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.

Ages: 12 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 Nature Reserve on a guided hike along Gato Road. See late blooming wildflowers and a 500 year-old oak tree. This 2.25 mile guided hike will travel through oak woodland, grasslands and coastal sage scrub ecosystems.

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

Please note: participants must be registered by May 30 at 4:00pm

Join us for  summer night hike under the light of a blue moon as we explore Verdugo Canyon at night.  Learn about what makes a blue moon unusual and what other rarities can be found on The Nature Reserve.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Ages: 10 and up

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Saturday, May 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.

Explore the North Ridge and Shady Canyon trails! Hike along North Ridge trail while taking in sweeping views of the Nature Reserve and the expansive open space of the Ranch lands beyond, before heading back through the oaks and grasslands of Shady Canyon.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Moderate. 2 mph pace.
Trail Type and Length: Single track. 2 miles.

Ages: 8 and up

Participants must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on June 5.

Get ready for summer during a morning of adventure at the Casting Pond. Create an upcycled boat, learn to use a compass and meet a live sun-loving animal.

Interpretation Level: Medium
Difficulty Level: Easy
Ages: All

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, June 5th. Spaces are limited. Please register all attendees, adults and children.

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.

Interested in making an impact in your community, meeting new people, and spending time in nature? Take the first step to become an official Nature Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Nature Reserve's philosophy and mission, as well as how you can help preserve Nature Reserve lands through conservation and education. 

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

California is home to many different animals from the mountains to the desert to the ocean. Meet live animals, make animal-themed crafts, and explore cool critters on outdoor adventures!

Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.

Dates:  June 15 - June 18, 2026
Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11

On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Campout & The Pavilion playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.

For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.

Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 14.

Join Rosy the snake and Buckwheat the tortoise for a fun morning at The Nature House. We'll be reading a nature-themed book, playing games, and exploring the Nature House at Ranch Camp.

Ages: All (Recommended 3-5) w/accompanying adult

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 early morning hike along the valley floor of Chiquita Canyon. This hike will take place along an old ranch road which runs along the canyon floor. Take in views of Chiquita Ridge above and Ranch agriculture along the way.

Interpretation Level: Low
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Trail Length: 6 miles (3 miles each way)
Ages: 12 and up

Celebrate the Solstice with a sunset hike on The Reserve. Surround yourself in nature and watch the sunset.

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

Please note: participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 20.

Use your imagination to design, create, and build projects to help wildlife. Let nature inspire your designs as we look at how plants and animals survive and thrive in their environments.

Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.

Dates: June 22 - June 25, 2026
Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11

On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at The Hangout & The Backyard playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.

For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.

Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 21.

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.

Get ready for outdoor adventures on the trail! Build shelters, bake a treat in your own solar oven and practice kid-friendly wilderness safety.

Campers embark on daily nature adventures as they explore trails, outdoor play areas, trees, and more! Each week features our live animal ambassadors. Camp topics are reinforced through games, art projects, and hands-on activities. In addition to scheduled activities, campers are given supervised free time to experience nature on their own.

Dates: June 29 - July 2, 2026
Time:  9:00 am - 2:00 pm (Drop off begins 8:30 am)
Ages: 6-11

On Thursday only, camp will be held offsite at Ranch Camp and Boulder Pond playground in Rancho Mission Viejo.

For a discounted price on a week of camp, become an annual Nature Reserve Family Supporter and enjoy benefits such as free and reduced costs to our Events all year long! Visit our Donate page to learn more.

Please read our Summer Day Camp Cancellation & Refund Policy.

Campers must be registered or on the waitlist by 4:00 pm on Sunday, June 28.

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.

Interested in making an impact in your community, meeting new people, and spending time in nature? Take the first step to become an official Nature Reserve Volunteer. Learn about The Nature Reserve's philosophy and mission, as well as how you can help preserve Nature Reserve lands through conservation and education.

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.

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

Spend the morning with our reptile animal ambassadors, Rosy the snake and Buckwheat the Desert tortoise. Explore the differences between scutes and scales and make a reptile craft.   

Camouflage, warning, or just pretending, animals use colors in so many ways! Meet live animals and explore hands-on activities to see how animals’ colors help them in their habitat.

The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities, crafts and live animals. Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. Please sign-in upon arrival.  Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.

The program activities are geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

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.

Join us at The Nature House at Ranch Camp in Rancho Mission Viejo for Hiking 101! We'll start by learning about the "Ten Essentials" you should have when hiking, trail tips, and make a minimalist first aid kit! Then head out on a guided hike along the trails around Ranch Camp, to learn more about the local plants and animals.

Interpretation Level: High | Difficulty Level: Easy - Moderate | Trail Length: 1.7 miles | Ages: 6 and up

Get artistic outdoors! Make sand art, sun prints, and watercolor creations.

Ages: All

Participants must be registered or on the wait list by 4:00 pm on Friday, July 24th.

Nature buddies are all around us as woodpeckers gather acorns and butterflies visit flowers. Spend a morning being a nature buddy to understand how nature works together!

The program is open house style with self-guided and naturalist-guided hands-on activities, crafts and live animals. Registration not required, walk-ins welcome. Please sign-in upon arrival.  Please arrive within 30 minutes of program start time to enjoy all of the activities. Program activities will end promptly at the event end time.

The program activities are geared for children ages 4 and up. All children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

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.