Nix Center

[dstepper]

From OC Registar

Nix Center to open at last.

It's been a long wait, but hikers, bikers and those who are curious will be able to visit the new Nix Nature Center in Laguna Canyon beginning Mar. 17. The center, with hands-on nature displays, is a gateway to trails that will also be newly opened, going up into nearby hills or down to Orange County's only natural lake.

Question, does this mean that the park will be open for MTBing and do we know what roads and trails will be open to bikes?

[CalEpic]

I saw that on the IRLR site and it said bikes. With trails under 133 this would open up a lot of area if it's available to ride without a docent.

C

[PHAT TIRE]

I found the below pasting on https://www.irvineranchlandreserve.org/activities/. I called the number provided and yes the trails will be open to biking. Should we show up opening day to show our support? I rode the road bike by there today and it's posted close but there were vehicles in there. There was a small fire along the 133 today just northeast of there. Anyway, here's what I found:
[FONT=Arial][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]The James and Rosemary Nix Nature Center will open to the public daily beginning Saturday, March 17, 2007. The Nix Nature Center is located at 18751 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park’s Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area, 3.5 miles south of the I-405 and SR 133 interchange. Hours will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m., including holidays, with free admission. Parking will be available from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and will cost $3.
[/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]As the park’s new headquarters, the Nix Nature Center will be the gateway for recreational users to explore a vast network of linked trails throughout the 6,600-acre Laguna Coast Wilderness park—including the James Dilley Preserve; Willow, Sycamore and Laurel canyons—as well as Crystal Cove State Park and City of Irvine Open Space Preserve South. The realigned section of Laguna Canyon Road provides under crossings for park visitors and wildlife and direct access to Orange County’s only natural lake, Barbara’s Lake.[/FONT]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial][FONT=Arial]The 2,000-square-foot exhibit hall features interactive displays, interpretive panels, fossil-imbedded rockwork, audio recordings, projected images, art and artifacts. Its picture windows frame four main views, or portals—titled The Peaks of Saddleback, Little Sycamores, Of Bunchgrass and Buckwheat and Stories in Stone—that form the cornerstones of the exhibit plan. The exhibit looks at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park through the eyes of a scientist, artist and historian while urging visitors to explore the trails outside. [/FONT]
[/FONT][/FONT]

[Chopper]

Be careful, I'm sure the Irvine Open Space folks will have it well posted but the trails in the Irvine Open Space are still not going to be open except to docent led rides. Also the new single track that SHARE and IMBA built leading from the old LCWP Ranger Station and the new Nix Center will most likely not be open until next summer. There has to be a bridge constructed over the creek before it can be opened and that will not be done until then.

[dstepper]

I will be in Arizona that weekend so I have signed up for this Saturdays Quall Hill Ride ride with Mr. J. Dirt.

Dean

[PHAT TIRE]

Me too see you there!

Originally Posted by dstepper

I will be in Arizona that weekend so I have signed up for this Saturdays Quall Hill Ride ride with Mr. J. Dirt.

Dean

[dubjay]

I noticed their parking lot closes at 4PM as well.

Do you guys know of any parking in that area for rides that will end after 4PM? I know there's some metered parking on the 133 towards the beach, but anything besides that?

[CalEpic]

You can park on the side of 133/Laguna Canyon road by LCWP. No meters

C