Activities and Programs

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon Preserve under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Join us this Fall for a rare opportunity to draw or paint animals in the wild (they are mounted so it’s not too wild) in Irvine’s Open Space Preserve! If landscapes or relics of the past are more interesting to you, we will have those too. Be inspired by the scenic hills or the nature garden that has been staged with native animals along with interpretive signs that tell the story of the Irvine Ranch.

We are excited to have Jessica Beck (jessicadamsky.com), Saddleback College Art Teacher and Professional Artist, as our special guest for this event! Jessica will demonstrate how to sketch animals and help anyone who needs a little inspiration or instruction. If you prefer to just get started, you are welcome to take a walk around the garden or Cattle Camp to find your perfect setting. Please bring a portable chair, sketch pad, easel, paints, pens, pencils or pastels, and other art supplies as they are not included. Minimum age: 18.

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Grab your day pack and join us on a distance hike through scenic Bommer Canyon and beyond into Laguna Coast and Crystal Cove Parks. We stage at Cattle Camp, historically a center for cattle operations that occurred in the San Joaquin Hills up until the late 1990s, and now part of the Irvine Open Space Preserve. This hike involves multiple steep climbs and descents across a variety of trail types, including some narrow singletracks, with 1800 feet of accumulated climbing elevation, but is done at a moderate pace, approximately 3 mph. Please bring plenty of water (100 oz. recommended), and wear sturdy hiking shoes. Hiking distance is 10–11 miles with 1800 feet gain.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3.5 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3.5 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Join us for a five-mile moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) with rolling hills before experiencing yoga the Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor stage is perfect for yoga. The hike is highlighted with beautiful views of the canyon and the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never been to the Cattle Camp before you will be surprised how connected you feel to the cowboys that worked on this land. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3.5 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Experience the serenity of Bommer Canyon Preserve under a full moon during this moderate-paced hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic sunset views overlooking the city of Irvine and the hillsides to the north. This hike is just over 3 miles and includes 700 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.

Join us for a five-mile moderate fitness hike (averaging about 3 mph) with rolling hills before experiencing yoga the Cattle Camp. This historic old west setting connects us with the history of The Irvine Ranch and the barn’s outdoor stage is perfect for yoga. The hike is highlighted with beautiful views of the canyon and the yoga is suitable for those with little or no experience, focused on hips, legs and core. Our focus on breath calms the nervous system and has a positive effect on mental, emotional and physical health. If you have never been to the Cattle Camp before you will be surprised how connected you feel to the cowboys that worked on this land. Please bring water, a yoga mat plus a large beach towel and wear shoes appropriate for hiking.

Bommer Canyon is home to a variety of birds whose unique songs and calls fill the air to enhance our experience in nature. In this activity we will focus on identifying birds by their vocalizations, making it an inclusive and accessible experience for all, including those with visual impairments.

The activity will start at the Cattle Camp with an introduction on how to recognize and distinguish bird sounds by pitch, tone, and pattern. Then embark on a short walk to immerse yourself in the audible sounds of nature and practice identifying birds by their distinct vocalizations. We will walk slowly for about half a mile through a maintained hard packed dirt trail about four feet wide.

No prior experience is necessary. Participants can bring their own birding enhancement equipment and extra binoculars will be available. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and join us in appreciating and enjoying our feathered friends through the power of sound.

Be sure to bring water and all items needed to keep you safe during our activity. If you need any specific accommodations, please email info@irconservancy.org.

The title says it all. This is your chance to venture deep in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Join us for a challenging and beautiful adventure. Hiking distance is up to 17 miles and is designed for advanced hikers. Participants must be physically fit and have distance hiking experience. Singletrack trails, steep climbs and descents are numerous on this route, with over 2,800 feet of accumulated climbing elevation. Most months, the route stays in the Irvine Open Space Preserve for its entirety, but will occasionally feature hiking to the sea and back: beginning in Bommer, the hike will head into Crystal Cove State Park, then pass through Laguna Coast Wilderness Park before returning to the Irvine preserve.

Experience the beauty of Bommer Canyon that takes you to the back gate of Hogback Ridge, during this moderate-paced, interpretive hike in the Irvine Open Space Preserve. We’ll experience the mature coastal sage scrub and fantastic views overlooking the city of Irvine and the backside of Hogback Ridge and return to view the hillsides to the north. This hike is just 4.7 miles and includes 1000 feet of total climbing elevation with several very steep inclines. The steepest section ascends 300 feet in a quarter-mile. Participants must be in good physical condition.