Things to Do
Preservation Areas
The Irvine Open Space Preserve is comprised of an amazing variety of natural habitats and geological features, which provides for a broad range of opportunities for recreation, education, volunteering, and respite. Self-guided and docent-led public programs are available in all four areas that currently make up the Preserve: Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon, Shady Canyon, and Orchard Hills.
- Take your family on an easy walk around the Quail Hill Loop Trail, and use your cell phone to listen to the audio tour along the way. You can even bring your dog…..on leash, of course!
- Hike, bike, or ride your horse along the trails and across the bridges in beautiful Bommer Canyon, where you can also see remnants of the old cattle ranch that operated here until the second half of the 20th century. If you want to push yourself a bit harder, continue onto the trails in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, a beautiful nature preserve operated by Orange County Parks.
- Sign up for a guided sunset hike along the Orchard Hills Loop Trail, where you will be rewarded for your exertions with a gorgeous view of the city from Loma Ridge. On clear days, it’s also possible to see Camp Pendleton, Catalina and San Clemente Islands, and the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the distance.
These are just a few of the activities that visitors can enjoy within the Irvine Open Space Preserve. Whether you are interested in recreational experiences such as trail running or plein air painting; volunteer programs such as Fire Watch or Citizen Science; special activities such as Eagle Scout projects or group learning excursions with a naturalist guide; scientific endeavors such as cactus wren inventories or coastal sage scrub restoration techniques; or contribution to the stewardship of the land through donation of funds or materials; City staff and our partners at the Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) will point you in the right direction.
Click here for a map of the trails in the southern part of the Irvine Open Space Preserve (Quail Hill, Bommer Canyon, and Shady Canyon).
Scan this QR Code with your smart phone for the Quail Hill Audio Tour
Click here for activities and programs offered within the Irvine Open Space Preserve and throughout the historic Irvine Ranch.
It’s important to always keep in mind that the Preserve is protected habitat, and the City has a responsibility to manage activities on the land in a way that prevents or minimizes adverse impacts to the target species identified in the NCCP/HCP. There are different opportunities and restrictions within different areas of the Preserve, based on a number of environmental factors including habitat sensitivity and seasonal conditions. For this reason, certain activities are restricted or are allowed only with a valid access permit.
Click here for information about obtaining an Access Permit.
Please respect the rules on posted signs and outlined in the City’s Reservation Policy and Municipal Code, as they are designed to keep you safe, and the ecosystem healthy.
Parks, Nature Centers, and Trails
Remember, the Irvine Open Space Preserve is just one element of an amazing parks and open space system. The City of Irvine offers a variety of free, family-friendly activities tailored to meet the needs of all outdoor enthusiasts. A network of over 50 public community parks, neighborhood parks, vista points, and specialty facilities are located within minutes of your home.
Click here to access the City’s interactive park map.
Irvine is a Bicycle Friendly Community! If you prefer to ride your bike, take advantage of the 50+ miles of off-street bike paths and 300+ miles of on-street bikeways to get where you need to go.
Click here for maps and information on Irvine’s bikeways network.
If nature is your thing, but you prefer not to go off the beaten path, don’t miss the programs available at the Turtle Rock Nature Center and Bommer Canyon Cattle Camp!
Photo courtesy of Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks
