• El Modena Open Space - Begin your journey from a neighborhood in East Orange and embark on an exciting adventure to a hidden gem of biological diversity, offering breathtaking views of Orange and Los Angeles County! Tackle a steep, rocky climb over lichen-covered and cactus-strewn basalt, where the local tribe crafted mortar and cogged stones for millennia. Discover a vibrant array of wildflowers in the spring. Identify edible, medicinal, and material plants. Look for unique wildlife, including roadrunners, quail, cactus wrens, CA gnatcatchers, eagles, harriers, lizards, snakes, coyotes, and more. At the highest point on a clear day, enjoy 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 a full meal to enjoy at the highest point. NOT RECOMMENDED FOR THOSE WITH MEDICAL OR MOBILITY ISSUES.
• Oak Canyon Nature Center - Join Barefoot Joel, a professional naturalist, and explore 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. You might encounter quail, roadrunners, whiptail lizards, frogs, wood ducks, and other fascinating wildlife! Minimal elevation gain. Wear layered clothing and sun protection. Carry water and snacks. Approximately a mile round-trip. Fun for the whole family!
• Black Star Canyon Trail - Accompany Barefoot Joel, a professional naturalist, on a nocturnal exploration through a mysterious canyon reputed to be one of the most haunted places in Orange County. As night 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 this wild sanctuary over the past 250 years. Stop frequently to observe, identify, and appreciate the surroundings. At the turnaround point, turn off flashlights, 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 minimal 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!
• Black Star Canyon Trail - Join Barefoot Joel on a challenging 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 and 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, discover a picturesque waterfall that carves out a sandstone cliff and emerges from the mouth of a cave. Many encounters with poison oak. Bring a lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Prepare to get 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 the pace and capability of the group. Rough terrain; loose rocks; fallen trees; multiple creek crossings; deep rock pools. Not recommended for those with medical or mobility issues.
• Maple Springs Trailhead - Join Barefoot Joel, a 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 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 OWN 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 beverages to enjoy along the way.
• Maple Springs Trailhead - Follow Barefoot Joel, a 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.
• Black Walnut Trail - Join Barefoot Joel, a 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 this world-renowned biological diversity hotspot. 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.
• Sycamore Canyon Trailhead - Join 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 of 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 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.
• 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 await. 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.
• Crystal Cove State Park - Join Barefoot Joel, a professional naturalist, on a 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 a steep path to and from the beach. Carry plenty of water and a picnic meal to enjoy along the way. Wear sun protection and/or layered clothing depending on expected weather conditions. Fun for the whole family.
• Bolsa Chica Conservancy - Join Barefoot Joel, a 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.
• 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 are welcome!
• IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary - Join Barefoot Joel, a 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.
• Santiago Creek Wildlife & Watershed Center, Santiago Park - Join Barefoot Joel, a 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 teamwork. Easy walk. 1-2 miles round-trip with mostly flat terrain, except for creek crossings. Mix of sun and shade. Bring a foraging basket, pruning shears, pocket knife, and a full meal to enjoy along the way.

• Expert naturalist guides

• Lunch

Join Barefoot Joel, a seasoned naturalist guide, for enjoyable and enlightening walking hikes around some of the most biologically rich areas near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. Opt for relaxing 1-3 hour tours (all ages), intermediate 3-4 hour excursions (tweens upwards) or challenging full-day expeditions (18 years and over). You may have the chance to forage, bird watch, observe wildlife, go barefoot, or scramble rocks. Explore waterfalls, canyons, sea caves, lofty peaks, forests, mountain woods, coastal cliffs, and tidal pools within an hour’s reach of the major theme parks and hotels. Marvel at the seasonal flora, stone formations and sweeping vistas. Look out for deer, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, reptiles, birds, butterflies, and other exceptional wildlife. Discover why Southern California is famed for its natural splendor.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.