Hiked June 22, 2026. Hike 25 for the year.
I had the idea that I wanted to come back here for a while, but, even this weekend, I had a hard time managing that. So it wasn't until Monday, June 22, that I made it down here.
Right after I left home, I realized I didn't have a broad-brimmed hat for sun protection, and my sunshirt did not have a hoodie to pull around my face and neck. So I was thinking my hike here might be minimalist, just around Carbon Canyon park to get my three miles. Only if I could find a hat would I continue, further.
So, from the south parking lot, I followed the signs to the Redwood Grove. This is also the Coyote Pass trail. I would estimate somewhere around 1/2 mile to get there, maybe less, and pretty flat, but also shadeless, until you get to the actual redwoods.
Once there, there's a nice trail, lined by a wooden fence. That's to keep walkers on a specific path, and prevent overall compaction of the ground around the redwood trees. Also, there is an underground irrigation system, to help keep the tree roots wet without turning the surface marshy.
Despite the fencing, I'm sure plenty of ignorant people trample all over the roots and irrigation system, nonetheless, but this reduces that, at least.
These redwoods were planted back in 1975, and somehow trace back to a bank promotion (it's unclear which one). Back in the 1970s, this being closer to the original Earth Day, a number of local banks would give away redwood seedlings to customers who opened new savings account, so you could watch you tiny weekly additions grow into a mighty savings balance. Or something.
Now 51 years, and up to 100 feet tall, it's a pleasant walk. On a Monday, it's also pleasantly empty, though hardly a solitary wander.
From the redwoods, I wandered further south, eventually crossing a dry waterway, then the dam spillway, then the dam, where I then turned west, along the dam top. It's an earthen dam, with a normal spillway standing as a tower in the impound area.
From the end of the dam, I walked around the fencing (as intended, as far as I can tell), then headed north, looping along the west end of the park, then headed east.
As I got back near the Carbon Canyon Road entrance, near the kiosk, I saw a building that seemed like it might house a giftshop or book store. But, no it was just an administrative office, and a ranger to ask questions of.
But, already being where I was, I figured I'd wander on east, to the Chino Hills State Park parking area, where, based on a recent trip, I knew there was a gift shop, and was pretty sure I saw floppy hats the last time I was there.
It's a pretty dry approach, and the entire park now is pretty dry. There are some trees and shrubs. The most dynamically growing shrub appears to be poison oak, however. So make sure you know what that looks like before going off the pavement!
In any event, the gift shop there did have both big floppy hats with the state parks logo, or ball caps, with the same. The big floppy hat was only about $25, which, for the kind of store it was, I think is a bargain. By contrast, the last ball cap I bought at Griffith Observatory was over $36, with an employee discount!
Had I failed to find a hat, I would have just returned to my car. But, now, armed with better sun protection, I plotted a longer hike. Saw a point labeled "Glider Point." Sounded good.
This had me heading initially just east, on the Telegraph trail. Same trail I was on in a previous hike. But, this time, after about 1 1/2 miles, I turned right, up the Diemer Trail, then left, on the South Ridge Trail. That leads to the east, with Yorba Linda to your right, and the rest of Chino Hills State Park on your left.
Another mile and a half or so to Glider Point (not signed on the ground), then a bit further east, to the Easy Street trail, which heads north, towards Telegraph Trail.
That segment headed towards Gilman Peak, and provided a scenic view for much of the way. There were a lot of tall dead reed-like stalks, with dried up, presumable dead snails still attached. That part wasn't so scenic.
Once back on the Telegraph Trail, it was an easy three miles or so back towards Carbon Canyon Park.
This time, like last time, I chuckled as I walked by the side canyon with the poles, and figured those must be where the telegraph line that gave the canyon its name must have been.
The contrast between summer Chino Hills and Spring or winter Chino Hills is pretty dramatic. Fortunately, the weather was still not too summer-like, so the hike wasn't too tough, despite the distance.
Drank some water and used the restroom at the Chino Hills State Park Discovery Center (closed, by now, but the restrooms were still available), then continued to Carbon Canyon, which also has plenty of drinking water and restrooms. There' s fair sized lake, which I assume has fish. One fair sized group of Canada geese were hanging out as I headed to my car, and a smaller number of ducks were also seen.
11.21 miles for the day, and over 800 feet of altitude gained. That was in regular athletic shoes, since I forgot to toss my hiking boots in the way. Longer than I had planned for, but worked out well. I saw and photographed the redwoods, and also saw some additional areas of Chino Hills State Park that I hadn't walked, before. There are additional areas in the southeast of the park that I still need to visit, but I'll probably wait until fall or winter for that.
Nearly no hikers seen on this hike, but, again, it was a Monday. Fair number of mountain bikers. Good way to spend the day. I was happy.
