Spring Tours
Our annual Spring Tours will return in 2026!
Each spring, we offer a behind the “seeds” look at our environmental conservation sites. The tours are led by a restoration ecologist, ornithologist and wildlife biologist who have worked with The Toll Roads to restore these sites to their native habitat and preserve them for generations to come. These guided walks offer a glimpse into Orange County habitats that few have ever seen.
Ready to Explore?
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2025 tours of Bonita Creek and Upper Chiquita Canyon. While this year’s Spring Tours have officially wrapped, we’re already looking forward to welcoming you back in 2026! For questions regarding Spring Tours, please email Tours@TheTollRoads.com.
Bonita Creek
Newport Beach
May 3, 2025
8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
All ages (under 18, parent or guardian required)
Difficulty: Easy
The 21-acre Bonita Creek Channel in Newport Beach is the main wildlife link from Upper Newport Bay to the San Joaquin Hills. It was restored with construction of the 73 Toll Road from a narrow riprap lined ditch and underground culverts to a viable riparian habitat rich with wildlife. This easy, family friendly, two-hour guided walk will be primarily on a paved path and will include a walk along the Bonita and San Diego Creeks to a restored saltwater marsh. Bird watchers will see wetland and coastal sage scrub bird species and the walk will focus on plants and the methods used to restore the creek and riparian habitat. Closed-toe shoes, binoculars, sunscreen and a water bottle are highly recommended. The tour will be led by a restoration ecologist, ornithologist and wildlife biologist.
Upper Chiquita Canyon
Rancho Santa Margarita
May 14, 2025
May 17, 2025
8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Ages 10+ recommended (under 18, parent or guardian required)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
This 1,182-acre conservation area located near Wagon Wheel and Coto de Caza, in Rancho Santa Margarita was set aside with construction of the 241 Toll Road. The moderate two to three-hour, guided walks give participants a peek at an area rich with coastal sage scrub, oak woodland, grassland and natural drainage habitats. The tours, which include some hills, will be led by a restoration ecologist, ornithologist and wildlife biologist. Closed-toe, sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen and a water bottle are highly recommended.
In the event of rain, please note that tours may be cancelled for safety reasons.
