Climate Action and Sustainability

Ranchos Walk 2026

Every year, we invite the community to hike the crest trail that links Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos. Participants choose between the 9, 6, or 3-mile hike options and have access to a guided audio tour that highlights facts about the area’s history.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Time: 8:00 a.m. - Noon
Location: Rancho Los Cerritos → Willow Springs Park → Reservoir Hill → Rancho Los Alamitos

Participation in this event is FREE and includes entry to the post-walk celebration. More information about Ranchos Walk 2026 will be shared soon. To receive a notification when registration opens, click the calendar link below.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the route?

  Participants who are signed up for the full 9-mile hike will start at Rancho Los Cerritos and walk to Willow Springs Park, Reservoir Hill, and then to the celebration at Rancho Los Alamitos.  A more detailed map with turn-by-turn directions will be provided at each start location.

• Where do I park, and is there a shuttle back to my car?

  At the end of the walk, shuttle services will return participants from Rancho Los Alamitos to each start location.
  
  Parking

  • 3-Mile Reservoir Hill: Street parking is available along Reservoir Drive.

  • 6-Mile Willow Springs Park: Parking is available in the lot at 2745 Orange Avenue. 
    

• Is Ranchos Walk free?

  Yes, participation in this event is free! It is free to register, and we recommend signing up early. There will be limited day-of registration at each starting location.

• Can kids register for the hike?

  Yes, this is an all-ages, family-friendly event! Youth under the age of 18 must have signed parental consent to participate and must be accompanied by an adult. We recommend that families with younger children who want to bring wagons or strollers consider choosing the shorter 3- or 6-mile hike options. There will be fun programming, games, and activities for kids at the post-walk celebration.

• Are strollers and wagons allowed on the walk?

  Yes. However, while most of the route is paved, there are short sections of grass, gravel, and dirt roads. There is also a steep hill along the route between Reservoir Hill and Willow Springs.

• Can I bring my dog?

  Although most of the route is accessible to dogs, only service animals will be permitted at the post-walk celebration. As a working ranch with live animals, Rancho Los Alamitos may limit access to certain areas of the barnyard when livestock or other animals are present, particularly in situations where those animals may become agitated, stressed, or behave unpredictably in the presence of a dog or miniature horse. For more information about Rancho Los Alamitos’ service animal policy, please visit their website. 

• Can I bike or run rather than walk the route?

  The route and pace of this event are designed for walkers, so biking and running are not recommended. Participants will not have access to the celebration until 10:30 am. Bike accessibility/parking is not guaranteed throughout the route.

• Are there restrooms and water stations along the route?

  Yes, there will be water refill stations and restrooms at all three start locations (Rancho Los Cerritos, Reservoir Hill, and Willow Springs Park) and the post-walk celebration at Rancho Los Alamitos.

• What should I bring for the hike?

  Please prepare for the hike by wearing proper sun protection (e.g., a hat and sunscreen), comfortable clothes, and walking shoes. Remember to bring your refillable water bottle and snacks if you’d like. There will be water refill stations at each stop, and food and beverages will be available for purchase at the celebration.  

• Will there be food at the celebration?

  Food and beverages will be available for purchase at Rancho Los Alamitos. More details to be announced.

• How safe and accessible are the paths?

  Most of the walk takes place on sidewalks with a few crosswalks in between. Some portions of the walk are along grass, gravel paths, or dirt roads. These sections can be avoided by using sidewalks on either side of the route.  There is also a steep hill along the route between Reservoir Hill and Willow Springs Park.

• How do I download the audio tour?

  Download the IZI Travel app at izi.travel/app. The direct link to the tour will be shared with registered participants before the event. The link will also be shared at each start location.