Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Discover Orange County's only redwood grove! Enjoy easy trails, picnic spots, and a serene lake in this beautiful regional park.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Orange County's only redwood grove! Enjoy easy trails, picnic spots, and a serene lake in this beautiful regional park.
"A beautiful park with an awesome easy hike to a beautiful grove of 50 year old Redwood trees!"
🚶♀️ Easy Redwood Trail
The 1.1-mile round trip trail to the redwood grove is flat and perfect for all ages.
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Expect to pay $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends for parking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Redwood Grove
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Discover Orange County's only redwood grove, a tranquil escape with towering trees.
Lake and Picnic Areas
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Enjoy scenic picnic spots and a charming lake, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.
Kid-Friendly Trails
Carbon Canyon Regional Park
Easy, flat paths make the redwood grove accessible for families and all ages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds to the Redwoods
Parking and Access
While some mention 'backways' to enter, official entry ensures access to amenities. Check park hours as they vary seasonally.Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Easy Redwood Trail
The 1.1-mile round trip trail to the redwood grove is flat and perfect for all ages. +1
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Expect to pay $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends for parking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, making it great for furry friends.
📸 Photography Hotspot
Popular for engagement photos; check permit requirements if planning a professional shoot.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Redwood Trail
The 1.1-mile round trip trail to the redwood grove is flat and perfect for all ages. +1
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Expect to pay $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends for parking.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Park
Leashed dogs are welcome on trails, making it great for furry friends.
📸 Photography Hotspot
Popular for engagement photos; check permit requirements if planning a professional shoot.
🧺 Picnic & Play
Great picnic areas and playgrounds make it ideal for family day trips.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Carbon Canyon Regional Park for its beautiful and accessible redwood grove, a unique natural feature in Orange County. The park is well-maintained, family-friendly, and offers pleasant picnic areas and a lake, making it a great spot for a relaxing day trip. Some note that the trails are more like walking paths and can lead to residential areas, and parking fees apply.
"It is a beautiful park, very well maintained, with an awesome easy hike to a beautiful grove of 50 year old Redwood trees!. Also trail goes around a beautiful small fishing lake. Park ranger at the entry booth was very kind respectful and helpful when I asked questions about the trail. Family friendly hike for all. Highly recommend."
Rick De Vicente
"Very nice park, The redwoods are beautiful. The trails are not hiking trails but more walking pathways, most lead to residential areas. Lots of rabbits and small animals on the move. This place is very clean park to the restrooms... $3 parking on weekdays $5 on weekends. Dog friendly. Enjoy"
F. Jones
"I took my kids (5+3) here to hike through the Redwoods, it was beautiful. I was surprised when I got there at how nice the rest of the park was. Very nice picnic area around a small lake with clean bathrooms. And there are several cool play structures all in one area that the kids really enjoyed. Excellent spot for a little day trip, great for kids."
Michael Lindner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is located at 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823.+1 It's easily accessible by car and is about 25 minutes from Disneyland.
Yes, the park is well-marked and has designated parking areas. The main entrance is off Carbon Canyon Road.
Park hours vary seasonally. Generally, Fall-Winter hours are 7 am - 6 pm, and Spring-Summer hours are 7 am - 9 pm. Always check the official park website for the most current hours.
Some visitors mention 'backways' to enter to avoid parking fees. However, using the official entrance ensures full access to amenities and is recommended for a hassle-free experience.
The hike to the redwood grove is a short, 1.1-mile round trip, making it easily accessible from the main park entrance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee, not an entrance fee. It costs $3 per vehicle on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
No, advance booking is not required for general park entry. Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discounts are not typically mentioned. The stated fees are $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends.
Parking is available within the park, but it can fill up quickly on busy days. Arriving early is advised, especially on weekends.
While some suggest alternative entry points to avoid fees, it's best to pay the official parking fee for a secure and complete park experience.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park's main draw is its unique redwood grove, the only one in Orange County, featuring over 90 coastal redwoods.
The trail to the redwood grove is a short, 1.1-mile (round trip) walk that is mostly flat and considered easy, making it family-friendly. +1
The trail leading to the grove has limited shade, but once you reach the redwood canopy, it becomes much cooler and shaded.
Yes, the park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, sports fields, a lake for fishing, and other walking paths.
Absolutely! It's very family-friendly with easy trails, playgrounds, and picnic spots. +1
Yes, Carbon Canyon Regional Park is dog-friendly, but dogs must be kept on a leash.
The restrooms are generally described as clean and well-maintained.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, it's a popular spot for photography, especially engagement sessions, due to the unique redwood grove.
For professional or posed photography sessions (like engagement shoots), a permit may be required. It's advisable to check with the park regarding their specific policies and processing times.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, especially within the redwood grove.
The redwood grove itself is the most sought-after location. The lake and picnic areas also offer scenic backdrops.
For personal, casual photos, a permit is generally not required. The permit is typically for professional or commercial use.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there are amenities, bringing your own ensures a more relaxed experience. The parking fee is modest, making it an affordable day out. Remember to check the park hours, as they change seasonally.
🐶 Dog Owners
This makes it a great spot for active pups who enjoy exploring nature. The easy trails are perfect for a leisurely walk with your canine companion.Remember to always keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them. The redwood grove offers a unique and shaded environment for a refreshing walk, and the open spaces are great for dogs to enjoy. It's a wonderful way to include your pet in your outdoor adventures.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The natural beauty offers diverse backdrops, from the towering trees to the serene lake. However, be aware that professional photography may require a permit, so it's crucial to check with park officials in advance regarding their policies and processing times.For content creators, the easy access to a redwood grove in Orange County is a significant draw.
The 1.1-mile trail is accessible for filming, and the park's amenities provide additional visual interest. Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best lighting conditions for capturing stunning visuals.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Redwood Grove
+2 While they may not reach the colossal heights of their Northern California counterparts, they create a unique and peaceful microclimate within the park.The 1.1-mile round trip trail to the grove is an easy, flat walk, making it accessible for most visitors, including families with young children.
Many visitors are delighted to discover this natural gem so close to urban areas, often comparing it favorably to longer drives to national parks. It's a testament to the diverse ecosystems found within Southern California's regional parks.
+1Family Fun and Amenities
The park also features a small lake, which is a popular spot for fishing and offers a scenic backdrop for relaxation. For those looking for more active pursuits, there are sports fields and courts, including beach volleyball.
+1 The variety of amenities makes it a versatile destination catering to different interests and age groups.Many reviews highlight the park's cleanliness and the abundance of wildlife, such as rabbits and birds, adding an extra layer of enjoyment for nature lovers and families alike.
Photography Opportunities
The contrast between the tall trees and the Southern California landscape creates visually appealing shots.While the park is a dream for photographers, it's important to be aware of their policies regarding professional shoots. Some online discussions and reviews mention that permits might be required for posed photography sessions, and these can take time to process.
Beyond the redwoods, the park's lake and picnic areas also offer picturesque settings for capturing memories. The natural light filtering through the trees in the grove, especially during the golden hours of morning and late afternoon, can create magical photographic moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit