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General Registration Questions
Hiking Program Specific Questions
Equestrian Program Specific Questions
Mountain Biking Program Specific Questions
General Registration Questions:
How do I register for Irvine Open Space Preserve South or Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks programs?
Why does the calendar only provide programs through the current month?
How do I find directions to the meeting areas?
When does registration close?
What if I miss the registration deadline?
What if it says "Activity Full?"
Can I register friends and family members?
What if the names of the people in my party change?
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Is it okay if I just "show-up" for the programs?
What if I want to sign up more than five people?
What if I want self-guided access?
What if the weather is questionable?
Why do I have to register?
Why do I have to register a guest for a hike that has several open spaces left? Why can't I just bring someone along?
Will my friends or family members be able to join the hike if they just show up if I've registered?
Is there a way of knowing how many people have signed up for a given program?
Will a hike be cancelled due to lack of participation and if so what are the guidelines on that? (What determines that and how soon will we be notified and by what method?)
If I have a guest, but don’t know their last name, can I just sign them up with thefirst name and use my last name, address, contact numbers etc?
How do I know what programs are appropriate for my children?
Hiking Program Specific Questions:
What should I bring on my hiking program?
Where can I go for self-guided hiking?
What would be considered an easy or moderate hike?
What is the difference between a cardio hike and a distance hike?
Can I bring my dog on any programs?
Equestrian Program Specific Questions:
Do I have to have my own horse?
What characterizes a strenuous ride?
What characterizes a moderate ride?
Where can I go for self-guided access?
Where can I rent horses for daily use?
What should I bring on my ride?
Does my horse have to be desensitized (trail worthy)?
Is it necessary to have trail riding experience?
Do I need to bring food and water for my horse?
Mountain Biking Program Specific Questions:
What is an appropriate bike for these rides?
What should I bring on my ride?
What should I bring on night rides?
What characterizes a strenuous ride?
What characterizes a moderate ride?
Where can I go for self-guided access?
Are there any places I can rent bikes for daily use?
I haven't biked in six months, but I’m an expert rider, which ride should I sign up for?
General Registration Questions:
How do I register for Irvine Open Space Preserve South or Irvine Ranch wildlands and parks programs?
The best way to register is to click on the "online sign-up" button on the activities calendar. After filling out your information and verifying it, you will get a confirmation code. You have not completed your registration until you get this code. It will also automatically send you an email with driving directions to the meeting area.
Why does the calendar only provide programs through the current month?
If you look at the top of the calendar there is a pull down menu. You can select different months depending on how many programs have been scheduled. Also, if you look near the top on the right hand side, you will see page numbers; click on those to see dates later in the month. The calendar is usually updated every 3 months.
How do I find directions to the meeting areas?
Once you register and receive a confirmation code, you will also be provided with driving directions. If you sign up more than a few days in advance, you will be sent a reminder email with a map attached.
When does registration close?
Registration closes at 4pm the day before the activity and 4pm on Fridays before weekend activities.
What if I miss the registration deadline?
We can not change the roster after the registration deadline has passed. All of our programs occur very frequently, so look for them to be offered again on our activities calendar.
What if it says "Activity Full?"
We no longer manage wait-lists; all programs are run on a first come, first serve basis; but we sometimes get cancellations. Once they are removed from the list, registration opens again. Keep checking the website to see the “online sign-up” link appear again. If you do not make it in the program you want, check the website for it to be offered again. We usually offer each program about once a month. Programs fill quickly, so make sure you register early!
Can I register friends and family members?
Yes, you can sign up to four friends or family members on the registration form.
What if the names of the people in my party change?
Send an email to info@irconservancy.org with the name and date of the program you have registered for; the first and last name of the person you originally registered; and the first and last name of the person who will replace them.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Please call 714-508-4757 and leave a message. Or, you can email info@irconservancy.org. Your cancellations are appreciated so others can sign-up in your place.
Is it okay if I just "show-up" for the programs?
No, we do not allow walk-ups or ride-ups for our programs. Rosters need to be printed out ahead of time and the leaders need to know how many people to expect.
What if I want to sign up more than five people?
If you have a large group of people, you can request a private program. Our staff is limited so we cannot guarantee that we can accommodate all groups. If you are interested in signing up a group for the Open Space Preserve South (Bommer Canyon and Quail Hill) you have to request it from the City of Irvine first. Their phone number is 949-724-6738. All other area requests go to: draetz@irconservancy.org.
What if I want self-guided access?
We offer Access Days once a month that allow self-guided hiking and some days, self-guided mountain biking. Self-guided access is available at many other parks that are owned and managed by the County of Orange; for more information about those facilities visit www.ocparks.com.
What if the weather is questionable?
Programs will be cancelled if there has been a significant amount of rain prior to the scheduled activity; if it is too windy; or other bad weather. If the program is cancelled enough in advance, everyone will be emailed about the cancellation. It will also be noted on the website. If the program is cancelled last minute, the docents will try to update our public program cancellation line at 714-508-4792. However, we cannot guarantee that the message will be changed before you leave your house.
Why do I have to register?
There are a number of reasons why registration is required including the following: We have to report the exact number of people who attend our programs. We also select the number of volunteers based on the number of participants. In addition, security is informed ahead of time about the number of people to expect.
Why do I have to register a guest for a hike that has several open spaces left? Why can't I just bring someone along?
It is crucial for us to know exactly how many people to expect for any given program in order to provide the best service to you. If we get a number of unexpected participants we will not be able to accommodate them and they will not have a good experience. We want everyone to have a pleasant time and we need to be prepared; therefore, registration of ALL participants is required.
Will my friends or family members be able to join the hike if they just show up if I've registered?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to accommodate anyone that is not registered even if they are with a person who has registered. Anyone interested in taking part in our programs must register in order to participate; there will be no exceptions.
Is there a way of knowing how many people have signed up for a given program?
Most programs have to be capped at 20 or 25 people. Simply look at the number of spaces open and subtract that from 25, to get a general idea. If the activity says full that means 20 or 25 people have registered and will be there if they all show up.
Will a hike be cancelled due to lack of participation and if so what are the guidelines on that? (What determines that and how soon will we be notified and by what method?)
Yes, programs are occasionally cancelled if no one has signed up. If that happens, it is clearly listed on the website and if you have registered we will let you know. The program is not cancelled until a few days before it is supposed to run. If a program only has 1 person signed up, the program will usually still run. Participants will be notified via email if there is a change to the program.
If I have a guest, but don’t know their last name, can I just sign them up with the first name and use my last name, address, contact numbers etc?
When signing up guests, you can use your address, email, and phone number but you must have their correct first and last name. Please DO NOT sign yourself up five times and hope to get friends later. This makes registration very difficult for us. You are welcome to sign up friends and family members if you know who will be attending.
Repeated names are removed from the roster list without notification and prior to printing for the program. If your name appears more than once, it will be taken down and that spot will become available to others.
How do I know what programs are appropriate for my children?
Every program that is posted has a recommended minimum age limit. This can be found in the pop-up box that appears when you click on the title of a program on the activities calendar. Please make sure you pay attention to this recommendation so that you can be sure the program suits your family's needs and expectations. Also, if you have children in your party under the age of 18, you have to enter their birth date when registering. This way the program leaders will have an idea of what age children to expect on the program.
Hiking Program Specific Questions:
What should I bring on my hiking program?
If you are hiking, we recommend hiking boots or very sturdy sneakers. No open toed shoes or high heals are allowed. For all programs bring more water than you would normally drink in a couple of hours, some snacks, sunscreen and hats for day programs. Layers are also highly recommended as the temperature changes frequently. If going on a night hike, you may bring flashlights with red tinting (you can buy the red tinted saran wrap and put that on over your flashlight with a rubber band).
Where can I go for self-guided hiking?
There are several parks in Orange County that allow self-guided access. Visit www.ocparks.com for a listing. Or, check our website for the upcoming Wilderness Access Days in Bommer Canyon, which are offered once a month (usually the third Saturday).
What would be considered an easy or moderate hike?
We have several themed hikes that offer a high level of interpretation. These are considered the easiest programs. Look for family specific programs such as Family Wilderness Walks or Animal Evidence Hikes. Our Mid-Week hikes are generally considered moderate. They go about three to five miles and tend to have some elevation gain and loss. If you click on the title of the program in the activities calendar, it will tell you how far they are going and the elevation gain if known.
What is the difference between a cardio hike and a distance hike?
Both are considered very strenuous hikes. They are usually the same distance (approximately 10 miles). The difference is that the cardio hikes are fast paced. They are not runs unless it says run in the title, but they have very few stops. The distance hikes take several hours and there are several stops.
Can I bring my dog on any programs?
No, dogs are not permitted on any public programs, no exceptions. Dogs threaten the native wildlife because they leave their scents on the trails. The only place dogs are allowed on leash in the open space is on the Quail Loop near the Quail Hill Trail Head. Call 714-508-4757 for more information about that. All dog waste must be picked up on the Quail Loop.
Equestrian Program Specific Questions:
Do I have to have my own horse?
Yes, we are not able to provide horse rentals for our rides. If you are signing up for an equestrian program you must have your own trail worthy horse and the appropriate amount of experience for the ride you have registered for. The horse should be well-mannered and have experience riding on a trail.
