Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Bommer Canyon

    4.4 (66 reviews)

    Bommer Canyon Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Bommer Canyon

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos - Bommer Canyon

    Gateway to Heaven
    Em B.

    HIDDEN TREASURE of IRVINE in OC! I almost do not want to write this review because I want to keep this gem ALL TO MYSELF! I went there for a late afternoon/evening walk. The sun was coming down. I could hear the birds chirping, soft winds in the air, enormous open space with fresh clean air. It was so serene! The tranquility gives you a sense of peace if you are one of those folks who practice mindfulness/meditation. I don't have to travel to Costa Rica or Hawaii to experience such spacious and beautiful field of green! Entrance: It can be easily missed because cars drive 50MPH on this two-lane road! My car's map was off by 1 entrance, but I was able to find the entrance with Bommer Cayon sign. Parking: It is very limited as you can see in the picture. No Parking from 6 P.M. to 7 A.M. Trail opens 7AM to Sunset. There are additional parkings down at Turtle Rock Community Park a few minutes down the road. You can check Irvine City website for details of activities at Bommer Canyon Park. They have camping activities here for family and different events. NO EBIKES! NO DOGS! Check out "LetsGoOutside.org" for details of parks and trails. Verify status of trail call: 949-385-1891

    Alex N.

    Beautiful views, would be an amazing spot to take photos, it's so quiet as well and the trails are clean.

    Chelsea V.

    I am sure the scenery of this trail is beautiful during the early spring, but it's not so great during the summer. For starters, there is VERY limited parking. About 10 spots to be exact. If you plan to hike this trail, I recommend going early in the morning. By early, I'm talking 6:00 -7:00 AM. I made the mistake of going around 8:30 AM and I regretted it. By doing this, you will avoid 3 things: 1.) Dirt bike riders who have no regard for hikers 2.) The heat 3.) Not finding a parking spot If you do the entire trail, it's about 5 miles. If you are going at a medium to fast pace, you should be done within 2.5 hours. Keep in mind that most of this trail is going uphill. I wasn't aware of this and I was suffering without hiking shoes. I might give this trail a shot during spring, but I won't be revisiting in the summer months. It's also good to note that when you get to the top of the hill, you don't get reception. Make sure you download a map on your phone before making it to the top.

    Sunday nature hike 2022
    Franklin M.

    They lack sufficient parking and they only have less than 10 spaces available. I don't understand why the city has such restrictions on parking on the side of the road on the way to the trailhead area. The trail is an easy beautiful hike that you can bring children or the elderly to join in on the adventure. We hiked on a cloudy day but I would recommend a hat on a sunny day as there is little shade.

    Bommer meadows

    Bommer Canyon is a Great place to go if you're looking for a short hike, lots of wildlife and scenery, the only downside is that the parking lot is very small so you might have to park about a mile down the road at turtle rock park and walk over to the trailhead.

    Timmy S.

    One of the better places for a hike in the Irvine area. Best done in the cooler months as there is virtually no shade. It really is beautiful, especially in the spring, and although you feel completely out of the urban area the million-dollar-plus homes on the distant hillside are ever present. On my most recent visit we encountered more bicyclists than hikers. Although many came whizzing by they all were courteous in loudly announcing their arrival so that we had time step aside on the narrow dirt path into the brush. But admittedly it did take away from the enjoyment of the hike. Restrooms are available at the trailhead where there is also a map posted of the path routes. Parking lot is free but tiny; it's often full on weekends requiring one to park a half-mile down the road.

    Nicole T.

    Bommer Canyon is one of the nicest trails I've ever been to! It's tucked away between small communities, but it feels very isolated from suburbia. There is a parking lot, but not very many spaces. We went on a Thursday, so there were not many people, but I'd imagine on a busy weekend, you'd have to find street parking. Trails are distinctly marked so there is no confusion as to where you are going. Trails vary in difficulty, ranging from short loops with little to no incline to 4+ mile loops with very steep inclines. We ended up doing a 3 mile loop in about 1 hour. We wanted to hike for longer, but we saw 2 rattlesnakes and decided that those were signs that we should leave. Overall, the hike was really nice and relaxing. We'll be back, probably in the winter when there are no snakes!

    One way trail markers and fenced
    Helen S.

    Really cool hiking trail spot. Very clean and multiple options to choose from. They have a parking lot inside, but we parked at a nearby park and walked into the Turtle Rock community that has a flat road leading to bommer canyon. Many cyclists and joggers. Most people wear masks. The trail currently is one way only. So choose wisely. After you pick your route no turning back till you complete that trail. There is a map at the entrance by the restrooms so you can see how long each trail will be. Minus 1 star cuz I didn't think the view was that amazing. A lot of dry grass and dead flowers. There is a nice row of million dollar homes you can view.

    Loop trail
    Chasity T.

    Mild & easy hike for amateurs. Parking is on site and right next to the trail, would highly recommend for those getting back into shape. Went on a Tuesday morning with no traffic, and maybe ran into 4-5 on the trail.

    Lovin' it!
    Peter H.

    A nice hike with scenic views! I just recently discovered this place and am disappointed that I didn't hike here more often during my time at UCI. If the bustle of life and urban environments is getting to you, this place is remote nature almost within your backyard. I also hiked here during the spring and you can see lots of wildflowers and bunnies! I even saw a baby bunny and tried to lure it back but it wouldn't trust me :( Next time I'll bring some carrots ;) come out and enjoy the nature with meee

    You can park your car at Turtle Rock community center and still have access to the trails after the gates are closed.

    See all

    Photo of Cori G.
    541
    256
    134

    13 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy S.
    207
    48
    68

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea B.
    158
    23
    51

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Azucena C.
    143
    38
    54

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alexa M.
    189
    96
    24

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark M.
    5
    29
    16

    14 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David H.
    17
    30
    15

    11 years ago

    I this is a good getaway hike. You can make is short (2miles out and back). Medium (5.0 or 4.8 miles loop) or long.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Seang B.
    146
    15
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    My son & daughter in law hiked here yesterday. Said it was very pleasant with great views at top. Didn't see any rattlesnakes.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of A K.
    0
    48
    0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nellie T.
    34
    54
    28

    11 years ago

    Nice flat wide trails

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - Bommer Canyon

    Are the trails open on the weekend?

    Hi Hunter, Yes, specific trails in this area are open daily for self-guided hikes from dawn to dusk; however, other areas within Bommer can only be accessed through guided… Read more

    Is photography allowed here?

    Hi Michelle, Yes, photography is allowed. Thank you and enjoy the trails.

    What time does the parking lot open and close?

    Hi Sunny. The parking lot opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. Enjoy the trails!

    How do you get to the parking lot? My GPS keeps taking me to gated communities and I can't seem to get there

    Hi Tom, The Bommer Canyon Trailhead, or start of the trail system where you can park, is located at 1 Bommer Canyon Road Irvine, 92603. View a map and directions here:… Read more

    Are any of the trails wheelchair accessible?

    Hi Janice. None of the trails at Bommer Canyon are paved; some surfaces will be bumpy and uneven.

    Is the trail open at 7am or dawn? I've seen both posted on the website. Thank you in advance 🙏😀

    Hi there. The Bommer Canyon trails open at 7 a.m. and close at sunset. Enjoy your hike in the Irvine Open Space!

    Is boomer canyon dog friendly?

    Hi Julie, Dogs are not permitted on the trails at Bommer Canyon.

    Is there a fee to park? Where is the best place to park?

    Hi Jessica, There is not a fee to park at Bommer Canyon trailhead. There is a public parking lot at the entrance of Shady Canyon Drive. Please see a map here:… Read more

    Is this trail open during COVID?

    Hi Andrea. Yes, Bommer Canyon trail is open during this time. City of Irvine outdoor park spaces and daily-access trails remain open for passive use, and visitors must practice social distancing, following federal guidelines to slow the spread of… Read more

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - Bommer Canyon

    I arrived a bit before 7 AM, and the trail is well-maintained, with restrooms at the trailhead.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Black Star Canyon Trail

    Black Star Canyon Trail

    4.4
    (394 reviews)
    11.9 mi

    Love it! It's a lot of climbing over rocks but it's great exercise. The best part of everything is…read morereaching the falls and eating a good sandwich. I do notice that many people leave their trash behind in this particular trail. PLEASE TAKE YOUR TRASH! You'll definitely get a good nap after getting home.

    First time visiting Black Star Canyon Wilderness Park to check out the "falls" and it was just as…read moreexpected. By doing a little bit of research, we learned it was best to go early - my husband and I got there at 7:45am in October on a Saturday and the lot was already starting to fill up. When we left at 11:30, the lot was very full. There is technically plenty of parking but the busier it is, the farther you would have to go just to get to the trailhead. We had a very good weather for hiking. It was overcast for the first hour or so, and there is shade when hiking along the creek, and it was partly cloudy on our way out. If hiking during the afternoon, I would recommend bringing twice as much water as you think you would need. Overall, the trail was long but not too difficult. The first 3 miles are fairly easy/moderate and only the very end being somewhat difficult because it is steep. We think the total hike was about 7-8 miles round-trip and took 3.5-4 hours at a moderate pace. In October 2025, the falls and creek were dried out after a hot summer and only one storm in months. It made crossing the creek a non-event (only a little mud and puddles in a few areas), but it also meant the waterfalls were non-existent. The trail was still very scenic and a fun hike. The end of the trail is still very beautiful when dry. Note, there are lots of mountain bikers so be alert and stay to the right side of the trail. No bathrooms, trash cans, or water fountains but still very clean; thanks to the regular hikers who help to clean up the trails. Please be kind to others and respectful to nature. Pack it on, pack it out.

    Photos
    In the bush
    In the bush
    Big back hiking club
    Big back hiking club
    Black Star Canyon Trail

    See all

    Quail Hill Trailhead

    Quail Hill Trailhead

    4.2
    (160 reviews)
    2.2 mi

    Quail Hill Trailhead ended up being such a refreshing and unexpectedly enjoyable place to visit,…read moreand I did not realize how much there was to appreciate until I actually stepped onto the trail. Even though it is a hiking area, the atmosphere feels peaceful and energizing at the same time, and I saw a lot of teenagers there enjoying the open space. Teens would love the atmosphere because it feels safe, open, and full of freedom. The wide views, the fresh air, and the long stretches of trail make it feel like a place where teens can explore, take pictures, and enjoy being outdoors without feeling restricted or watched. It has this natural beauty that makes you want to walk a little farther just to see what is around the next corner. The service aspect at a trailhead is different from a restaurant, but the experience still feels organized and teen friendly. The signs are clear, the paths are clean, and the entire area feels well maintained. Teens appreciate when a place is easy to navigate without confusion, and Quail Hill makes that possible. The posted information about wildlife and safety feels helpful rather than intimidating, and it gives teens the confidence to explore the trail while staying aware of their surroundings. The value at Quail Hill is something teenagers would appreciate immediately because it is completely free. Teens love places where they can hang out without spending money, and Quail Hill gives them a full experience without costing anything at all. They can walk, jog, bike, take pictures, talk with friends, or simply enjoy the scenery. It is the kind of place where teens can spend an hour or an entire afternoon and feel like they got something meaningful out of it without paying a single dollar. The quality of the environment is another thing that stands out. The trail is clean, the views are beautiful, and the whole area feels peaceful in a way that teenagers would find refreshing. Teens who love taking pictures would have a great time here because the scenery looks almost unreal at certain points, with bright skies, rolling hills, and natural lighting that makes every photo look good. The environment feels like a perfect backdrop for creative pictures, and teens love places that make their photos look amazing without any effort. The selection at Quail Hill comes from the different ways you can enjoy the space. Teens can walk, jog, bike, bring pets, take pictures, or simply sit and enjoy the view. It is not a place where you are limited to one activity. Instead, it gives teens the freedom to choose the pace and style that fits their mood. That kind of flexibility is something teens really appreciate because it lets them shape the experience however they want. This was my first time visiting Quail Hill Trailhead before writing this review, and it ended up being one of the most enjoyable outdoor places I have been to in a long time. I would highly recommend that teenagers go there because the atmosphere is peaceful and energizing, the organization makes it easy to enjoy, the value is unbeatable, the quality of the scenery is beautiful, and the selection of activities gives teens a chance to feel creative and free. It is a perfect spot for teens who want something fun, refreshing, and memorable.

