Bommer Pass Trail will be closed through April 1 as it undergoes repair and restoration for the first time since it was opened to daily self-guided access three years ago.
Public access and docent-led programs will continue in Bommer Canyon, though visitors will be re-routed along Bommer Canyon Road at the edge of the Cattle Camp.
As Bommer Pass Trail has grown in popularity through the years, the trail has widened and shortcut trails have been created, said Jenn Starnes, spokeswoman for the Irvine Ranch Conservancy, which maintains the trails.
The conservancy intends to educate visitors that no sign means no trail, Starnes said. All officially maintained trails have clear signage so that the surrounding wildlife habitat can remain intact.
Once it rains, volunteers will restore the area around the trail. In the meantime, interested volunteers can sign up for the conservancy’s newsletter at letsgooutside.org to get updates.
The city of Irvine owns the land in the Open Space Preserve, which includes land in Bommer Canyon, Quail Hill and Orchard Hills. The conservancy maintains the land and offers recreational activities on behalf of the city.
Contact the writer: 714-796-7944 or ljow@ocregister.com