Some trails in this former ranch area were once walked by cattle and cowboys.
Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve is rich in both history and natural beauty. Up until 1998, this permanently-preserved open space had cattle grazing in Bommer Meadow and round-ups taking place just beyond Cattle Camp. Now hikers and bikers have replaced cattle and cowboys, but historic structures and equipment can still be seen from the trails.
The name Bommer Canyon first appeared on Orange County maps in the 1940s, according to Phil Brigandi’s definitive name guide, Orange County Place Names A to Z. Brigandi says that the name origin of this former cattle ranch is not quite clear, but may have come from “a corruption of ‘bummer’ – cowboy slang for a calf that lost its mother.” Whatever the origin, the name Bommer Canyon is now synonymous with the shady Cattle Camp events area, winding trails through rocky outcrops, and family-friendly meadow trails.
Bommer Canyon in the City of Irvine’s Open Space Preserve is rich in both history and natural beauty. Up until 1998, this permanently-preserved open space had cattle grazing in Bommer Meadow and round-ups taking place just beyond Cattle Camp. Now hikers and bikers have replaced cattle and cowboys, but historic structures and equipment can still be seen from the trails.
The name Bommer Canyon first appeared on Orange County maps in the 1940s, according to Phil Brigandi’s definitive name guide, Orange County Place Names A to Z. Brigandi says that the name origin of this former cattle ranch is not quite clear, but may have come from “a corruption of ‘bummer’ – cowboy slang for a calf that lost its mother.” Whatever the origin, the name Bommer Canyon is now synonymous with the shady Cattle Camp events area, winding trails through rocky outcrops, and family-friendly meadow trails.
From the most advanced mountain bikers to experienced cardio hikers to leisurely-paced walkers, Bommer Canyon has trails and activities to suit a wide variety of people. The City of Irvine partners with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to lead public recreation and habitat restoration volunteer activities regularly in Bommer Canyon. While many trails are open daily from 7 am to sunset, there are many docent-led activities and a monthly Wilderness Access Day to help visitors explore even more of this historic canyon.
Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities to register for upcoming events.
Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities to register for upcoming events.
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