – Aliso & Wood Canyons Park
Hike down Aliso Canyon into the heart of the park before challenging yourself on the steep Mathis Canyon Trail then down Car Wreck Trail. Experienced hikers only.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, then left into parking lot).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $3/vehicle
  • For ages 15 and up who are capable of an 7-mile, 800-ft. elevation gain hike on very steep and rocky terrain. Be prepared for hot weather, with at least two liters of water, snack, proper hiking shoes, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)


Online Reservations Link
Date:  9/12/2015
Time:  8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

 

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Jun
2015

Insect & Anthropod Zoo

categories: Family fun

OC Parks presents: Under the Sycamores: Insect and Arthropod Zoo

insect
Dr. Sue Van Vorhis Key, Ph.D. (The Bug Lady) will be at Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park with a zoo full of amazing live insects and other arthropods. From walking sticks to scorpions, kids will be able to look and learn!

Kids will touch an insect, experience an insect scavenger hunt in the shade of the sycamores, make their own insect and complete a life cycle puzzle.

Dr. Sue’s talk about arthropods will be at 2:00 p.m. For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Monday – Friday and (949) 923-2200 on Saturday & Sunday

  • When: Sunday, June 7 2015 from 1:00 – 400 pm
  • Where: Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot)
  • Cost: FREE, parking is $3.00 per vehicle
  • Reservations are required

To Register click here.

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Mar
2015

Young Field Biologist Series

categories: Explore

This Sunday, March 8, 2105 from 8:30 -11:00 am, the Young Field Biologist Series: Animal Evidence at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park assists the park’s Resource Specialist with fun field studies on Wood Creek Trail.

Image from: nsf.gov
Image from: nsf.gov

They’ll check wildlife cameras to see who’s using the park at night, examine the woodrat nests for recent activity, and check for tracks on this highly productive animal trail. This hike is 2 miles (150-ft. elevation gain).

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas, meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).
  • Bring your camera and a notepad to help document and compare your findings.
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: Free
  • Ages 9 and up
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link

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Feb
2015

Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore

OC Parks
OC Parks

Well, it doesn’t look as if our fabulous weather will keep up this weekend but we really need the rain, so for that – I am thankful!

BUT…if for some reason the rain gets in late and you you have the chance to get outside this weekend, try to enjoy some OC Parks guided hikes or how about a guided mounatin bike ride to Dripping Cave at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park, which also happens to be my pick of the week.

 “Dripping Cave”, also known as “Robbers” cave, is a historic landmark and Aliso & Wood Canyons Park’s largest rock-shelter.

Dripping Cave was once used as a temporary refuge by Native American hunter-gatherers, and later the shelter was reportedly used by the infamous Juan Flores “gang” as a hide-out from which to rob the San Diego and Los Angeles stagecoach. Nowadays the shelter gets its name from rainwater dripping from the upper lip of the sandstone rock.

Dripping Cave - Image from ocparks.com
Dripping Cave – Image from ocparks.com

Saturday, Februay 28, 2015

Family Bandito Bike Ride to Dripping Cave at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park
Join a band of bike wielding young explorers on a ride to Aliso’s most intriguing attraction. We’ll learn the mysterious legends of this famed bandit hideout as well as its previous inhabitants – the native Acjachemen people. Earn a ranger badge for being an accomplice on the journey.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $3 per vehicle
  • Ages 8 and up (or peddled by adult) who can comfortably ride 5 miles (150 ft. elevation gain) of dirt trails with some sandy sections
  • Bike, helmet, water, snack, and weather appropriate clothing/shoes required
  • Reservations Required – Online Reservations Link
Date:  2/28/2015
Time:  8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

 

Guided Interpretive Hike at Irvine Regional Park
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

  • All ages welcome
  • Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
Date:  2/28/2015
Time:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

 Sunday, March 1 2015

Ranger Led Nature Hike at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Rain will cancel hike. 

  • Fee: Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.
Date: 3/1/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Explore California Native Plant Life on the Trail to Barbara’s Lake at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

Join us on a wonderful morning walk to Orange County’s only natural lake while learning about our native California plant life. This easy 2-mile leisurely hike will be led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.

  • Ages 8 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).
  • For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri, 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.

Online Registration
Date: 3/1/2015
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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Feb
2015

Weekend Hikes & Bikes

categories: Explore

WeekendHikes

This weekend has a sweet variety of hikes and two mountain biking options, one for beginning and one for intermediate, both of them sound like a blast!

My pick for the week is the Valentine’s Day Walk: Love in the Wild at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. This sounds like a fun and challenging hike that would warrant a nice little lunch at one of the Laguna Beach eateries afterwards. Sounds like a perfect way to spend Valentines morning.

Saturday, February 14, 2105

California Native Plants in the Winter at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Learn about the seasonal life of California Native Plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist on this enjoyable 2.5 mile hike (45-ft elevation gain) over moderately uneven terrain.