What characterizes a strenuous ride?
Oso Trail in Casper's Park would be considered strenuous.
Most of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park would be considered moderately strenuous. Orange County trails are not terribly strenuous, generally speaking, for experienced trail riders and horses.
What characterizes a moderate ride?
For Orange County, moderate rides have some elevation gain and some up and down terrain. The length of a trail should also be considered. A trail ride of two-three hours would be considered moderate by most standards; four + hours would be considered strenuous.
Where can I go for self-guided access?
Casper's Wilderness Park; Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park; Laguna Coast Wilderness Park; Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park; Peter's Canyon Regional Park; Irvine Regional Park; Santiago Regional Park; Barham Ranch; Cleveland National Forest (there are several Orange County access points to their trail system ((all national forest trails should be considered strenuous); San Mateo Wilderness area. Visit www.ocparks.com for more information about most of these parks.
Where can I rent horses for daily use?
There are very few places in Orange County that allow horse rentals. Irvine Regional Park is one and there are a couple in San Juan Capistrano. For these rental places, you can only go on the routes they've picked by the stables. All other rental strings are out of county; i.e. Riverside, San Bernardino, etc.
What should I bring on my ride?
Sunscreen
Water
Appropriate equestrian clothing
Something to eat
Camera (if desired)
Does my horse have to be desensitized (trail worthy)?
Yes! There are a large number of clinics being offered in the Southern California area on any given weekend. Contact your docent lead for resources or contact Equestrian Trails Inc for a calendar.
Is it necessary to have trail riding experience?
Yes! (for suggestions see self-guided access above). Partner up with someone who has experience to teach you the safe ways of trail riding. To meet those experienced riders, attend a Trails Advisory Committee meeting, a Trails4All meeting, or go to a staging area to meet some riders.
Do I need to bring food and water for my horse?
Yes and no. Most staging areas have water provided but not all. In the top 10 rules of trail riding, a good and caring owner always brings 10 gallons of water just in case something goes wrong and water is needed for the horse. But snacks for them are always welcome!
Mountain Biking Program Specific Questions:
What is an appropriate bike for these rides?
Bikes must be considered trail worthy; they need knobby tires, multiple low gears, and should have at least a front shock. Bikes that are not appropriate for our trails include BMX, road bikes, an upright city bike with slick/thin tires, bikes with any attachments, and beach cruisers.
What should I bring on my ride?
Helmet
Mountain Bike
Gloves (if you prefer)
100 oz of water
Calories (Clif bars and gu)
Spare tubes
Hand pump
Tool kit
Patch Kit if you have one
Sunscreen
Sun Glasses
Appropriate biking attire (cotton clothing and jeans are NOT considered appropriate attire)
What should I bring on night rides?
Helmet
Mountain Bike
Gloves
70 oz of Water
Calories
Spare Tubes
Tool kit
Hand Pump
Extra layers
12 watt bulb that lasts 3 hours (minimum)
What characterizes a strenuous ride?
Strenuous rides are characterized by multiple steep climbs and descents and rugged terrain. There are typically a few very technical riding sections during the advanced rides. Distance is typically 20+ miles at a steady pace. Rest stops are few and for short durations.
Similar local trails in the adjacent areas to compare:
| Technical descents: |
El Morro Canyon: Rattlesnake
Aliso Woods Canyon: Rock-it, Stair Steps, and Five-Oaks
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| Technical Climbs: |
Aliso Woods: Meadows and Poles
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Willow
El Morro Canyon: Ticketron
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What characterizes a moderate ride?
Moderate rides are still characterized by multiple steep climbs and descents and rugged terrain, but at a more leisurely pace with many rest-stops for longer periods.
Typical distance is 10 – 15 miles and the technical sections are typically skipped.
Similar trails in the adjacent areas to compare:
| Descents: |
Aliso Woods Canyon: Mathis and Cholla
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park: Willow, Boat Canyon, Emerald Canyon
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| Climbs: |
Aliso Woods Canyon: Mathis and Cholla |
Where can I go for self-guided access?
Visit www.ocparks.com for more information about the following parks:
Aliso Woods – Beginner to Expert
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Intermediate to Advanced
Crystal Cove/El Moro – Beginner to Advanced
Peters Canyon – Beginner to Intermediate
Irvine Park – Beginner to Intermediate
Santiago Oaks – Beginner to Advanced
Are there any places I can rent bikes for daily use?
We are not aware of any places that rent bikes for daily use.
I haven't biked in six months, but I'm an expert rider, which ride should I sign up for?
A moderate ride is recommended for someone who has not biked in that long of a period.
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