
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.
Visit www.LetsGoOutside.org/Activities to register for upcoming events.