City of Irvine Open Space Preserve South

Immerse yourself in 4,000 acres of pristine natural space, featuring some of Irvine's most iconic locations, including Bommer Canyon, Quail Hill, and Turtle Ridge.

Park Information

1 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA

The park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy and other organizations host interpretive programs year-round, including evening walks, family-friendly hikes, and mountain biking clinics.

Visit Website
949-724-6600

4,000

acres of the Reserve's protected land

designation as a Natural National Landmark

acres make up Bommer Canyon's Cattle Camp

More about Irvine Open Space Preserve South

Native grass meadows, oak woodlands, and coastal sage scrub are just a few of the habitats that make Irvine’s Open Space Preserve South a sanctuary for a myriad of wildlife species, from mountain lions and mule deer to small birds and reptiles. The expanse of land offers a variety of trails that are open daily, and also includes areas accessible only by docent-led tours.

Bommer Canyon Preserve is a beloved area of this Open Space—head to the Bommer Canyon Trail Head for a hike, bike, or horse ride through ancient oaks and sycamores and rough, rocky landscapes. You’ll find all kinds of family-friendly fun at Quail Hill Community Park, including the two-mile Quail Hill Loop Trail. Ridge Park offers a more strenuous trek that will lead you into another area of NROC, the Laguna Wilderness Park. Pack a lunch to enjoy at one of Bommer Canyon Community Park’s picnic tables, or simply take a rest under the canopy of oaks.

Choose your own adventure: Irvine's Open Space Preserve has got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.