City of Anaheim - Oak Canyon Nature Center

Welcome to Oak Canyon Nature Center

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre natural park nestled in the Anaheim Hills. A year-round stream meanders through the park. Consisting of three adjoining canyons, four miles of hiking trails traverse one of the few remaining areas of oak woodland and coastal sage scrub in our region. Native wildlife makes the canyon their home and is just waiting to be discovered. Also located on site is the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a small museum with live animal and regional natural history exhibits.

The Nature Center is ideal for those who are just stepping into the wilderness for the first time or for those more experienced trekkers who are seeking a short hike.

Oak Canyon Nature Center - Trail Information and Map

Hours of Operation

Park grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset, seven days a week
The Interpretive Center is open Saturdays, 10:00am-4:00pm.
Parking lot gates lock at 5:00pm

The Oak Canyon Nature Center grounds and trails are closed to the public when Red Flag Warnings and Flash Flood Warnings are issued for our area. Trails may also be closed due to heavy rain or high winds. It is recommended that you call (714)998-8380 during these times for current information.

Entrance and Parking Fees

There is no fee required to enter or park at the nature center. However, a $2.00 donation is greatly appreciated!

Groups and Self-Guided Tours

Groups and classes must have reservations. Guided group tour information and packages can be found here . Please call at (714)998-8380 for more information.

Geocaching and Nature Scene Investigators

Geocaching is a family-friendly, free, real-world outdoor treasure hunt. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using a smartphone or GPS. Oak Canyon Nature Center is home to four geocaches and the surrounding area home to approximately ten geocaches. For more information on geocaching and for coordinates of the caches, visit www.geocaching.com. Please note: All geocaches are accessible by remaining on marked trails. Geocaches inside park boundaries must be approved by park staff. Please contact park staff at (714) 998-8380 should you wish to add a new geocache.

Nature Scene Investigators (NSI) is a clue-based outdoor program developed through a partnership with the Orange County Department of Education. NSI is designed to have self-guided activities that make it fun and easy for families to enjoy Orange County’s outdoor spaces and showcase the diverse natural and cultural resources in the area. Using the NSI guidebook, families will chose a Mission (park) and then begin investigation of the area. A series of clues highlighting interesting facts about the park lead families to a final clue (a rubbing plate and code on a kiosk or post) which will answer the question posed as part of the Operation. Oak Canyon Nature Center is one of the NSI missions. Guidebooks can be picked up free of charge in the Interpretive Center during normal operating hours. For more information on NSI, please visit http://www.getoutdoorsoc.com/nsi.php.

Park Regulations

The Oak Canyon Nature Center has established operational guidelines which are designed to promote the conservation of the Nature Center's wildlife resources, as well as for the benefit and protection of park visitors. The guidelines include:

No pets, dogs, or horses

No collecting of natural objects

No bicycles or skateboards

No smoking, cooking, or flame of any kind

No alcohol

Picnicking is welcome in our picnic area only. Picnicking is prohibited inside the park

Stay on marked trails. Do not approach the stream or take shortcuts

“Take only memories, leave only footprints”

Photography and Filming

All photography or filming of persons on Nature Center grounds, trails, or parking lot requires a permit. This includes engagement pictures, maternity pictures, headshots, family pictures, and student films. Requests for permits should be made ten (10) days in advance to Program Specialist Eric Ey at (714) 998-8380 or eey@anaheim.net. Please see the attached information sheet for regulations and fees.

Looking for the perfect place to hold your next wedding, gala, or special event? Imagine welcoming your guests under the canopy of majestic coast live oaks, where natural elements and sophistication culminate to create pure bliss. Enjoy the sounds of the babbling brook throughout your event, as the birds sing and the wind whispers through the trees. Come and unlock all of the secrets that the Oak Canyon Nature Center has to offer…

Wedding Package
Ceremonies Only

Anaheim Resident: $610.00 ♦ Non-Residents: $670.00
Available: Two times per day, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. or 2:00 p.m.– 6:00 p.m.
Includes: Four hour rental of the amphitheatre, use of our state-of-the-art sound system, two-hour rehearsal, indoor restrooms, and seating for up to 225 guests.

A security/damage deposit of $125.00 is required in addition to the full payment of the fee above in order to reserve your date. Receptions cannot be booked at the Nature Center. We apologize for the inconvenience

We accept and check

Wedding Resources

Facility Rental Regulations- Click to open
Sound System Information- Click to open
Nearby Reception Venues and Overnight Accommodations- Click to open

Donation

Why a $2.00 Entrance Donation?

Your donation goes directly to the Oak Canyon Nature Center, allowing us to fund various projects throughout the park, including habitat restoration, trail improvements, museum exhibits, and more. Donations are tax deductible, and larger donations can be arranged through our office at (714)998-8380. Thank you for your support!

Sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Nature Center? Contact us at (714) 998-8380 or ocnc@anaheim.net!

Donate Now

Both monetary and in-kind donations are welcomed by the nature center. Please email ocnc@anaheim.net or call (714) 998-8380 to donate.

Birthday Parties

Explore and discover the Oak Canyon Nature Center like never before through an exciting Birthday Safari! Ages 4-12 will enjoy 2 hours of action-packed fun, including:

♦ A naturalist led hike
♦ Your choice of safari-themed craft
♦ Museum visit
♦ Special time for refreshments and gifts
♦ Live animal encounter with up close and personal interaction.

A “base camp” with tables and chairs will be set up for your party next to the Interpretive Center, overlooking the stream. At the end of their safari, children will receive an “explorer pack” filled with goodies and trinkets as a souvenir.

Safari Pricing: $240.00 for up to 15 participants
Additional participants:$12.00 per child

Programs, Events, & Tours

Nature Nights | Cinema Under the Stars | Discover Nature Saturday Program | Tours

Nature Nights

Each evening begins with a free craft and twilight walk at 7:00pm led by our staff naturalists, followed by a formal presentation at 7:30pm. Admission is free, but a $5.00 donation per family is suggested. Groups are welcome to attend. No reservations needed!

Wednesday, June 26
Wednesday, July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31
Wednesday, August 7, & 14

Fee:$5.00 donation/ family

“Cinema Under the Stars” Movie Nights

COME SEE A MOVIE AT OAK CANYON NATURE CENTER! Each evening begins in the amphitheatre with a twilight walk at 7:30pm led by our staff naturalists, followed by our feature presentation at 8:00pm. Blankets or jackets are suggested. Admission is free, but a $5.00 donation per family is suggested. And what would a movie be without the snacks? Visit the Oak Canyon Snack Bar during your movie to get all your movie favorites, including: popcorn, candy, water, and more! All proceeds go directly to the Nature Center. Movies are as follows:

Friday, 7/19: Over the Hedge
Friday, 7/26: Madagascar
Friday, 8/2: Hoot

Fee: $5.00 donation/ family

Discover Nature Saturday Programs

Come join us Saturday mornings for an hour long, naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon and live animal demonstration themed to the Canyon’s plants, animals, history, ecology, and more! Pre-registration is not required, although large groups must contact the nature center before hand to make reservations.

Fee: $5.00 donation/ family

Group and School Tours

Looking for a great place to take your class, scout group, or other organization to delve deep into the natural world? Come to Oak Canyon Nature Center for a Group Tour! Each tour is led by a professional staff naturalist. Tours are 1.5 hours and include a nature hike, museum visit, and live animal demonstration.

A minimum of 20 children is required to reserve your spot, and there must be a ratio of 1 adult for every 10 children. Tours are available by reservation only, and are dependent upon staff availability. Please call the Nature Center at (714) 998-8380 to enquire about availability and reserve your spot.

