San Timoteo Canyon
California State Park

San Timoteo Canyon

Smiley Boulevard, California 92557
Available Activities
  • Hiking
  • Bird Watching

🌤 Weather at San Timoteo Canyon by season

SpringSummerFallWinter
45–80 °F56–96 °F45–92 °F40–67 °F

Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Redlands, 3 mi away, elevation 1,410 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.

🏆 Inland Empire Open Space — Future park preserving a natural canyon near Redlands

San Timoteo Canyon is a future state park property in San Bernardino County near Redlands, preserving natural open space in the rapidly developing Inland Empire. The canyon contains native chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitat along San Timoteo Creek.

Visitor Information

DetailInformation
LocationSan Bernardino County, CA (near Redlands)
StatusFuture park / in development
HabitatChaparral, coastal sage scrub

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this park open?

San Timoteo Canyon is in development. Check with California State Parks for current access status.

What is a wildlife corridor?

Wildlife corridors connect isolated habitat patches, allowing animals to move safely between them. Without corridors, populations become isolated and genetically weakened. San Timoteo Canyon is one of the last natural connections between Southern California’s mountain ranges — critical for species like mountain lions that need large territories.

Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Wildwood Canyon State Park (a short drive away) and Lake Perris State Recreation Area (a short drive away).

🏜️ San Timoteo Canyon

Future Inland Empire park — natural canyon open space near Redlands.

📍 CA State Parks

About San Timoteo Canyon

San Timoteo Canyon is a developing state park property in the Inland Empire east of Redlands. The canyon preserves a rare ribbon of riparian habitat and native California grassland in the rapidly urbanizing San Bernardino-Riverside corridor. The canyon is geologically significant, following the San Andreas Fault zone.

Things to Do

Nature walks, birdwatching in the riparian corridor, and enjoying open space in the urban landscape. The park is being developed with planned trail improvements. Check California State Parks website for current access information.

Getting There

San Timoteo Canyon in San Bernardino County preserves open space in the rapidly developing Inland Empire — one of America’s fastest-growing metro areas. The canyon’s grasslands and coastal sage scrub support threatened California gnatcatchers and San Bernardino kangaroo rats. San Timoteo means “Saint Timothy” in Spanish, reflecting the region’s Mission-era heritage.

Insider Tips

Inland Empire nature: San Timoteo Canyon protects a rare undeveloped corridor between the San Bernardino Mountains and the urban Inland Empire. Pro tip: The canyon is a critical wildlife linkage — connecting fragmented habitats and allowing mountain lions, bobcats, and deer to move between mountain ranges. Fossil beds: The canyon contains Pliocene-era fossil deposits — ancient camels, horses, and mastodons once roamed here 3-5 million years ago.

Best Time to Visit

Winter/spring: Green hills and wildflowers. Fall: Warm but comfortable hiking. Summer: Hot — 100°F+ in the Inland Empire. Morning: Best for wildlife spotting.

Nearby Attractions

Redlands — 5 miles east — has the Victorian Kimberly Crest House. Riverside — 10 miles west — has the Mission Inn and UC Riverside. San Bernardino — 10 miles north — has the original McDonald’s site. Big Bear Lake — 30 miles north — has mountain recreation.

America's State Parks is an independent online guide to the state parks of the United States. Our editorial team compiles and reviews each park profile from official state park agency sources and other primary references, and follows a published editorial and review methodology (see /editorial-review-methodology/). We update profiles and correct errors on an ongoing basis.

🐾 Dogs & Pets at San Timoteo Canyon

Pets allowed? statewide rule
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
Leash rule statewide rule
Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
Cabins & lodging statewide rule
Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
Statewide exceptions statewide rule
Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.

Are dogs allowed at San Timoteo Canyon?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.

Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared

Last updated: May 17, 2026

Park Location

Smiley Boulevard, California 92557

Plan your gear for San Timoteo Canyon

From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities: