To get from the trails at Irvine Open Space to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and/or Crystal Cove State Park, you're going to have to climb this fire road. A bit of a grind to the top, and just when you think you're about there, there's a last little bit that seems even steeper than anything else on West Fork, almost as if it does it on purpose!
Wow. I don't whats been wrong with me. I've seen/passed by this trail on numerous occasions. Its taken me about 2 years to check it out, but I'm glad I finally did. There is a trail head at Bommer Vista Point which is at 340 Summit Park Drive in Irvine, CA. There is a very small parking lot - 6 spaces (1 for disabled), along with restrooms and a water fountain. For the first 3/4 mile or so, the trail follows the ridge and the edge of a housing tract. But soon there is a short climb as you crest the hill, and then after that the downhill begins. Basically, the trails winds down the side of the hill into a canyon, with numerous switchbacks. There are some slightly rocky sections, as well as a couple of tight turns - with some exposure/drop-off - that will keep your attention, but for the most part, you can swoop down, blast through the turns, then enjoy a straight run before another turn. Horses are not allowed on this trail, so you don't have to worry about them - but there are usually other trail users - walkers/hikers, trail runners, so please slow down and be considerate. The trail ends when you reach the bottom, you can either climb out by going up West Fork (www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/west-fork-.html) back to Ridge Park or continue on via Bommer Pass & Bommer Meadow to Shady Canyon etc. I'll definitely be riding this trail again!
As its listed on many (trail) maps, "Bommer Canyon Road" itself, is not usually accessible - unless there are docent led events. Instead, you will need to take 3 different trails (which link), to cover the same amount of distance. The northern end of the trail(s) is Bommer Meadow, which begins at the Bommer Canyon trailhead. There is a small parking area here, along with rest rooms. The "middle" trail is "Bommer Pass" (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/bommer-pass.html) and finally, "West Fork" (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/west-fork-.html). Be aware that the Irvine Police Dept regularly patrols Bommer Canyon Road and if they catch you accessing, this or any of the other off-limit trails, you will get a ticket/fine...
Very easy short (multi use) loop. Lower part runs near the 405 fwy. Probably not somewhere you'll make as a priority destination, especially with Laguna Coast Wilderness park very close by. But can be nice after its rained and everywhere is green.
To get from the trails at Irvine Open Space to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and/or Crystal Cove State Park, you're going to have to climb this fire road. A bit of a grind to the top, and just when you think you're about there, there's a last little bit that seems even steeper than anything else on West Fork, almost as if it does it on purpose!
| ThankWow. I don't whats been wrong with me. I've seen/passed by this trail on numerous occasions. Its taken me about 2 years to check it out, but I'm glad I finally did. There is a trail head at Bommer Vista Point which is at 340 Summit Park Drive in Irvine, CA. There is a very small parking lot - 6 spaces (1 for disabled), along with restrooms and a water fountain. For the first 3/4 mile or so, the trail follows the ridge and the edge of a housing tract. But soon there is a short climb as you crest the hill, and then after that the downhill begins. Basically, the trails winds down the side of the hill into a canyon, with numerous switchbacks. There are some slightly rocky sections, as well as a couple of tight turns - with some exposure/drop-off - that will keep your attention, but for the most part, you can swoop down, blast through the turns, then enjoy a straight run before another turn. Horses are not allowed on this trail, so you don't have to worry about them - but there are usually other trail users - walkers/hikers, trail runners, so please slow down and be considerate. The trail ends when you reach the bottom, you can either climb out by going up West Fork (www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/west-fork-.html) back to Ridge Park or continue on via Bommer Pass & Bommer Meadow to Shady Canyon etc. I'll definitely be riding this trail again!
| ThankThis is a steep fire road that can be used to get from Shady Canyon up to Bommer Ridge and the El Moro trails.
| ThankAs its listed on many (trail) maps, "Bommer Canyon Road" itself, is not usually accessible - unless there are docent led events. Instead, you will need to take 3 different trails (which link), to cover the same amount of distance. The northern end of the trail(s) is Bommer Meadow, which begins at the Bommer Canyon trailhead. There is a small parking area here, along with rest rooms. The "middle" trail is "Bommer Pass" (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/bommer-pass.html) and finally, "West Fork" (http://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/west-fork-.html). Be aware that the Irvine Police Dept regularly patrols Bommer Canyon Road and if they catch you accessing, this or any of the other off-limit trails, you will get a ticket/fine...
| ThankVery easy short (multi use) loop. Lower part runs near the 405 fwy. Probably not somewhere you'll make as a priority destination, especially with Laguna Coast Wilderness park very close by. But can be nice after its rained and everywhere is green.
| Thank