Family Tour up El Modena Peak Volcanics, Orange County, Difficulty=easy to moderate. October 6, 2010

Follow a naturalist on a walk along a narrow dirt trail up a rocky, cactus-laden slope to a high peak overlooking the city. The El Modena Peak Volcanics feature stunning lichen displays, large stands of prickly pear and cholla cactus, rocky outcrops, fragrant Coastal Sage Scrub plants, and a spectacular view all the way to the beach. Chance to spot local wildlife, including white-throated swift, CA gnatcatcher, cactus wren, and cottontail rabbit, and to see what native plants may be in bloom. Appropriate for young children.
Who: Kids and up (Minors must be accompanied by parent or guardian.)
Where: Trailhead parking is on the corner of E Patria Ct and Cannon St, Orange, CA 92869.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (steep hill on single track trail, only 1.5 miles round-trip)