Where the wild things are.

Protecting and supporting the incredible bounty of Southern California’s precious plants and animals is why the Nature Reserve of Orange County exists.

Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve Bird Watching — Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve

One of the best things about experiencing the Reserve is understanding that we’re just visitors in these wild and open spaces.

Every single park in the NROC is a showcase of Mother Nature’s best work. And all of these immersive open spaces are just minutes from civilization. Even more impressive? They’re permanently protected, giving the plants and animals here the best possible chance to thrive. They also allow us to experience the wonder of wildlife—the Reserve is teeming with it.

Keep your eyes peeled for desert cottontail rabbits hopping across trails and Western burrowing owls making homes in the ground. You might catch the white rump of a mule deer bounding through the brush or hear the snore-like sounds of Western spadefoot toads. California gnatcatchers are the small, rare songbirds that make their home in the coastal sagebrush, and their endangered status is one of the reasons the Reserve was established. You’ll find cheerful matilija poppies among the chaparral, likely buzzing with Crotch’s bumble bees. Mountain lions roam the less populated areas of the Reserve, and orange-throated whiptails skitter across the sandy soil.

Spend any amount of time on these extraordinary lands, and you’ll get an innate understanding of nature’s remarkable interconnectedness. It’s one of the Reserve’s greatest rewards, and we’d bet you’ll be forever changed by the experience.

Discover Hidden Trails with a Guided Docent

Know before you go

Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.

See how wild Orange County really is! You can spot creatures great and small at every single park.

Got questions? We have answers.

: Every trail in the Nature Reserve of Orange County offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and the native plants and wildlife that make their home here. On the trails within the Coastal Reserve—which includes Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Crystal Cove State Park, and Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve and Nature Preserve—you might see mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, multiple types of reptiles, and birds of prey, among other species. The trails within the Central Reserve—like the Irvine Ranch Open Space—provide similar wildlife viewing opportunities, with the possibility of observing an even greater diversity of species since there are fewer humans exploring here, and less development nearby.
: The wildlife you encounter will depend on the time and location of your NROC experience, but you’ll likely see many types of birds and reptiles. You might catch amphibians, mule deer, coyotes, and desert cottontails. The most common plants are those of the coastal sage scrub palette, which includes California sagebrush, California buckwheat, coyote brush, black, purple, or white sage, deerweed, and sticky monkeyflower. Explore our wildlife to see what other plants and animals you might encounter.
: The NROC has something for everyone, and you can use our site to embark on just the right adventure. Go here to plan your visit, find your perfect park here, or explore the different activities you can do at the Reserve here.
: Most wildlife you’ll encounter at the Nature Reserve of Orange County will not pose a threat to your safety. If you encounter an animal on a trail, stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Simply appreciate the moment and do your best not to interfere—refrain from approaching the animal and definitely do not offer it any food. Allow an escape route for the animal and speak calmly or clap softly if the animal has not noticed you.

Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance. When you spot mule deer, stay quiet and give them lots of space, especially if fawns are present.
: The trails on land near the coast, which includes Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and Crystal Cove State Park, are the most popular for both hikers and mountain bikers. These trails are most crowded on weekends and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Be Prepared

Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Learn More

Know Before You Go

Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises. Learn More

Leave It as You Find It

Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind. Learn More

Keep Wildlife Wild

You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs. Learn More