a picture of Chino Hills State Park with mountains in the background

Visit picturesque Chino Hills State Park, nestled within the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains only miles outside Chino Hills and 9 miles east of Anaheim. This 14,000 acre California state park is part of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor, an area that links the Santa Ana Mountains to the Whittier Hills and serves to protect various wildlife species.

Visitors to this scenic area enjoy hiking, horseback riding, camping, picnicking, and nature watching.

Activities

Ready for a break from the hustle of everyday life? Spend a few days in this peaceful area breathing in the fresh air and enjoying a variety of outside activities. Here you may enjoy exploring some of the park’s 90 miles of trails by foot, mountain bike, or horseback. Pack a picnic and relax in one of the scenic picnic areas or bring your camping gear and stay for a longer visit.

Be sure to save a few hours to explore the Discovery Center’s displays, hands-on exhibits, programs, and events to learn more about plants, wildlife, and natural resources found in this area. The Discovery Center is located at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road in Brea.

colorful flowers on a hillside at Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park is not far from Anaheim and restaurants, shops, theme parks, beaches, and so much more. Create a vacation that you won’t soon forget and start with a visit to this peaceful area.

Here are some of the activities that you can do during your visit to Chino Hills State Park:

Hiking at Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park has more than 90 miles of trails that spread across 14,000 acres of oak and walnut woodlands, sage scrub, grass covered hills, and scenic valleys.

Here are a couple of these scenic trails inside Chino Hills State Park:

  • Bane Ridge Trail – A moderate 5.8 mile trail through the picturesque Chino Hills. This trail connects with various other trails for a longer hike.
  • Little Canyon Loop – This moderate 2.2 mile trail follows a fire road through oak and walnut woodlands east of the South Ridge Trail. This trail contains a section of steep descent as it makes its way down to connect with the Telegraph Canyon Trail.

a hiking trail on top of a ridge at Chino Hills State Park

Horseback Riding at Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park features equestrian facilities including guided rides through their concessionaire, Prado Equestrian Center. Many of the park’s trails are open for horseback riding and guests may bring their own horses into the park.

Birding at Chino Hills State Park

A variety of bird species may be observed at any time throughout the year, but especially during spring migration. During that time you may get a chance to observe a Red-winged Blackbird or one of the other nesting birds that have flown up from the south.

While walking along the trails past rolling hills, woodlands, and rocky creeks, you may also see a Red Tailed Hawk, Great Horned Owl, California Quail, Raven, Mourning Dove, White-throated Swift, Turkey Vulture, Acorn Woodpecker, Black Phoebe, or a Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Nature and Wildlife at Chino Hills State Park

Chino Hills State Park’s 14,000 acres of grass covered hills, oak and walnut woodlands, and scenic valleys offer a variety of habitats for the abundance of wildlife that make their home here. More than 200 species have been sighted here. During your visit to this peaceful area you may have an opportunity to see deer, squirrels, raccoons, bobcats, coyotes, and snakes.

a cloudy day at Chino Hills State Park during sunset

Two rattlesnakes, the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake and the Red Diamond Rattlesnake, are often seen throughout the park. If you happen to cross paths with one just wait until it moves on or turn around and notify a park employee.

Pets

Pets are only allowed in the campground area and on paved roads throughout Chino Hills State Park. Dogs are not permitted access to any park trails; service animals are not considered pets.

Camping

Spend a few peaceful nights inside the Rolling M Ranch Campground at Chino Hills State Park. This camping area features 20 primitive campsites conveniently located near restrooms, showers, potable water, and the trails.

Overnight guests should be aware ahead of time: campfires and charcoal grills are not allowed; vehicle access after hours is not permissible (you will need to make arrangements if planning to arrive after dark).

Park Location

Chino Hills State Park
4721 Sapphire Rd
Chino Hills, CA 91709
Phone: 951.780.6222

Park Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Chino Hills State Park: