Peters Canyon Regional Park
Peters Canyon Regional Park covers 340 acres of open space in the city of Orange, near Tustin. It is a nature park rather than a playground park, with dirt trails shared by hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, and the Upper Peters Canyon Reservoir at its center.
Check before you go: Trails may close for up to 3 days after rain, and the parking lot closes at sunset (cars left after closing may be cited and locked in). See OC Parks alerts or call 714-973-6611 before your visit.
Peters Canyon Regional Park at a Glance
| Address | 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869 |
| Park hours | Daily, 7 a.m. to sunset (the parking lot closes at sunset too) |
| Park office | Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3:30 p.m. |
| Parking | $3 per day; pay machine takes $1 bills, quarters and Visa/Mastercard |
| Phone | 714-973-6611 |
| peterscanyon@ocparks.com | |
| Dogs | Allowed on a leash no longer than 6 feet |
| E-bikes | Class 1–3 e-bikes not allowed on unpaved trails |
| Facilities | Restrooms, two picnic areas, scenic overlook |
| Rain | Trails may close for up to 3 days after rain |
| Official info | OC Parks: Peters Canyon · Trail map (PDF) |
The landscape mixes coastal sage scrub, grassland, freshwater marsh and stream-side woodland with willows, sycamores and cottonwoods. The 55-acre upper reservoir draws resident and migrating waterfowl, though its water level depends on rainfall and can drop sharply in dry years. Mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, raccoons and opossums live here, and mountain lions are seen on occasion. Birders can look for cactus wrens, gnatcatchers, rufous-crowned sparrows and several kinds of hawks. Pair a visit with our birdwatching in Orange County guide.
A Short History of Peters Canyon
The canyon was once part of Rancho Lomas de Santiago and later the Irvine Ranch. A golf course operated here around the turn of the 20th century, and two reservoirs were built for farming: the upper in 1931 and the lower in 1940. The lower basin is now usually dry and is used for flood control (see our dams in Orange County page).
During World War II the Army trained here at Camp Commander, which staged mock battles against Camp Rathkey at nearby Irvine Regional Park. The land became a county regional park when 340 acres were dedicated on March 3, 1992.
Peters Canyon Regional Park Details
Address: 8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA 92869
Park Hours: Sun - Sat: 7:00 AM - Sunset (parking lot closes at sunset)
Office Hours: Mon - Fri: 8 AM - 12 PM and 1 - 3:30 PM
Parking: $3 daily; machine accepts $1 bills, quarters and Visa/Mastercard. Annual passes are sold at the Irvine Regional Park office (call ahead). Parking illegally along Peters Canyon Road can be cited by Tustin police.
Website: https://parks.oc.gov/parks-trails/peters-canyon-regional-park
Phone: 714-973-6611
Email: peterscanyon@ocparks.com
Dogs: Permitted on a leash up to 6 feet long
What’s At Peters Canyon Regional Park?
Trails
Trails circle the reservoir and follow the ridgeline above it. Trails OC Parks highlights include:
- North Loop Trail, which circles the reservoir
- East Ridge View Trail, known for panoramic views
- Peters Canyon Creek Nature Trail
Hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians share the trails. Class 1–3 e-bikes are not allowed on unpaved trails, and trails may close for up to 3 days after rain.
Picnic Areas and Amenities
There are two picnic areas: one beside the main office trailer, shaded by California pepper trees, and the Lone Pine area south of the dam along the Lake View Loop Trail. You will also find restrooms and a scenic overlook. The park has no playground.
Park Rules to Know
- Dogs must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
- No fishing, swimming, wading or watercraft.
- No fires, firearms or intoxicants.
- The speed limit on park roads is 10 mph.
- Minors must be supervised by an adult.
- Watch for rattlesnakes, poison oak and mountain lions.
Programs and Events
OC Parks sometimes holds ranger-led programs and volunteer activities here. Check the OC Parks events calendar for current listings.
Peters Canyon Regional Park FAQ
Are dogs allowed at Peters Canyon Regional Park?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on a leash, and OC Parks sets a 6-foot maximum leash length.
How much does it cost to park?
Parking is $3 per day at the lot on Canyon View Avenue. The machine takes $1 bills, quarters and Visa or Mastercard. OC Parks annual passes are sold at the Irvine Regional Park office; call ahead.
What time does the parking lot close?
The park and its lot close at sunset. OC Parks warns that vehicles left after closing may be cited and locked in, so check the posted signs.
Can you fish or swim in Peters Canyon Reservoir?
No. OC Parks prohibits fishing, swimming, wading and watercraft in the park.
Is Peters Canyon open after it rains?
Trails may stay closed for up to 3 days after rain to protect them. Check OC Parks alerts or call the park before heading out.
Nearby
Peters Canyon sits between the cities of Orange and Tustin. For another trail park in the foothills, try Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park.
More Regional Parks In Orange County
