Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist guide, on fun and educational walking and hiking tours through some of the most biologically diverse places near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Choose from easy 1-3 hour experiences (all ages), 3-4 hour moderate experiences (tweens and up) and strenuous all-day adventures (18 and up). Activities may include foraging, birding, wildlife viewing, barefooting and rock scrambling. Visit waterfalls, canyons, sea caves, high peaks, woodlands, mountain forests, coastal bluffs and tide pools located within an hour's drive of the major theme parks and hotels. Appreciate seasonal wildflowers, rocky outcrops and panoramic views. Search for deer, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, lizards, snakes, birds, butterflies and other unique wildlife. See why Southern California is considered one of the best places to explore the natural world.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Knowledgeable naturalist guides.
✖ Lunch
Departure & Return
Departure:
N Cannon St & E Patria Ct, Orange, CA 92869, USA
Residential parking area for the El Modena Open Space. Park on the street along Patria Ct.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
El Modena Open Space
Embark from a neighborhood in East Orange on a surprising adventure up to a hidden gem of biological diversity featuring panoramic views of Orange and Los Angeles County! Navigate a steep, rocky ascent of lichen encrusted and cactus laden basalt where the local tribe made mortar and cogged stones for thousands of years. Identify a rich tapestry of wildflowers in the spring time. Identify edible, medicinal and material plants. Search for unique wildlife, including roadrunner, quail, cactus wren, CA gnatcatcher, eagle, harrier, lizard, snake, coyote and more. At the highest point on a clear day, marvel at views of Catalina Island, Los Angeles Civic Center, Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, San Gabriel Mountains, Santa Ana Mountains and Palos Verdes Peninsula. UNEVEN TERRAIN, FULL SUN EXPOSURE, FEW HUNDRED FEET OF ELEVATION GAIN. Bring water, weather protection and snacks or full meal to enjoy at the highest point. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE MEDICAL OR MOBILITY ISSUES.
Duration: 3 hours
2
Oak Canyon Nature Center
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, and wander an easy loop trail through a shady oak woodland, past a flowing creek and across a narrow single-track along a sun-exposed expanse of aromatic sage scrub. Stop frequently to observe, identify and appreciate plants and wildlife. Chance of encountering quail, roadrunners, whiptail lizards, frogs, wood ducks and other cool wildlife! Minimal elevation gain. Wear layered clothing and sun protection. Carry water and snacks. Roughly a mile round-trip. Fun for the whole family!
Duration: 2 hours
3
Black Star Canyon Trail
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, on a nocturnal exploration through a creepy canyon that is said to be one of the most haunted places in Orange County. As darkness falls, listen and look for strange and mysterious creatures, including owls, bats, tarantulas, trapdoor spiders, scorpions, glowworms, toads, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, deer and mountain lions. Hear stories of historical figures, Indigenous people and grizzly bears who roamed the wild sanctuary over the past 250 years. Stop frequently to observe, identify appreciate surroundings. At the turnaround point, turn flashlights off, sit in silence and wait in total darkness for curious and unexpected things to happen. An easy 3 mile round-trip journey on a wide dirt trail with minimum elevation gain and fairly smooth terrain, except for a few gullies and potholes. Carry snacks and beverages to enjoy along the way. Fun for the whole family!
Duration: 3 hours
4
Black Star Canyon Trail
Join Barefoot Joel on a strenuous 7-mile round-trip adventure up a flowing creek into a riparian (streamside) forest where rock pools and a waterfall await. Stop frequently to identify plants, wild edibles. Search for rare and sensitive riparian wildlife along the way, including newts, frogs and snakes, and learn about their fascinating adaptations. Splash through the creek. Scramble over boulders. At the furthest point, lies a picturesque waterfall that carves out a sandstone cliff and comes out the mouth of a cave. Many encounters with poison oak. Bring a lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Prepare to be soaking wet. Difficulty: Strenuous. Up and back. Roughly 7 miles round-trip, but feels like more. Follow a formal trail for 2.5 miles and then follow the creek to the waterfall. End time depends on pace and capability of group. Rough terrain; loose rocks; fallen trees; multiple creek crossings; deep rock pools. Not recommended for those with medical or mobility issues.
Duration: 6 hours
5
Maple Springs Trailhead
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, on an introductory nature walk focusing on the edible, medicinal and material gifts of plants and mushrooms. This is a learning exploration with frequent stops to observe and identify various species by using our senses. Observations will be discussed within the context of health, Indigenous life ways (ethnobotany), sustainability (restoring urban landscapes) and ethics. This experience is an opportunity to cultivate a more meaningful and memorable relationship with our natural community. There may be chances of tasting, touching and smelling. CONSUME AT YOUR RISK. This easy "up-and-back" walk is roughly 1-3 miles round-trip (depending on pace, interest, capability and time constraints) with minimal elevation gain, a gradual ascent, pavement and dirt trail, uneven terrain, creek access and a mix of sun and shade. Carry food and beverage to appreciate along the way.
Duration: 2 hours
6
Maple Springs Trailhead
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, to a virtually unexplored section of Silverado Canyon reminiscent of Big Sur. Pass through a TOWERING FOREST OF BIG CONE DOUGLAS-FIR, BIG LEAF MAPLE, CANYON LIVE OAK, AND CALIFORNIA BAY LAUREL. Scramble over boulders and giant fallen tree bridges. Crawl through low branches and scraggly shrubs. Chance of mass ladybird beetle congregation and Humboldt lily blooms! Identify wildflowers and wild edibles. Moderate to strenuous bushwhacking. 2-3 miles round-trip. Gradual elevation gain, lots of poison oak, no formal trail, rock scrambling, rough terrain. Prepare to get feet wet. Bring plenty of water and food. Not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those with mobility or medical issues.