    Went for a nice stroll this morning, and thought it'd be a perfect time to update some pictures…read more This is my favorite trail loop. I usually run this loop, and it is a lot of fun! Mostly easy running, with a little incline challenge at the end of the circle. There is a parking lot and bathroom right outside the trail, which is nice if you plan to do multi loops. I find this trail very peaceful, and look forward to coming back no matter how many times I return. Loops circles about 1.8 miles total.

    Photos
    1.8 Mile loop
    1.8 Mile loop
    Quail Hill Trailhead
    Quail Hill Trailhead

    See all

    Peters Canyon Hike

    Peters Canyon Hike

    4.4
    (386 reviews)
    9.0 mi

    Great place for a hike. There is hardly any shade though so best to go early in the am, or early…read moreevening, or cloudy day. You will get a great workout. You can park at the start of the park where gps takes you or I start on the back side. You can go for 4mile along the top route &/or the hike around the lake. You choose. When there's rain, it's beautiful to see the surroundings. Otherwise, it's a little dry. I've seen it all. Been hiking this for year. SYOY!

    Review 30/365 day challenge 2.04.26…read more Finally made it here to PC for a late morning hike w my hiking Gfren Pow. She's a regular here and been coming. Have told mee several times she loves this hike and it's a good hike where it's a bit more busier than other hiking trails that you feel safe to go to. Started the hike a little late morning around 11:15 a.m. and finished right before 12:40 p.m. A little over 4 miles. We went to a much easier hike trail. Where it was much shading area until you enter the hiking trail and then it was full of sun. Luckily it was a bit breezy so wasn't too fully hot. There's different areas to park, some where it's free of charge and they have the main parking where supposedly have av actual public restroom for $ 3. We parked near some residential area. Right before entering the entrance where the trail started, there was about 5 porter potties available. As all hikes there are warning signs of Rattlesnakes, poison ivy, mountain lions etc. Located in Tustin borderline of Orange. Not too far from Irvine Regional park off Jamboree. Will definitely return to hike here and check out the different trails.

    Photos
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Beautiful Wednesday afternoon w Powee Dowee 2.04.26
    Family memories

    See all

    Family memories
    Red Rock Canyon

    Red Rock Canyon

    4.7
    (135 reviews)
    10.3 mi

    Red Rock Canyon is located in the City of Lake Forest. Who knew one could view glimpses of red rock…read moreformations and plateaus in Orange County? When we arrived around 8:30 on a Saturday morning, the paid parking lot was already full. There are very few parking spaces overall in the paid $3 lot. We ended up as Ralph's customers that morning and found a couple of last-minute items that we needed before starting our hike. It was a nice and cool morning with a slight breeze, which was perfect to kick off our hike. We opted to take the easy trail, Borrego Canyon Trail. There is a lot of soft sand through out parts of the trail, similar to a beach like sensation for your walking pleasure. It also felt like a magical forest during some areas with trickling streams. We also experienced some parts full of various sized rocks. This is NOT a child- friendly trail for little ones. As we approached parts that were more desert like, we got closer to the red rocks. There was much anticipation to the end and the trail concludes with what feels like a small dead end as you gaze into the view of the towering red rocks. Going downhill was much quicker and fun. It was an easy trail with some sections that forced me to go slower as I didn't want to slip on some small rocks. There was so much positivity coming from other hikers and bicyclists. So many good mornings shared, it was contagious. Bicyclists are one-way so they are only coming from behind you and so many were thankful for us moving out of their way. I've never experienced such polite and friendly trail enthusiasts. I'd love to return to experience this beautiful trail again.

    What a great hike! The shade was wonderful, and everyone on the trail was so respectful of space…read more(thank you, bikers). It gets a little narrow as you get closer to the rock formations, but still highly recommend either way.

    Photos
    I'm definitely on Mars!
    I'm definitely on Mars!
    Red Rock Canyon
    Red Rock Canyon

    See all

    Bommer Canyon - hiking - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...