The sprawling Chino Hills State Park in Chino Hills, California is perched amid rolling hills just north of Corona. It offers an outdoor sanctuary with panoramic ridgeline views and oak-shaded valleys. The park encompasses 14,102 acres of protected open space. Just a short drive from Southern California’s urban hubs, this park delivers an immersive natural escape perfect for hikers, cyclists, equestrians, families, and wildlife enthusiasts.
What Makes Chino Hills State Park Unique
This park is a vital wildlife corridor. It links the Puente-Chino Hills and Santa Ana Mountains. It supports diverse habitats—oak woodlands, sage scrub, creekside riparian areas, and native grasslands. The park hosts species ranging from mule deer and coyotes to raptors overhead. The broad network of over 90 miles of multi-use trails reveals chaparral-coated ridges, wildflower-rich meadows in spring, and historical vestiges of ranchland and oil exploration.
Top Activities & Amenities
Hiking & Mountain Biking Trails
Trail systems like Bane Ridge, Brea Canyon, and Telegraph Canyon wind through smooth, rolling terrain. They offer easy loops and steep climbs. Trailforks highlights technical routes such as Butterfield Dirt, Corral Trail, and Upper Aliso, while Reddit users rave about “lush green grass and beautiful flowers” covering Bane Ridge in spring .
Equestrian Trails & Staging Area
Riders can use miles of equestrian-friendly trails and access horse corrals, hitching posts, and staging areas at Rolling M Ranch. The campground area includes chemical toilets, potable water, and shaded canopies—ideal for multi-day riding adventures.
Camping & Group Facilities
Rolling M Ranch Campground offers 20 paved tent/RV sites (up to 30 ft). Each site includes picnic tables, lantern posts, flush toilets, and hot showers. Three sites are ADA accessible. A larger group-camp area nearby supports ceremonies using the amphitheater when not reserved by the park.
Visitor Center & Interpretive Exhibits
The Discovery Center in Brea features exhibits on local ecology, wildlife corridors, and cultural history. Adjacent native gardens demonstrate regional plants, and seasonal ranger-led nature walks and Junior Ranger programs bring awareness to the park’s biodiversity.
Picnic Areas & Drinking Water
Scattered family picnic sites along Bane Canyon Road and near the visitor center include tables, BBQ grills, and shade. Drinking water refill stations are available at the Discovery Center, rolling ranch area, and equestrian staging zones.
Wildlife Viewing & Nature Photography
Observers catch sight of deer, bobcats, and coyotes, while hawks and turkey vultures soar above ridgelines. Spring wildflowers—California poppies, lupine, mule fat—burst across open hills, creating vibrant photography opportunities .
Restrooms, Parking & Accessibility
Flush restrooms at campgrounds, Discovery Center, and staging areas; vault toilets on trailheads. Parking lots at all major entrances; EV charging available at Discovery Center. Note: dogs are only allowed on paved roads, campground, and in staging areas—not permitted on trails .
Visitor Tips
- Open daily 8 am–5 pm (Oct–Mar) or 8 am–7 pm (Apr–Sept); vehicle day-use is $10 ($9 seniors).
- Campground is first-come, first-served with no hookups; RVs max 28 feet.
- No pets on trails—dogs are allowed only on paved roads and campsites.
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, sunblock—shade is limited on trails.
- No ground fires; gas stoves only. Bring firewood or buy onsite.
- Trails close for at least 48 hrs after rainfall and during Red Flag fire alerts .
- Stay on trails to avoid rattlesnakes and poison oak.
- Download maps before your visit; cell service is spotty.
- Use the bike repair station near entrance if needed .
- Quiet hours are 10 pm–6 am; generators allowed 10 am–8 pm.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
Spring brings spectacular wildflower blooms. Try the Bane Ridge or Brea Canyon trails at dawn. The hills glow green and golden at that time. For sunrise serenity, drive to Horse Camp and hike up Telegraph Canyon: the vista of rolling hills and city lights fading below is breathtaking. Mountain bikers should tackle Telegraph Canyon or Corral Trail midweek to avoid weekend crowds. And for a peaceful treat, bring a thermos and pause at one of the scenic overlook benches just after golden hour—chances are you’ll spot a red-tailed hawk drifting overhead as the park settles into evening calm.