Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at The Nature Reserve Headquarters, as we offer you hot tea or coffee. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.

Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own reusable mug. Nature Reserve mugs will also be available for purchase for $10.

Ages: 12 and up

Join The Nature Reserve for an evening learning about Cougars and how they shaped the Nature Reserve. While you sip on specialty cocktails and nibble on hearty appetizers, Reserve Manager Laura Coley Eisenberg will talk about Cougar life, status across the State, research that The Nature Reserve is participating in and much more. Admission includes presentation, food, and one drink ticket. Additional beverages available for purchase. 

Ages: 21 and up

Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the night sky, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our guest astronomers. The Nature Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. (What to bring: warm clothing, flashlight with red cellophane/lens to reduce light pollution, binoculars, optional beach chair.)

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 8 and up

Explore the beauty of The Nature Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Trail Length: 1 mile (one-way)
Ages: All

A little more about Open Access Events...

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are your chance to explore on your own time and at your own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails.

Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time. 

Open access events are exclusively for Rancho Mission Viejo residents. Open Access events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at your own speed.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Take in moonlit coast live oaks and sycamores on a docent-led hike through The Nature Reserve. We’ll be serenaded by the sounds of the outdoors at night, as we search for nocturnal creatures by the light of February's full moon.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 8 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on January 30.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

What are mushrooms and why do we care? Why do they grow with oaks? Can I touch them, pick them, eat them? Explore the fascinating world of wild mushrooms with amateur mycologist Joanne Schwartz. Learn how to find, photograph, and identify fungi on the trail. Click here for Joanne's fungi resources.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 16 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, February 6.

Fall in love with nature this Valentine's week on a family-friendly walk on the Watermelon Field trail. Along the way we will appreciate nature's beauty and discover how to care for our environment. Create a family craft to show your love for nature this Valentine's Day!

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Saturday, February 6th.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

The Volunteer Orientation and Training is a fun, informational meeting to learn more about the volunteer opportunities available through The Nature Reserve.

Learn about The Nature Reserve's history, philosophy and mission, as well as skills for working with the public. Meet other volunteers and learn how you can help preserve Nature Reserve lands through conservation and education.

 Ages: 18 and up

We look forward to having you volunteer with us!

Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Volunteer to spend a few hours in beautiful surroundings helping The Nature Reserve. Join the crew dedicated to protecting our native ecosystems by clearing trails, restoring habitats, and eliminating weeds. Volunteer efforts make an impact! (BRING: Work gloves if you have them).

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up (Volunteers under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.)

Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by Friday, February 13 at 4:00 pm.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the night sky, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our guest astronomers. The Nature Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. (What to bring: warm clothing, flashlight with red cellophane/lens to reduce light pollution, binoculars, optional beach chair.)

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 8 and up

Explore new trails on this winter hike through Verdugo Canyon. This 2.5 mile guided hike winds its way through oak woodland, riparian, and flood-plain scrub ecosystems.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy - moderate
Ages: 8 and up

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Local wildflower expert, Bob Allen, will lead an exploration of The Nature Reserve looking for early wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star. Learn to identify blooms and savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of winter.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy-Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00pm on Friday, February 27.

Enjoy a Sunday morning stroll on The Ranch. This open access event allows you to walk, run, or bike* (kids only) the length of Cristianitos Road. Cristianitos Road is a paved road with views of Ranch pastures and preserved habitat on The Nature Reserve. Explore the entire 6.8 miles (round trip) or just a mile or two - your choice.

*Non-motorized scooter and bikes permitted for kids under the age of 12.

This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy-moderate
Trail Length: 3.4 miles (one way)
Ages: All. Recommended 8 and up

Participants must exit by event end time, regardless of arrival time. Please plan your selected arrival time accordingly.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13.

Bring the “wee-ones” out for a morning in pursuit of the mischievous Irish fairy - the Leprechaun. Learn about the Irish history of Rancho Mission Viejo, play games, make and take a St. Patrick's day themed craft, and go on a search for a leprechaun.

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All. Activities geared for ages 5 and up.
Cost: $5.00/person

Please note: registration closes at 4:00 pm on Friday, March 13.

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Calling bird watchers of all levels - beginners to expert! We invite you to migrate over for a morning of bird watching at Ranch Camp Loop, as we offer you hot tea or coffee. Observe on your own, or with staff and volunteers.

Complimentary tea and coffee provided. Please bring your own reusable mug. Nature Reserve mugs will also be available for purchase for $10.

Ages: 12 and up

Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the night sky, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our guest astronomers. The Nature Reserve astronomers are all volunteers who enthusiastically share their telescopes and expert sky knowledge with you. (What to bring: warm clothing, flashlight with red cellophane/lens to reduce light pollution, binoculars, optional beach chair.)

Interpretation Level: High
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: 8 and up

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.

Explore the beauty of The Reserve at your own pace. Take a self-guided hike, walk or ramble, through grasslands lined with oak and sycamore trees. This easy trail is an old Ranch road that runs parallel to San Juan Creek. This is a non-guided program. Trail maps and information are provided at the event. Participants must exit trail by event end time regardless of arrival time selected.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

This is a strenuous trail with hills that follow the ridgeline between Sendero and Esencia.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate - Strenuous
Trail Length: 2.2 miles (one way)
Ages: All (Recommended 10 and up)

Open Access events are for Rancho Mission Viejo residents only.

Open Access events are non-guided events on The Nature Reserve trails, which are otherwise protected by locked gates. These events are perfect for family groups, solo hikers, non-professional photographers, nature journalists, trail runners, or anyone that likes to spend time in nature at their own pace. During the event time, participants have open access to designated trails. Trail maps and safety information is provided during check-in. Staff and volunteers are available during the event, on the trail, and at start and end points. Participants must exit by the event end time, regardless of arrival time.