Whether geology, ornithology or photography is your thing – or if you just like the outdoors – the hikes radiating from Bommer Canyon in the heart of Irvine are almost certainly guaranteed to pique your interest. This expansive ecosystem is at the center of a network of trails that offer a wide range of options for hikers, cyclists and naturalists of all ages.
Many trails are open dawn to dusk for self-guided hikes, mountain biking and even horseback riding. However, other areas within Bommer Canyon Preserve can only be accessed through guided programs and require preregistration. While planning your hike, I strongly recommend checking letsgooutside.org to learn when restricted trails are open, as well as the schedule of frequent guided hikes.
The Cattle Camp launchpoint to Bommer Canyon provides access to a variety of interesting trails. East Fork is one of the steepest, a rocky roller coaster ascending 300 feet in a quarter of a mile but well worth the views once you reach Hogback Ridge. Alternatively, from Cattle Camp, ascend Ridge Route, which is a gentler incline but reaches the same spot. One of my favorite memories is photographing a partial solar eclipse from that viewpoint a couple of years ago.
Agile hikers will also enjoy scrambling down rocky, single-track Rabbit Run and up Fox Run, or vice versa. Take your hiking poles and wear boots with good traction before tackling these trails.
Families and those who prefer a more languid pace might decide to wander the Shady Canyon Trail starting at the Quail Loop Trailhead. This route provides an entry point into Bommer Meadow Trail and Nature Loop, where you can take your time marveling at the native plants. Full-moon hikes are another magical option.
For the truly ambitious, a challenging 11-mile route stretches from the trailhead behind Quail Hill Community Center to the coast. Ascend Quail Trail to Serrano Ridge, Laurel Canyon and Bommer Ridge, enjoying fabulous views of Saddleback and the Pacific Ocean. Descend into Laguna Beach via Water Tank or Laguna Bowl Trail. Stroll the beach or enjoy a hot beverage at one of the seaside village’s numerous coffee shops. Hardy hikers will enjoy this challenging route, whether they choose to retrace their steps back toward Quail Hill and Bommer Canyon, or instead catch a rideshare home.
Along the trails, spot early wildflowers such as wild cucumber and red-yellow-
orange deerweed blossoms. Run your fingers over the coastal sagebrush to release its enticing scent. Keep an eye out for red-tailed hawks, listening for the screeches that announce their soaring presence. I’ve spotted roadrunners speeding across the trail, as well as strutting quail, or at least heard the flap-flap-flap vibrato of their wings. In the early mornings, particularly when fog gives way to sun, dewy spiderwebs bedazzle the stems of native plants.
One of the most extensive urban open space networks in the nation, Bommer Canyon also features interesting geological formations, such as the Three Sisters. This sandstone formation consists of three similar rocky outcrops, though one is smaller than the others due to some weathering over time. Nevertheless, it’s a great backdrop for photos. Find it at the intersection of Shady Oaks, Butterfly Valley and Monkey Flower Mesa trails.
How fortunate we are to live in such close proximity to this immersive state and national landmark that links canyons and coastline, offering many opportunities to explore the best that nature has to offer! Hope to see you there.
Sign up to explore
Super trek: Bommer Canyon and Crystal Cove
Feb. 9, 7:30 a.m.-noon
Bommer Canyon access days
Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Feb. 21, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fitness hike with yoga at Bommer Cattle Camp
Feb. 13, 8-11 a.m.
Get more information and register at letsgooutside.org.
