Chino Hills is 14,000 acres of rolling grassland, oak woodland, and sage scrub sitting in the gap where Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties collide, and its existence as open space in the middle of one of the most densely developed corners of California is the whole story. More than 90 miles of trails cross the ridges and canyons, and on a clear winter day the views from San Juan Hill stretch from the Pacific to the San Gabriel Mountains. The tradeoffs are real: no campfires, no dogs on trails, and the high-clay soil means the park shuts down after meaningful rain.
Details
- 🏞️Type
- State Park
- 🏛️Managed by
- California State Parks
- 📍State
- CA
- 🗺️Address
- Riverside, CA, 92504
- 📞Phone
- (951) 940-5600
- 🕐Hours
- October - March 8am-5pm 7 Days a Week April - September 8am-7pm 7 Days a Week
- 📐Area
- 14,000 acres
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📡GPS
- 33.91549, -117.75966
The Place
Chino Hills occupies a section of the Puente-Chino Hills, a chain of low mountains that form one of the last wildlife corridors connecting the coast ranges to the inland ranges in Southern California. The landscape is predominantly grassland with stands of coast live oak and sycamore in the canyon bottoms, and it looks and feels nothing like the strip-mall geography that surrounds it. In wet years, wildflower displays across the open slopes can be substantial.
The park has two main access points. The Bane Canyon Road entrance off Euclid Avenue in Chino is the primary trailhead for most of the interior trail system and the Rolling M Ranch campground area. The Discovery Center at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road in Brea offers a visitor center, exhibits, and access to the western trail network.
When to Go
Late February through early April is prime time for wildflowers and green hills. Fall is good for clear air and cooler temperatures. Summer is hot and exposed, with midday temperatures regularly exceeding 95°F on the south-facing slopes.
The clay-heavy soil is the park's most important operational variable. After any rain exceeding a quarter inch, trails close for 48 hours or more. This is strictly enforced, and the park will post closures on its website. Do not count on a post-rain visit being possible. Check before you drive out, especially from October through April.
Drones are strictly prohibited. Red Flag Warning days also trigger closures. The park gates lock at closing time (5 p.m. in winter, 7 p.m. in summer), and vehicles inside after close require prior arrangement to exit.
Getting There
The main entrance at 4721 Sapphire Road, Chino Hills is accessible from the 71 Freeway or Highway 83 (Euclid Avenue). The Discovery Center at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, Brea is accessed from Carbon Canyon Road (Highway 142). Neither trailhead is served by useful transit.
What to Do
Telegraph Canyon Trail is the main artery of the park, running roughly east-west through the central valley and connecting to most of the ridge trails. San Juan Hill, the high point of the park, is reached via the South Ridge Trail and rewards the climb with a 360-degree view. Easy Street Trail lives up to its name and is popular with casual hikers and those looking for a flat route through the oak-lined canyon.
Horseback riding is well-accommodated, with most trails open to equestrians. Equestrian campsites are available at the Rolling M Ranch area. Mountain biking is permitted on most of the trail system and the park has a loyal two-wheeled following.
Dogs are restricted to Bane Canyon Road, the Rolling M Ranch day-use area and campgrounds, and the Discovery Center area. They cannot go on backcountry trails. This is not a suggestion; it is enforced.
Rattlesnakes, both Southern Pacific and Red Diamond, are common throughout the park. This is normal for Southern California chaparral, but worth knowing before you step off-trail.
Reservations & Fees
Day use is $10 per vehicle ($9 for seniors 62 and older). Walking and cycling in is free. The Rolling M Ranch campground has around 20 no-hookup sites and 3 equestrian sites, with access to flush toilets and potable water. No hookups, no campfires, no charcoal BBQs. RVs and trailers are limited to 28 feet. Reservations through ReserveCalifornia. The park phone is (951) 940-5600.