Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park...

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: Nature Discovery Talks. Learn about the

canyons' history, plants, animals and trails. Meet at noon in front

of the Natural History Museum at the entrance to the Park. Join the

30-minute talks held on the second and fourth Saturday, July 12 and

July 26. Opportunities for special hiking programs can be arranged by

calling Ranger Carroll at (949) 923-2299.

The Orange County Natural History Museum is located at the Park

entrance, open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.crystalcove

statepark.com

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

bicycling and equestrian use. The park includes backcountry, bluff

top and beach areas with access at different points. Parking $5. Dogs

are allowed only on paved paths above the beach.

Special Activities: Every weekend at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday

join docent-led backcountry hikes. Hikes are three to five miles and

last about two hours. Be sure to bring water and wear hiking boots.

Meet at El Moro Visitors Center (Coast Highway, School-State Park

stoplight).

On Saturday explore coastal marine life with a Tide pool Walk at 9

am. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot No. 2 (Newport Coast Entrance).

Enjoy a Historic District Cottage tour on Saturday, July 12 at 10

a.m. Meet at the Los Trancos parking lot by the trailer. Also on

Saturday, July 12 join a full moon backcountry hike led by nocturnal

animal expert Stephanie Remington. Reservations are required as space

is limited.

On July 16, something new, a Stroller Strut with Park Interpreter

Winter Bonnin at 10 a.m. Yes, just as it sounds for the stroller,

kids and mom. Meet at the Pelican Point parking lot No. 2 (Newport

Cost Entrance).

On July 19, Rick Behl conducts an informative slide show followed

by a sunset geology walk along the beach. Meet at 6 p.m. at the

Historic District Visitor Center. Park across the street at Los

Trancos.

El Moro Visitors Center is open Tuesday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1

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