Chino Hills State Park is a premier open-space area that is part of the Puente-Chino Hills biological corridor. It offers trails, recreation and interpretive programs, a Discovery Center, and a small campground.
Visitors can hike, mountain bike, and horseback ride on trails that meander through valleys and along ridge tops through woodlands, sage scrub, and grassland. Wildflowers are also a highlight during the spring. Check this important info.
History
The suburban communities of Chino Hills, Brea, and Yorba Linda surround this open-space recreational area. In the 1970s, residents of these communities began to appreciate the rolling green hills and beautiful vistas they were living in. They were also aware that this hilly area could become a state park. Local civic organization Hills for Everyone worked with California State Parks to purchase property and the park was formally recognized in 1984.
The 14,000 acres of grass-covered hills, oak and walnut woodlands, and scenic valleys provide a variety of habitats for wildlife. More than 200 species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects call this area home. Some, such as the Least Bell’s Vireo and the California Gnatcatcher, are rare.
Wildlife
Located in the Puente-Chino Hills biological corridor, this premier open space is home to wildlife species native to Southern California. Deer, squirrels, raccoons, and bobcats roam the grassy hills and oak and sycamore woodlands. Birders can spot more than 200 bird species.
It’s a “pick your own adventure” location for hikers, trail runners, and horseback riders. Mountain bikers can find a variety of trails as well. Dogs are allowed on paved roads and campgrounds but not on the park’s trails.
Known as one of 20 worldwide Hot Spots rich in biodiversity, the Chino Hills State Park is a refuge for people seeking a natural environment to explore and escape the urban sprawl of Southern California. It is also an important wildlife corridor, providing a route for animals to avoid habitat isolation.
Camping
Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, horseback ride, or explore by a different means of transport, this park has it all. More than 90 miles of trails crisscross through grassy hills, oak and black walnut woodlands, and scenic valleys.
The vistas and hiking opportunities are spectacular, especially during wildflower season when you’ll find fields of orange California poppies, purple lupines, and yellow mustard flowers. A small Discovery Center educates visitors on wildlife, plant species, climate issues, and the park’s history.
The Rolling M Ranch Campground has 20 campsites and is the only campground located inside the state park. It has paved parking, a picnic table and barbecue grill, flush toilets, drinking water, and shaded areas. Two of the campsites are designated as handicap accessible. More about Buena Park here.
Hiking
Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, trail run, or horseback ride, the 14,000 acres at Chino Hills State Park are all yours. The state park is a major botanical habitat reserve and serves as an ecological corridor for local and migrating wildlife.
The trails range from easy to moderate. During “Super Bloom” years, you can find the hillsides swathed in neon orange California poppies and purple Phaedra.
You can camp at the Rolling M Ranch campground within the state park, which features 20 campsites with access to trails. Pets are allowed in the campground and on paved roads, but not on the trails. Make sure to reserve your campsite ahead of time during the wildflower season and busy holiday weekends. The nearby communities of Brea, Yorba Linda, and Corona offer additional camping options with direct routes into the park.
Equestrian
In addition to hiking and camping, equestrians can explore the park’s pristine grasslands and 90 miles of multi-use trails. The Quarter Horse Staging area is available for equestrian trailer parking and horse and multi-use trail access in the northern portion of the park in Yorba Linda.
The park features many trails that take you across 14,000 acres of oak and walnut woodlands, sage scrub, and grass-covered hills. The most popular trail is the Bane Ridge Trail which is a moderate 5.8-mile loop that connects to other trails for a longer hike. Whether you are a hiker, mountain biker, or equestrian, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this new home community. The Preserve at Chino is a place where natural discovery is part of every day. See next.
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