Day Trip to Bommer Canyon Nature Trail

Bommer Canyon is a hidden gem between Turtle Ridge and Shady Canyon in Irvine, California. At one time, the canyon was an essential part of the Irvine ranch cattle operations. The cattle are long gone today, but several buildings, cattle loading ramps, corrals, and equipment can be seen at the cattle camp.

You can hike near the cattle camp via the nature trail, but access is limited to special events. Bommer Canyon cattle camp can be rented for company picnics, weddings, and western cookouts.

Bommer Canyon Nature Trail is open from dawn to dusk. The primary nature trail to the cattle camp is just under two miles. Perfect for an easy and enjoyable family day hike. More experienced hikers will want to take the West Fork trail, which goes around the camp and connects to the Bommer Ridge Trail.

Mountain bikes are allowed on most trails, and equestrians are permitted from May to November, but since this is wilderness, you must leave your dog’s home. Monthly wilderness access days allow hikers and mountain bikers access to usually off-limits trails.

Bommer Canyon is designated as a California Natural Landmark, which will help protect this beautiful area of Southern California from development. Boomer Canyon nature trail is a part of the vast network of trails that make up the Irvine Open Space Preserve.

Restrooms and a map of the trails are available at the Bommer Canyon trailhead. The parking lot is free but often full on weekends. More parking is available at nearby Turtle Rock Community Park. Bommer Canyon Address is 6400 Shady Canyon Drive. Trail Hours: 7 a.m. to sunset. Parking Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Bommer Canyon trailhead is at Shady Canyon Drive and Boomer Canyon Road. Shady Canyon Drive section from the 405 freeway is a private road (there is a public trail adjacent to the road). Public access to the Bommer Canyon trailhead can be found via Bonita Canyon Drive in Newport Beach near UCI.

Fun Orange County Day Trip Ideas

Irvine Regional Park

Wild Rivers Water Park