Spring Tours are Back! 

Spring in Orange County means we get to see nature at its greenest. This year, The Toll Roads is inviting the public to join us for our annual, docent-led Spring Tours.

Hikers walking along a trail under a roadway
Hikers walking along a trail
a person looking through binoculars at wildlife in a grassy field with hills and two other people standing in the background
a scientist standing beside a group of hikers in a field
people looking through binoculars at wildlife next to a large green bush in a grassy field

Spring Tours are an opportunity for the public to step beyond the pavement and explore the conservation areas that have been set aside and protected in perpetuity (that means forever!) as mitigation for building The Toll Roads, State Routes 73, 133, 241 and 261. These guided walks highlight our long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship, offering a “behind-the-seeds” look at the habitats preserved alongside critical transportation infrastructure.

This year we are offering three tours at two of our favorite locations: Bonita Creek in Newport Beach and Upper Chiquita Canyon in Rancho Santa Margarita. Each tour is led by our Environmental team and a restoration ecologist, ornithologist and wildlife biologist. 

photo of a creek with lots of greenery and rocks running under a roadway

Bonita Creek | Newport Beach

May 2, 2026 | 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.

At Bonita Creek, participants will enjoy an easy, family-friendly walk along restored waterways that now serve as a vital wildlife corridor connecting the Upper Newport Bay to the San Joaquin Hills. Birdwatchers and nature lovers alike will appreciate the thriving riparian habitat, once a narrow drainage ditch, that has been transformed into a flourishing ecosystem. Learn more about Bonita Creek at TheTollRoads.com.

Upper Chiquita Canyon | Rancho Santa Margarita

April 15, 2026| 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

photo of a group of hikers walking through a field with blue skies and large hills in the background

April 25, 2026| 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.

For those looking for a slightly more adventurous outing, Upper Chiquita Canyon offers a rare glimpse into a 1,100-acre conservation area rich with coastal sage scrub, oak woodland and grassland habitats. With rolling hills and sweeping views, this tour showcases the scale and success of TCA’s environmental programs. Learn more about Upper Chiquita Canyon at TheTollRoads.com.

For more than 30 years, the Transportation Corridor Agencies, operator of The Toll Roads, has protected more than 2,100 acres of open space across Orange County, preserving these environments for generations to come. Our annual Spring Tours reflect this commitment—connecting the community with Orange County’s native habitat and the wildlife it is home to. 

These tours are free, but space is limited and spots are filling up quickly. Once the tours hit capacity, a waitlist will be available for anyone interested. Reservations are required so if you want to explore these hidden gems, now is the time to register. 

photo of a group of hikers at Bonita Creek
photo of a group of hikers at Upper Chiquita Canyon

 Don’t miss your chance to explore, learn and connect with the natural beauty that exists just beyond the road. Learn more and register at TheTollRoads.com/SpringTours.

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