Carbon Canyon Regional Park features a side of Orange County few visitors - and even some residents - know about. Set amongst the gently rolling foothills of OC's northeastern corner, the 124-acre park is loaded with refreshingly rustic outdoor activities like campgrounds and equestrian trails. The park is ideal for those that want a convenient escape from the county's typical bustle.
Parking and public transportation at Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Parking here will cost you $3-$5 depending on the day you visit. Driving on your own is really your only option, since public transportation does not go near here.
Best and worst time go to Carbon Canyon Regional Park
March and April are the best times to enjoy the park because you'll be able to enjoy extended daylight without summertime crowds. Avoid coming here in August and September, as the seasonal heat can get oppressive.
Admission to Carbon Canyon Regional Park
The park is free to enjoy once you take care of parking. You don't have to deal with any special permits in order to access the park's trail, either.
Must see/do at Carbon Canyon Regional Park
An easy 1.1 mile trail hike will get you to 10 secluded acres of stunning Coastal Redwoods. There is also a nice paved trail that weaves through the park's well-kept open spaces. The park's 4-acre lake has two piers and plenty of fish for you to catch.
Other places to visit near Carbon Canyon Regional Park
The larger Chino Hills State Park is right next door and offers a more extensive network of hiking trails. If all the adventure stirs up your appetite, head 10 minutes west to Downtown Brea and explore its restaurant scene. You're also an 8-minute drive from the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.
Insider tip for visitors to Carbon Canyon Regional Park
The park has a Nature Center on-site, but visiting it doesn't do much to enhance your experience. Skip it and check out the park on your own.
Rich Manning is a freelance writer based in Orange County, CA. He's been writing about food, drink, and lifestyle in Southern California for over ten years.
Just a few miles and worlds away from the heart of Oakland, Redwood Regional Park offers 1,830 acres of serene rolling hills filled with redwoods, evergreens, chaparral, and grasslands. The spacious park offers picnic sites, camping areas, and many miles of trails. Hikes can range from a short, easy stroll on the Sequoia Bayview trail or a longer trek on the East and West Ridge trails and the lush French trail. Redwood Regional also connects to Joaquin Miller, Anthony Chabot and Lake Chabot, and Tilden Regional Parks, creating an extensive trail network.
Must see and must do at Redwood Regional Park
Picnic in the shady Redwood Bowl. Finish a late-afternoon hike near the Woodminster Amphitheatre and catch a musical in the summer or a concert in the fall.
Best time and worst time to go to Redwood Regional Park
Saturday mornings are one of the park's busiest. Try weekdays and Sunday mornings for a little less traffic.
Admission to Redwood Regional Park
Free at most park entrances. $5 per vehicle and $2 per dog (except for guide/service dogs) at the Redwood Gate entrance.
Wildlife at Redwood Regional Park
Be on the lookout for deer, raccoons, rabbits, and squirrels, as well as birds such as the rare golden eagle and Alameda striped racer.
Insider tip for Redwood Regional Park
In the winter, ladybugs swarms cover tree stumps and branches at the intersection of Prince and Stream trails. If you like ladybugs, you will see them by the thousands here.
Author's bio: Heather Johnson is a freelance writer based in Oakland, California. She runs in Redwood Regional Park often.
