Bommer Canyon Preserve

Nestled in the heart of Bommer Canyon Preserve is part of the old Irvine Ranch Cattle Camp. Covered by a lush sycamore canopy, the newly restored Cattle Camp maintains a modern yet rustic design. Bommer Canyon Preserve is also an important preservation area for many local plants and wildlife, including several endangered species.

Trails

Trails are open daily seven days a week for self-guided hikes, mountain biking, and seasonal horse-back riding from dawn to dusk. However, other areas within Bommer Canyon Preserve can only be accessed through guided programs and do require pre-registration. Monthly Wilderness Access Days are available to allow hikers and bikers the chance to explore the network of outstanding trails and views of the area.

Daily hike-in use of the Cattle Camp picnic area is available, but is subject to closure due to private event rentals and/or larger City-wide events and programs. Parking at the Cattle Camp site is not available for hike-in use. Trails and the Cattle Camp are subject to closure due to inclement weather, fire, and watershed conditions.

Please note: Hike-in users of the Cattle Camp picnic area must abide by the following city-wide policies and open space regulations:

  • Drop-in groups are considered 50 or less patrons. Organized groups of 50 or more patrons must obtain a reservation permit. 
  • No venders or contract services can be provided without a reservation permit. 
  • The picnic area is first come first serve. There are no table reservations and no saving tables. Patrons must be present on site and using the tables. 
  • No BBQs or stoves (charcoal or propane), open flames, candles, or smoking.
  • No alcohol without a reservation and alcohol permit. 
  • No confetti, rice, silly string, or balloons. 
  • No glass containers (ceramic only). 
  • No animals, including pets, dogs, cats or domestic animals. 

Dogs are not permitted on trails in the Bommer Canyon Preserve, but they are permitted on City of Irvine's Quail Hill Loop Trail. View a map and directions to Bommer Canyon Trailhead here. View a trail map of the Irvine Open Space Preserve here.

For the most up-to-date information on trail closures, please contact 949-385-1891 or visit letsgooutside.org.

Cattle Camp Open Access Day

Please visit us at Bommer Canyon Preserve every third weekend of the month for Cattle Camp Open Access Days. Enjoy the Cattle Camp’s newly renovated picnic area with access to the Cattle Camp parking lot the third Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of every month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Please note: On-site parking will be available until capacity is full.

On Saturday the Irvine Ranch Conservancy will hold Wilderness Access Day allowing hikers and bikers the chance to explore the network of outstanding trails and views of the area.

During Cattle Camp Open Access Days, use of the picnic area is subject to closures due to inclement weather, fire, and watershed conditions. Please note drop-in users of the Cattle Camp picnic area must abide by the following city-wide policies and open space regulations:

  • Drop-in groups are considered 50 or less patrons. Organized groups of 50 or more patrons must obtain a reservation permit. 
  • No venders or contract services can be provided without a reservation permit. 
  • The picnic area is first come first serve. There are no table reservations and no saving tables. Patrons must be present on site and using the tables. 
  • No BBQs or stoves (charcoal or propane), open flames, candles, or smoking.
  • No alcohol without a reservation and alcohol permit. 
  • No confetti, rice, silly string, or balloons. 
  • No glass containers (ceramic only). 
  • No animals, including pets, dogs, cats or domestic animals. 

For questions or more information, contact David Catalano at 949 724-6736

Sign Up For Classes

The City of Irvine is dedicated to creating and promoting awareness of our natural resources, while engaging members of the community in outdoor recreational and educational experiences that will ensure the preservation of Irvine’s open space wilderness for generations to come.

To sign up for activities at Bommer Canyon Preserve, Turtle Rock Community Center, or Turtle Rock Nature Center, visit yourirvine.org. To sign up for Irvine Ranch Conservancy programs in Open Space visit letsgooutside.org.

Reservations

The Cattle Camp’s traditional reservation season is April–October. The City of Irvine will begin accepting reservations for the Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp beginning Monday, July 17, for the remainder of the 2023 reservation season.

Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp is available for the community to rent for parties, company picnics, weddings, and family reunions. Covered by a lush sycamore canopy, the newly restored Bommer Canyon Preserve maintains a modern yet rustic design and includes a major restoration of the Cattle Camp, featuring:

  • A 15-acre event space stage and backstage room.
  • Newly renovated Chuck Wagon kitchen with modern amenities.
  • An updated restroom building with flushable toilets.
  • New picnic tables and ADA accessible pathways.

For more information, visit the Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp reservations webpage.