Lower Peters Canyon is a nature reserve located in Irvine, California. The canyon was formed by the Santiago Creek, which flows from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. The creek has been used as a water source for agriculture and domestic purposes since the early 1900s. In 1957, the Irvine Company donated land for a nature reserve in Lower Peters Canyon. Today, the canyon is home to various plant and animal species, including endangered birds and plants.

The Santiago Creek flows through the Peters Canyon Regional Park in Orange County. Many tributaries that flow into the creek originate off the Santa Ana Mountains. Historically, this area was primarily used for agricultural purposes; however, it has become protected land owned by The Irvine Company (a privately held real estate development company). Many of this place’s animals do not exist anywhere else in the world; therefore, they are considered endangered. Some of these rare species include the Coastal Sage Scrub and Least Tern. Both species require a coastal sage scrub environment to survive. This area also is home to an abundance of native plant life. The canyon is decorated with California Sycamores, Coast Live Oaks, California Bay Laurels, and the rare Coastal Sage Scrub Oak.

The most commonly seen animal in Peters Canyon is the gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus). These skittish creatures are relatively shy and quick to flee at the sign of human presence. Occasionally, a red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) is spotted in Peters Canyon; however, gray squirrels still outnumber them and their larger cousin, the Douglas Squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii). Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was a Spanish explorer who landed on the shores of Lower Peters Canyon in 1542. He is widely considered the first European explorer to land in what would later become Alta California and present-day Los Angeles, California. Cabrillo National Monument was dedicated in 1940 and offers a great view of the Pacific Ocean and oversees both sides of the Anacapa Island. The U.S. National Park Service manages Cabrillo National Monument.

There are a few great restaurants in Lower Peters Canyon, Irvine, California. Some of our favorites include The Boiling Crab, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, and Wahoo’s Fish Taco. There are also several great grocery stores in the area, including Ralphs, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market. The closest movie theater to Peters Canyon is the Edwards University Towne Center 6. It offers 3D and 2D options for just $1 more than a 2D ticket. The theater has stadium seating with recliner seats, an IMAX screen, and reserved seating. Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is one of the nearest grocery stores to Peters Canyon; however, it does not include all of Trader Joes and Ralphs’ amenities. The average Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market is 112,000 square feet in size. Wal-mart has recently announced plans to remodel their neighborhood markets; this newest version will be an updated version of the Express format.

The closest major airports to Peters Canyon are John Wayne Airport and Long Beach Airport. Both airports offer shuttle transportation, rental cars, and short-term and long-term parking for a price. John Wayne Airport is located approximately 16 miles from Peters Canyon Regional Park and offers domestic flights throughout the United States. Passengers can transfer from John Wayne Airport to Peters Canyon Regional Park via bus or shuttle transportation.