ALISO AND WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK 28373...

ALISO AND WOOD CANYONS WILDERNESS PARK

28373 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Niguel

Park Information: 949-923-2200 or www.ocparks.com

The park is open daily, year round, 7 a.m. to sunset for hiking,

bicycling and equestrian use. Parking $2. No dogs.

Special Activities: Learn about the canyons’ history, plants,

animals and trails. From noon until 12:30 p.m. participate in an easy

ranger-led walk on Saturday, March 8. Please meet at park

headquarters. Opportunities for additional hiking programs can be

arranged by calling Ranger Carroll at (949) 923-2200.

The Orange County Natural History Museum is at the park entrance

and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing

exhibits include live animals and displays of birds, fossils,

butterflies and Indian artifacts. The museum wants your recyclable

cans and bottles. Bring your California Redemption Value items to the

recycling bins at Aliso and Woods Canyons Wilderness Park.

For more information: (949) 831-3287 or www.ocnha.mus.ca.us.

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

8471 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach

Park Conditions: (949) 494-3539; Interpretive Programs (949)

497-7647

State Web site: www.parks.ca.gov; local Web site:

www.crystalcovestatepark.com

The park is open daily, year round, 6 a.m. to sunset for hiking,

bicycling and equestrian use. The park includes areas of beach, bluff

top and backcountry with access at a number of different points.

Parking $5. Dogs are allowed only on paved paths above the beach.

Special Activities: At 9 a.m. on March 1, 2, 8 and 9 join

docent-led backcountry hikes. Hikes are 3 to 5 miles and last about

two hours. Be sure to bring water and wear hiking boots. Meet at El

Moro Visitor Center (School-State Park stoplight). At 10 a.m. on

Saturday, March 8, join Crystal Cove former resident Laura Davick for

a docent-led historic cottage tour. Learn history of the site since

1900 and visit the interior of several unique cottages. Wear sturdy

shoes and bring camera. Meet at Los Trancos parking lot near the

trailer (Los Trancos stoplight).

El Moro Visitor Center is open Tuesdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to

1 p.m. and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Crystal Cove Historic District Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Crystal Cove Interpretive Assn. welcomes new volunteers, call

(949) 497-7648.

THE IRVINE RANCH

LAND RESERVE

The Nature Conservancy (714) 832-7478 or irvineranch@tnc.org.

Participants meet at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park Headquarters on

Laguna Canyon Road just south of the El Toro Road intersection. All

tours are free, but require reservations.

Special Activities: At 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, join guided

“Drop-in” mountain bike ride that orient new visitors to the trails.

At 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, join docent-led Equestrian Ride through

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Call The Nature Conservancy for more

information about special activities.

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park

20101 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach

(949) 923-2235.