Chino Hills State Park

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Key Information

Contact Info

951-780-6222

Location

4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709, United States

Opening Hours

8am–5pm

Fee

$10

Introduction of Chino Hills State Park

A vital connection in the Puente-Chino Hills ecological corridor is Chino Hills State Park, a prominent natural open-space region in the Santa Ana Canyon hills close to Riverside. It extends roughly 31 miles from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Whittier Slopes and includes oak and sycamore tree stands as well as gently sloping hills covered in grass. The Chino Hills play a crucial role in the survival of numerous animal species as well as in providing a haven for many plant species.

People can also find peace and isolation in a natural environment in Chino Hills as an escape from the stresses of city life. Visitors can set up camp for a few days or just take a leisurely stroll along the paths that meander through valleys and up ridge tops through forests, sage scrub, and grasslands, or they can ride horses or bicycles. Additionally, there are 60 miles of trails and fire roads that provide fantastic chances to see native plants and wildlife. There are bathrooms, water spigots, pipe corrals, a historic barn, a picnic area, and a staging place for horses. Most paths allow for various uses. However, due to safety concerns or the risk for environmental destruction, a few pathways are solely meant for trekking.

flowers at Chino Hills State Park — CC: Social Channel of park

Campsites in Chino Hills State Park

Rolling M Ranch Campground

Look no further if you want a more straightforward camping experience in an RV without the ritz. A modest, rustic campsite may be found at Chino Hills State Park called Rolling M Ranch. The 20 paved sites each have a grill, picnic table, lantern post, and fire ring. Fires are not permitted inside the park, despite the presence of a fire ring. You’ll want to be sure to take everything you’ll need because this campground is quite basic. There are flushing toilets and showers at the campsite, but no connections or a dump station. Over 28-foot RVs and trailers cannot be permitted. Pets are welcome at the campsite, but the majority of the park’s trails and open spaces are off-limits to them. Be mindful of the gate closing times because campers cannot enter or exit during these times. The hours when generators are allowed are 10 AM to 8 PM. Reservations for the campsite may be made up to six months in advance, and it is open all year.

Los Angeles / Pomona / Fairplex KOA

Imagine remaining close to Los Angeles and Hollywood but yet having easy access to Southern California’s mountains, state parks, and beaches. At the Los Angeles/Pomona/Fairplex KOA, one of the top RV parks in LA, you may enjoy this ideal holiday. There are all the facilities you could want at this superbly situated campsite, which is close to Chino Hills State Park. From the campsite, arrange a tour of Hollywood, take in the stunning gardens and views of the San Gabriel Mountains, and unwind in the spa and pool. Wi-Fi, a gym, sites with patios, restrooms, and laundry facilities are additional amenities. Daily complimentary breakfast is served in a stunning forested environment; you won’t believe you’re in the middle of the Los Angeles region.

Alternate camping

Off-Park Campgrounds

You might need to go elsewhere for RV lodging due to the park’s restricted camping options. Fortunately, there are many places to select from because of how close the area is to the city. High-quality facilities including full hookups, flush toilets, hot showers, and picnic spaces are present in the majority of off-site RV parks. You may be able to locate sites that provide amenities like Wi-Fi, pools, and ocean views for those who intend to go glamping to the fullest.

Chino Hills State Park Activities

Nature and Wildlife Viewing

A ecological corridor is a distinctive feature of Chino Hills State Park. A biological corridor is a way for animal and plant life to avoid being cut off from or separated from significant metropolitan areas, which would prevent a habitat from growing. Wide-ranging animals like bobcats and mountain lions may migrate more easily because to this ecological corridor. Animal enthusiasts with keen eyes might spend some time searching for some of the local Southern California fauna. In addition to thousands of insects and other invertebrates, the park is home to more than 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Visitors to the park can spend time searching for the area’s numerous plant species, including some protected plant life, in addition to seeing the animals.

Hiking

One of the nicest year-round climates in the region is found in Southern California. The pleasant weather makes trekking exciting and pleasurable. Over 90 miles of multi-use trails at Chino Hills State Park are accessible to hikers of all skill levels. The several trailheads in and around the park provide access to the trails. However, as dogs are not permitted in the majority of Chino Hills State Park, you might need to leave your four-legged companions behind at the RV. To find out if bringing a leashed dog on a particular portion of the path, users should consult the trail regulations. Get a map of Chino Hills State Park or speak with a park ranger to learn more about all the trails.

Horseback Riding

The 90-mile system has several equestrian riding paths, so feel free to bring the horses along on your RV excursion. For when you’re ready to call it a day, the park even has an equestrian campsite. Come ride in the off-season to avoid the heat and crowds. Riders are urged to always be alert because they could have to share the path with walkers, bicyclists, and sometimes even local wildlife. Planned rides can frequently be derailed by rain, so be careful to ask a park ranger about the status of the trails and any restrictions following any downpour.