Fee: $6.00 per participant
$4.00 per adult
Teachers and Instructors are FREE

O.A.K.S. Day Camp

Attention all 5 to 12 year olds! If you love to explore and discover nature, this program is for you! Each of these fun and challenging camp sessions will develop your outdoor awareness, knowledge, and skills. Not long ago, existence depended on the ability to live harmoniously with the plant and animal resources in the local environment. Hanta Yo! At O.A.K.S. Summer Day Camp, participants are introduced to Native American lifestyles through various program components. Each session will focus on a special nature topic and will include trail walks, art, nature, games, and Native American traditions. Don’t miss this exciting experience!. Sessions run Monday through Friday, 9:00am- 1:00pm. Parents are invited to join us at 12:30 on Fridays for our “Pow Wow,” where participants will showcase what they learned throughout the week.

Week 1	#34553	6/17-6/21	Call of the Wild
Discover the secrets of nature and wilderness survival! $85.00
Week 2	#34554	6/24-6/28	Ancient Adventures
Roam the land of the dinosaurs! $85.00
Week 3	#34555	7/1-7/5	Awesome Amphibians
Explore the life of frogs & toads. No camp on July 4th! $68.00
Week 4	#34556	7/8-7/12	Under the Sea
Dive deep to investigate the ocean floor. $85.00
Week 5	#34557	7/15-7/19	Reptile Round-Up
Slither with snakes & lizards throughout the week! $85.00
Week 6	#34558	7/22-7/26	On Silent Wings
Catch sight of our feathered friends in the canyon. $85.00
Week 7	#34559	7/29-8/2	Space Exploration
Reach out to worlds beyond our solar system. $85.00
Week 8	#34560	8/5-8/9	Mammal Mania
Track bobcats, coyotes, and other mammals. $85.00
Week 9	#34561	8/12-8/16	Incredible Insects
Dig into the astonishing world of bugs! $85.00

Click Here to Register Now

View/ Download Flyer

View/ Download Waiver and Required Camp Information

Photo Gallery

O.A.K.S. Day Camp 2011

Click to view all pictures

Weddings and Facility Rentals

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Phone: (714)998-8380

Email: ocnc@anaheim.net

Site Address:
6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd.
Anaheim, CA 92807

Mailing Address:
Oak Canyon Nature Center
200 S. Anaheim Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
Suite #433

Directions

The Oak Canyon Nature Center is located in the heart of Anaheim Hills, adjacent to the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. For step-by-step directions from any location, please click here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Roots N' Shoots

Like nature? Need community service hours? Grab your jeans and head down to OCNC! Come join us for 1.5 hours a week as we maintain trails and keep Oak Canyon looking good! Possible activities include: trail clearing, stream maintenance, non-native plant removal, and habitat restoration. All work materials provided.

When: Saturdays, 1:00-2:30
Ages: 12 & up
Bring: A good attitude, any forms you need filled out, and a guardian to sign waiver.

O.A.K.S. Day Camp

Oak Canyon Nature Center strives to provide quality programming to the community. Under close supervision, volunteers, ages 12-17, are needed to help supervise children ages 5-12 participating in day camp activities, in addition to assisting staff in instruction and preparation. To volunteer, you must go through an orientation process, which includes fingerprinting and criminal background check.

VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT FOR THE 2013 SUMMER SEASON HAS NOW ENDED AND ALL POSITIONS HAVE BEEN FILLED. PLEASE CHECK BACK IN MARCH/ APRIL FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2014 CAMP SEASON

For more information on the VolunTEEN program, please contact Senior Program Specialist Denise Durkin at (714) 998-8380 or ddurkin@anaheim.net.

Eagle Scout Projects

A limited number of Eagle Scout projects may be available at Oak Canyon Nature Center. For more information, please contact Program Specialist Eric Ey at (714) 998-8380 or eey@anaheim.net

Are you an artist? Photographer? Contractor? If you have a unique skill or talent and would like to volunteer, a specialized project may be available. Please contact Eric Ey at eey@anaheim.net for more details.