Nature Hikes

Whitewater Preserve near Morongo on the way to Palm Springs is an oasis in the midst of an unforgiving desert.

Over 12 Aliso Viejo parks with playgrounds plus suggestions for hiking trails and nature experiences in the area. All family-friendly.

A family guide to the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District via the Los Trancos parking lot. Ways to get to the beach on foot and by car.

Sycamore Canyon Park in Diamond Bar is about 10 miles up the 57 freeway from north Orange County. A sprawling accessible play structure takes you down into the gorgeous canyon …

Places to go in OC with green hills for family hikes — or even just simple nature walks for views during California winters (Dec-Mar).

7 places to see redwoods in Orange County with the 7th spot just outside OC. Take a mini-tour of the redwood groves and learn highlights!

Oso Creek Trail in Mission Viejo is outside the Norman P. Murray Community Center. It’s perfect for family walks near an awesome playground.

Caspers Wilderness Park’s playground off Ortega Highway outside San Juan Capistrano has gorgeous views and an old-fashioned teeter-totter.

Oak Glen Preserve hiking trail is called the Children’s Nature Trail inside The Wildlands Conservancy. It gets better every year!

Learn how to spot poison oak. It grows all over Southern California. Here’s brief tutorial and photo guide so you can identify and avoid it.