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.
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
- Picnicing is welcome in our picnic area only. Picnicing 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
A permit is required for photography and filming inside the nature center. Please click here for our photography regulations. Questions? Contact Eric Ey, Program Specialist, at eey@anaheim.net or (714)998-8380.
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…
All available dates in 2012 are currently reserved. Reservations for 2013 will begin to be taken on July 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. We apologize for the inconvenience
Wedding Packages
Package 1: Wedding Ceremony
Anaheim Resident: $610.00 ♦ Non-Residents: $670.00
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.
Package 2: Wedding Ceremony & Reception (without alcohol)
Anaheim Resident: $1010.00 ♦ Non-Residents: $1110.00
Includes: Eight hour rental of the amphitheatre and reception deck, use of our state-of-the-art sound system, two-hour rehearsal, indoor restrooms, and seating for up to 225 guests.
Package 3: Wedding Ceremony & Reception (with alcohol)
Anaheim Resident: $1386.00 ♦ Non-Residents: $1486.00
Includes: Eight hour rental of the amphitheatre and reception deck, permits to serve alcohol (beer and wine only), use of our state-of-the-art sound system, two-hour rehearsal, indoor restrooms, and seating for up to 225 guests.
*A refundable damage deposit for wedding package of $125.00 is required for Packages 1 and 2.
*A refundable damage deposit for wedding package of $250.00 is required for Package 3.
*Payment in full is required to hold the date and time of your event.
Extra Rental Items to make your event special.
Lighted Air Tubes- $25.00/ tube (Total of 4)
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
Become our first! Contact ocnc@anaheim.net to inquire about sponsorship opportunities”
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 Brigade
Celebrate at Oak Canyon Nature Center! Your party will enjoy a fun filled safari with a naturalist including: guided wilderness trail hike, discovery activities and games, museum visit, creative creature craft, live animal demonstration, special time for refreshments and gifts, party favor bags with safari surprises inside and special gift for the birthday guest. Each program is 2 hours long including refreshment time. Programs are held on Saturdays by reservation only and a deposit is required. Birthdays held on weekdays, Sundays, or Holidays are subject to staff availability and an additional fee of $30.00/hour. You bring refreshments, table covers, serving utensils and decorations (no balloons/ candles) and we supply the fun! The exact makeup of the program varies with the audience. Recommended for ages 4 and older. Call (714) 998-8380 for more information.
Fee: $12 per participant
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!
The 2012 Nature Nights schedule is as follows:
| 7/11 |
“Trapper” Dan Jundanian’s Insect Fair
Join us for an evening of fun, learning, and laughter. Dan Jundanian, a former longtime Oak Canyon Naturalist, returns for his annual Nature Night presentation. Enjoy an evening of insect education and fun as Dan displays some exciting insects from around the world. |
| 7/18 |
Reptiles from Around the World
Dr. Tom Greek will bring along an exciting collection of reptiles including local and exotic snakes, lizards, and much more. Learn about the lifestyles of these unique reptiles and enjoy an opportunity to see and touch these animals up close. |
| 7/25 |
Orange County Birds of Prey
Dr. Scott Weldy, Veterinarian and Director of the Orange County Birds of Prey Center, will share information on raptors and will bring a variety along for an audience “encounter.” |
| 8/1 |
Wonders of Wildlife
Cheryl & Irene Rendes from Wonders of Wildlife will share a variety of animals from the savannas of Africa to the tropical regions of South America. |
| 8/8 |
Our Solar System
Mike Beckage will introduce the challenging hobby of amateur astronomy through his breathtaking slide show. Then we will journey up the hill and view the night sky through telescopes aimed at the evening’s best features. |
| 8/11 |
Annual Flashlight Hike
While waiting for the sun to set, get an introduction to the “creatures of the night” then join Oak Canyon’s naturalists on a trek through the trails of the Nature Center. There will be several walks of varying abilities. Don’t forget your flashlight as we explore Oak Canyon at night! |
“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 recommended. 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, soda, and more! All proceeds go directly to the Nature Center. Movies are as follows:
7/13: Happy Feet 2
7/20: UP
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.
This year’s camp sessions are as follows. Click on the class number to register!
| Class # |
Dates |
Theme |
Fee |
| 31499 |
6/18-6/22 |
Decoding Nature Discover the secrets of nature! |
$105 |
| 31500 |
6/25-6/29 |
Ancient Adventures Roam the land with the dinosaurs |
$105 |
| 31501 |
7/2-7/6 |
Awesome Amphibians Explore the life of frogs & toads |
$84 |
| *No camp on July 4! |
| 31502 |
7/9-7/13 |
Incredible Insects Dive into the miniscule world of bugs! |
$105 |
| 31503 |
7/16-7/20 |
Reptile Round-Up Slither with snakes & lizards! |
$105 |
| 31504 |
7/23-7/27 |
On Silent Wings See our winged friends fly silently! |
$105 |
| 31505 |
7/30-8/3 |
Space Exploration Learn all about our solar system |
$105 |
| 31506 |
8/6-8/10 |
Mammal Mania Track bobcats, coyotes, & other mammals |
$105 |
| 31511 |
8/13-8/17 |
Totally Grosss Dissect owl pellets, examine scat, & more! |
$105 |
Photo Gallery
Contact Us
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.
All positions for the 2012 camp session have been filled. Please check back in March of 2013 for information regarding the 2013 camp session.
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.
