Bommer Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bommer Canyon |
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View from the Bommer Pass Trail within Bommer Canyon toward Costa Mesa, California. On clear days, canyon paths offer views to downtown Los Angeles nearly 40 miles (64 km) away.
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 Bommer Canyon
Location in California
Bommer Canyon
Location in the United States
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| Location | Irvine, California |
| Area | 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) |
| Established | 1981–1982 |
| Governing body | City of Irvine and Irvine Ranch Conservancy |
Bommer Canyon is a special natural area in southern Irvine, California. It has many trails for hiking and biking. You can also rent parts of it for private events.
This canyon is part of the famous Irvine Ranch. The ranch is so special it's been named a National Natural Landmark. It was also the first California Natural Landmark. Bommer Canyon is part of the City of Irvine's protected open spaces.
It's located next to the neighborhoods of Shady Canyon and Turtle Ridge. The preserve covers about 16,000 acres (that's like 12,000 football fields!) of protected nature. About 15 acres are called the "Cattle Camp." This area used to be where cattle were kept. Now, families and groups can rent it for fun events like campouts or picnics.
The trails in Bommer Canyon have lots of oak and sycamore trees. You'll also see cool rocky spots. It's a popular place for people to enjoy nature walks, go hiking, and ride mountain bikes.
Contents
History of Bommer Canyon
Early Days: 19th Century
In 1837, a man named José Antonio Andrés Sepúlveda started a large ranch. It was called Rancho San Joaquin. This ranch included the entire area we now know as Bommer Canyon.
Later, in 1864, a company bought a big part of this ranch. Then, in 1867, James Irvine became the only owner. This land became known as the Irvine Ranch.
Cattle Ranching at Bommer Canyon
For about 100 years, from the late 1800s to the 1970s, Bommer Canyon was a busy place. It was the main spot for the Irvine Company's cattle operations. James Irvine once said that he and his workers rode many miles. They had to do this to check on the ranch and its cattle. By the late 1970s, the Irvine Company stopped its cattle business.
Becoming a Natural Landmark
After the cattle business ended, the Irvine Company sold Bommer Canyon. The City of Irvine bought the land between 1981 and 1982. They used money from a special California grant.
In 1996, about 50,000 acres of protected land on Irvine Ranch became a National Natural Landmark. This included Bommer Canyon. It was the first new National Natural Landmark in California since 1987. All these protected lands are now called the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.
On April 22, 2008, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Bommer Canyon. He hiked with the Irvine Company chairman and local Eagle Scouts and Girl Scouts. After the hike, he officially named nearly 40,000 acres of the old Irvine Ranch as the first California Natural Landmark. This means California recognized Bommer Canyon as a great example of its natural beauty.
Governor Schwarzenegger said it was amazing to see such a large natural area. It was right in the middle of a busy city! This special title doesn't guarantee the land will always be protected. But officials hoped it would encourage people to care for the area.
On April 15, 2011, the city of Irvine officially opened the Bommer Canyon trailhead. This is where the trails start. The mayor of Irvine, Sukhee Kang, and city council members were there. They cut a ribbon and then went on an Earth Day hike.
What You Can Do at Bommer Canyon Today
Many trails in Bommer Canyon are open every day. You can go for self-guided hikes or bike rides from morning until evening. However, some trails can only be used with a guide. You need to sign up for these special programs. The City of Irvine also plans "Monthly Wilderness Access Days." These days let hikers and bikers explore more trails.
The City of Irvine lets people rent the old "Cattle Camp" area. It's a great place for campouts and other special events.
Cool Features and Resources
The City of Irvine sees Bommer Canyon as a very important place. It helps protect many local plants and animals. Some of these species are even endangered.
The "Cattle Camp" area, used for events, has many cool things. It has a covered stage, a barbecue pit, and a large chuck wagon for food. There's also a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits. You can even have campfires there!