Duration: 4 hours
7
Black Walnut Trail
Follow barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, and explore the iconic rolling foothills of Southern California featuring shady oak and walnut woodland, fragrant sage scrub and open grassland plant communities. Stop frequently to observe, identify and appreciate a diversity of plants, trees and wildlife. Chance of observing deer, local birds, butterflies, lizards and snakes. Learn about the unique wildlife adaptations and habitats that support world-renowned biological diversity hot spot. Discuss the traditional life ways of indigenous people. Mix of sun and shade with some elevation gain. 1-3 miles round-trip. Fun for the whole family. Soft powdery trail is excellent for bare feet.
Duration: 3 hours
8
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead
Follow Barefoot Joel on a stimulating journey through a vibrant canyon adjacent to Rose Hills Memorial Cemetery featuring a flowing creek, steep cliffs, prickly pear cactus groves, shady oak woodland and wild grapevines reaching to the tops of the sycamore trees. Stop frequently to observe, appreciate and identify a diversity wildlife and plants, including edible, medicinal and material plants. Chances of encountering mule deer, coastal cactus wren and California gnatcatcher. We'll spend time listening in silence. Bring a plenty of water (2 liters), layered clothing and sun protection. Carry lunch to enjoy at the halfway point. 3.3 mile up-and-back dirt trail with uneven terrain. Roughly 311 feet of elevation gain. Mix of full sun and some shade.
Duration: 3 hours
9
Harding Truck Trailhead
A professional naturalist guide will meet you at Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary Parking lot and guide you into a remote wilderness tucked away in the Santa Ana Mountains where a flowing creek, waterfall, rock pools and rugged landscape awaits. Stop frequently to identify plants, including wild edibles, and wildlife. Learn about the cultural history. Cross the flowing creek multiple times, navigate fallen logs, scramble over boulders and appreciate the breathtaking scenery. 8 miles round-trip. Rough terrain. Lots of poison oak. Chance of encountering snakes. Mix of sun and shade. Strenuous. Not recommended for those with mobility or medical issues.
Duration: 8 hours
10
Crystal Cove State Park
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, on coastal jaunt to one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Southern California. Navigate the coastal sage scrub past lemonadeberry with a chance of observing roadrunners, quail and coyotes. Stop frequently to observe and identify plants and wildlife. Venture down the rugged sandstone bluffs to a secluded beach where an amazing sea cave awaits curious adventurers at low tide. Explore the tide pools for a diversity of creatures, including crabs and octopus. Harbor seals and dolphins may appear. Stroll along the beach. Optional swim under favorable conditions. Full sun exposure. Roughly 2 miles round-trip. Minimal elevation gain, except for steep path to and from the beach. Carry plenty of water and picnic meal to enjoy along the way. Wear sun protection and/or layered clothing depending on expected weather conditions. Fun for the whole family.
Duration: 3 hours
11
Bolsa Chica Conservancy
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, on a slow and easy birding walk at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Stop frequently to identify birds, other wildlife and plants. Practice birding by ear. Carry binoculars and bird field guides. Full sun exposure. Minimal elevation gain. Flat trail. 1-2 miles round-trip.
Duration: 3 hours
12
West Coyote Hills Nature Park
Join Barefoot Joel on an immersive observational journey to cultivate a deeper relationship with our bird community. This is an easy walk at a relaxed pace with frequent stops to allow for memorable and fulfilling bird encounters. During extended periods of stillness and silence, we'll patiently watch and listen as birds interact with each other and their environment. We'll try to match the songs, calls and conversations with any birds who reveal themselves. Learn how to identify birds based on their physical characteristics, behaviors, preferred plant communities and landmarks. Mix of sun and shade. Roughly 2 miles round-trip. The lake features level terrain and the preserve features an uneven dirt hill with a gradual ascent that is a few hundred feet of elevation gain. Bring binoculars, if you have them. Some extra pairs will be shared. Carry plenty of food and water to enjoy along the way. Field journals, cameras and spotting scopes are also encouraged. All our welcome!
Duration: 3 hours
13
IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
Follow Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist, on an easy walk around a series of wetlands where a diversity of birds and other wildlife congregate. Stop frequently to observe, appreciate and identify wildlife and plants. Chance of seeing fall migrants. Bring binoculars. Fun for the whole family! Roughly 2-miles round-trip with no elevation gain. Mostly full sun exposure with some shade. Carry water and snacks.
Duration: 3 hours
14
Santiago Creek Wildlife & Watershed Center, Santiago Park
Join Barefoot Joel, professional naturalist and wild forager, in an outdoor classroom experience designed for families with children of all ages. We'll make frequent stops and encourage everyone to use their senses to interact with each organism, so they can cultivate relationships with the plants and learn about their edible, medicinal and material gifts. We'll navigate through a mix of sage scrub, grassland and oak woodland and identify the plants and fungi that relate to these communities. There's a possibility of picking plants and fungi, depending on availability. EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK. This fun and challenging activity will require some patience, an attention span and team work. Easy walk. 1-2 miles round-trip with mostly flat terrain, except for creek crossings. Mix of sun and shade. Bring foraging basket, pruning shears, pocket knife and full meal to enjoy along the way.
Duration: 2 hours
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
