Chino Hills State Park is a natural, open space that is part of the Puente-Chino Hills biological corridor. This corridor creates an essential link for wildlife to migrate more easily between wilderness areas to prevent habitat isolation. The park is also a great place for people to escape the urbanization of the southern California area with trails to explore, recreation and interpretive programs, a Discovery Center, and campgrounds.
Chino Hills State Park Details
Address: 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
Phone: 714-524-2471
Website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=648
Hours: October – March, 8AM – 5PM; April – September, 8AM – 7PM
Dogs: Only allowed on paved road and campgrounds. No trail access allowed.
Restrooms: There are restrooms located at the park entrances, Discovery Center, and campgrounds
Parking
There are two main entrances to the park. As part of the State Park system, there is a day use fee that must be paid upon entry. If you have any of the following State Parks Passes, entry is included:
- California Explorer Pass
- Golden Poppy Pass
- Limited Use Golden Bear Pass (not valid Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day)
- Golden Bear Pass
- Disabled Discount Pass
- Distinguished Veteran Pass
- 4th Grader Adventure Pass
- Library Pass
The Two Main Entrances are located at:
- Discovery Center Parking Area: 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea, CA 92823
- Bane Canyon Road Entrance: 4721 Sapphire Road, Chino Hills, CA 91709
There are Electric Vehicle Charging Stations located at the Discovery Center Parking Area in Brea.
See More Of The Best State Parks In California
Trails
Chino Hills State Park is over 14,000 acres and features over 90 miles of trails to explore. Trails are open for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. Here are some of the best trails to explore within the park.
- Bane Canyon Loop Trail
- North Ridge Trail
- Telegraph Canyon Trail
- Aliso Canyon Trail
- Scully Ridge Trail
- Bobcat Ridge Trail
Points of Interest To Look For While Hiking
- McLean Overlook: Get great views of Aliso Canyon from this spot at the end of Long Way Around Trail. If you park in the nearby parking lot, this one is only about 2 miles round trip.
- Rolling M Ranch: This ranch was established in 1948. Here you can see a ranch house, historic barn, windmills, and watering troughs.
- Four Corners: This spot is where several trails intersect, making it a great spot for mountain bikers and hikers to explore a variety of park areas.
- San Juan Hill: San Juan Hill comes in at 1,781 feet, offering spectacular views of the surrounding area.
- Gilman Peak: Another great lookout spot from this peak that comes in at 1,685 feet.
Wildflowers
Chino Hills State Park is a popular spot for viewing wildflowers, especially during superblooms. While wildflowers can be seen along most trails in Orange County, for the best viewing experience here, you’ll want to park at the Bane Canyon/Sapphire Road entrance. During peak wildflower season, expect a crowd. You may have to park outside the park entrance and walk in if the lot is full. Please remember, when viewing wildflowers:
- Do not pick wildflowers
- Do not go off trail to walk through or step on the flowers, sit on flowers, lay on flowers, etc.
- Do not park anywhere that is not a designated parking spot
- Dogs are not allowed on the trails
- Pack out all of your trash
Camping
Camping at Chino Hills State Park is available at The Rolling M Ranch Campground. The campgound is considered a primitive campground facility, but it does have potable water, flush toilets, and showers. There are 20 campsites here that accommodate tents and RVs/Trailers up to 30 feet in length. The campground can be accessed via the entrance at 4721 Sapphire Road, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
Find campground information and map here
Campground Details:
- Campfires/ground fires are not permitted
- Check in at 2PM; Check out at 12PM
- Dogs are permitted in the campground but must be on leash at all times and must be in tent or vehicle at night (they are not allowed on the trails)
- Vehicles can not enter and exit the campground after park hours
- Backcountry camping is not permitted
- Trail access is only permitted during daylight hours – no night hiking
Chino Hills State Park Information
Accessibility: The Native Plant Trail, The Discovery Center & Interpretive Trail, and The Rolling M Ranch Day Use Area are all accessible.
Equestrian Facilities: There are equestrian campgrounds and day use corrals located near Rolling M Ranch Campground.
The Discovery Center: The Discovery Center is located at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road in Brea. The nature center features a variety of hands on exhibits about wildlife, plant life, and natural resources found within the park and surrounding area.
Educational Programs: There are school programs offered at Chino Hills State Park aimed at providing information about the area’s natural and cultural history.
Find The Best National Parks In California
Related Articles
| Palomar Mountain State Park | Cuyamaca Rancho State Park |
| Crystal Cove State Park | Best Regional Parks in Orange County |
| Campgrounds In Orange County | How to Plan a Family RV Vacation |