  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (405 South to 133 south to stoplight at 73 turn-off; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
  • For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri, 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.


Online Registration
Date:  2/14/2015
Time:  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Valentine’s Day Walk: Love in the Wild at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Enjoy the canyon views, look for early wildflowers and learn about love in the wild on this moderate, 2-mile hike over steep and rocky terrain (400-ft. elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteers and OC Parks staff.

  • 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).
  • For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri, 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.


Online Registration
Date:  2/14/2015
Time:  9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Fitness Hike at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Take a mildly strenuous 2.5 mile hike along the Back Bay with Preserve staff.  Hike will begin in front of the Muth Center.  The hike is on both paved and dirt paths with mostly flat surfaces.This hike explores the upland areas of the bay- with opportunities to see the birds, mammals and reptiles that make this habitat their home.

  • Space is limited and pre-registration is required
  • Call 949-923-2275 or email unbic@ocparks.com
Date:  2/14/2015
Time:  9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Guided Interpretive Hike at Irvine Regional Park
Join our naturalists on a nature walk and learn about the local plants, animals and history of Irvine Regional Park. Light to moderate walking on both paved paths and trails. Meet at the Nature Center near the OC Zoo in parking lot #19.

  • All ages welcome
  • Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
Date:  2/14/2015
Time:  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Family Hike at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Come and enjoy an easy, 2.5 mile family hike over moderate but uneven terrain (45-ft. elevation gain) through one of the most diverse areas of the park to Barbara’s Lake and back. Hike is led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists.

  • Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (I-5 or 405 south to 133 south to stoplight at 73 toll road; make a U-turn, go 1 block. Dilley is on the right).
  • For questions call: 949-497-8324 Mon-Fri & 949-923-2235 Sat/Sun.
  • Parking: $3/vehicle.


Online Registration
Date:  2/14/2015
Time:  3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, February 15, 2105

Ranger Led Nature Hike at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Join our Park Rangers Sunday mornings for an easy 1-mile hike on the Nature Trail. The trail takes visitors through grassland, oak woodland, riparian and sandy cactus scrub communities. Meet at Old Corral Day Use area. Rain will cancel hike. 

  • Fee: Free
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Wear comfortable clothing, hiking shoes.
  • Sunscreen, water and insect repellent are recommended.

 For additional information, please call the park at (949) 923-2210.
Date: 2/15/2015
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

 

New Year’s Resolution Beginning Mountain Bike Riding at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park

Join Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Mountain Bike Trail Assistants on this beautiful 8-mile bike ride (400-ft. elevation gain) on uneven terrain. Learn mountain biking basics and trail etiquette while enjoying the canyon views.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot).
  • Please come prepared with a bike suitable for off-pavement riding, sturdy shoes, helmet, gloves, water and snack.
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $3 per vehicle
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 2/15/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Winter Morning Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride at Aliso & Wood Canyons Park

Catch beautiful canyon views on this 10-mile ride over steep and uneven terrain (1,600-ft elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistants. This is for INTERMEDIATE riders with mountain biking experience. Appropriate mountain biking equipment required.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, 28373 Alicia Parkway (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Alicia Parkway, first right on Awma Road, left into parking lot).
  • Must have helmet, gloves, hydration; a snack is strongly suggested. Be prepared for varied weather in the canyons.
  • This bike ride is not for beginners.
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri & (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $3 per vehicle
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 2/15/2015
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Morning Walk around the Lake at Laguna Niguel Regional Park

Come enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the lake and learn about the native plants and critters in the park. This is an easy 2.5 mile walk (both paved and dirt trail) with no elevation gain. Led by Laguna Canyon Foundation Volunteer Naturalists. Dogs on leashes welcome.

  • Laguna Niguel Regional Park, 28241 La Paz Road, Laguna Niguel. Meet at the Shelter 3 parking lot.
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2240 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: $5 per vehicle
  • Ages 8 and up
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link
Date: 2/15/2015
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
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Feb
2015

Valentines Day for Little Critters

categories: Family fun, Holidays

Valentines_day_for_little_critters

Aliso & Woods Canyons Wilderness Park is hosting a special Valentines Day event for the little critters in your life on Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 8:30 – 11:00 am.

Bring your little ones so they can find out if animals exchange chocolates and Valentine’s Day cards? Kids will help discover how animals share their love for their families and friends. Make animal adaptation themed valentines and treats after the hike. This is a 2 mile (150-ft. elevation gain) hike.

  • Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is located at: 28373 Alicia Parkway
    Laguna Niguel, CA 92677, the event will be held at the Canyon View Staging Area (from southbound Aliso Creek Road, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vistas, meet at the entrance to Canyon View Park).
  • For questions, call (949) 497-8324 Mon-Fri or (949) 923-2200 Sat/Sun
  • Parking: Free
  • Ages 5 and up
  • Reservations Required Online (link below)

Online Reservations Link

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