Mountain Biking

Try some of the 90 miles of multi-use trails in the Chino Hills State Park trail system if you have the bikes tied to the back of the vehicle and love difficult, rocky mountain biking tracks. Before riding, bike riders should become familiar with the paths. Many of the informational bulletin boards located at trailheads or along the actual trails have maps and information about the park’s trails displayed on them. The majority of the routes are accessible for equestrian riding, biking, and hiking. However, not all routes are open to bikes, so make careful to confirm before heading out on the trails with a park ranger or at the closest visitor centre. The 15-mile-per-hour speed restriction should be followed by all bikers.

Geocaching

Consider geocaching if you and your family are eager to leave the Airstream and get some fresh air. Inside the limits of several California State Parks, including Chino Hills State Park, hidden geocaches are permitted. People seek for hidden treasures using a portable GPS device as part of the global pastime known as geocaching. The activity is governed by guidelines that promote ethical and environmentally conscious treasure hunting, and the state of California upholds and supports these ideals. Visit the geocaching website for additional details on this enjoyable and family-friendly pastime.

Birdwatching

To search for birds in the park, you don’t need to be an expert birdwatcher. A Western tanager, California quail, Red-tailed hawk, or owl could be visible if you’re lucky. Finding the species you’re looking for might be made easier by having knowledge about birds’ migration habits. To get started, obtain a bird guide and observe more seasoned birdwatchers to learn about the noises and markings that may assist pinpoint a bird’s position.

Picnicking

There is a picnic area, water spigots, and bathrooms as amenities.

Photography

The ideal setting is made up of undulating hills, narrow gorges, and high mountain summits. You won’t run out of things to photograph, whether you’re a seasoned expert or just searching for a way to remember your camping vacation. Numerous unusual lifeforms, like as red-winged blackbirds, southern California black walnut trees, and Tecate cypress trees, may be found in the park because of its distinctive geology. A permit from the California Film Commission is required if you want to take pictures or record video for profit. Wherever you go and whatever photos you take, Chino Hills will live on in your heart long after you’ve driven the camper out of the gates.

view at Chino Hills State Park — CC: Social Channel of park

Chino Hills State Park History

The Chino Hills’ wide-open expanses and abundant water, plant, and animal resources have been utilised by numerous people over the years. The Tongva-Gabrielio Indians established transient camps in the hills before European contact in order to harvest acorns, elderberries, walnuts, and other seeds. They lived in towns around the Santa Ana River watershed for 8,000 years.

After the Spanish established Mission San Gabriel in 1771, mission livestock made full use of the Chino Hills for grazing. The hills were used as spillover grazing during the Mexican Republic from nearby Mexican ranchos including Santa Ana del Chino and La Sierra Yorba. Following clashes with Mexican soldiers, who deemed US invasion illegitimate, the United States eventually captured the region in 1848. Even after this conquest, grazing was still the main usage of the area. [Reference required]

Beginning in the 1870s and continuing into the 1890s, private land acquisition. The 1,720-acre Rolling M Ranch, or 700 hectares, was founded in 1848, and the area was leased to neighbouring landowners for cattle grazing. The northwest region of what is now the park had some oil exploration and mining activities in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The remnants of the cattle ranching era include a ranch house, a barn, multiple windmills, and watering troughs.

Park founding

A resolution asking California State Parks to examine the possibility of acquiring land in the Chino Hills for park purposes was adopted by the California assembly in 1977. In order to establish the park, California State Parks and the legislature collaborated closely with a local civic organisation called Hills for Everyone to first acquire 2,237 acres (905 ha). The region was formally recognised as a component of the State Park System in 1984 by the State Park and Recreation Commission. Since that time, Chino Hills State Park has grown significantly as a result of multiple property purchases from different private landowners. According to the most recent data, the park was established in 1981 and has a total size of 14,173 acres (5,736 hectares).

Transportation

Driving

If they are not staying at the campsite, visitors accessing the park must pay a day-use charge. If there are no park guards at the entry, use the self-pay machine.
The nearest Chino Hills access is at 4721 Sapphire Road (Elinvar Road), where the campsite is situated.
Both the Yorba Linda entry at the Quarter Horse Drive Trailhead off of Fairmont Blvd. in the city of Yorba Linda and the Brea Discovery Center entrance at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142) Brea, California 92823 are other access points for the park.
Due to its mountainous terrain, Chino Hills State Park may need to close after a particularly severe downpour or during periods of drought and high wind. In the event of more than one quarter inch of rain, the park is closed for at least 48 hours. Additionally, the park is shut off when there is a serious fire risk. Please be mindful of bad weather and always heed the weather alerts and cautions issued by the park.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.