Enchanted Forest

Hike Carbon Canyon Regional Park

11.30.2015

The towering, fog-enshrouded coastal redwoods of the northern coast feel like a world away from LA, but did you know you can find them in Orange County? Carbon Canyon Regional Park in the city of Brea is home to a three-acre grove of coastal redwoods accessible via an easy hiking trail. Needless to say, a regional park over 20 miles from the ocean in northernmost Orange County is not the native habitat for this coastal species; the 241 trees were planted as seedlings when the park opened in 1975, making them quite young in redwood years. With meticulous care the grove has managed to thrive despite the dry climate. The trailhead to the grove is accessed from Parking Lot 5 at the eastern end of the park. From there, take the path between the low wooden fences and then follow the trail posts for "Redwood Grove." The mostly flat 2.2-mile out-and-back trail offers views of the fishing lake and Carbon Canyon Dam before culminating in the grove. Giant find.

FULL MOON REDWOODS HIKE: Attend one of the park's free guided full-moon hikes to see the redwoods in a whole new light.

To reach Carbon Canyon Regional Park from Los Angeles, take CA-60 east to CA-57 south. Exit Lambert Rd. and turn left. Lambert turns into Carbon Canyon Rd., and the park will be on your right. Parking costs $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

    View

  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

    View

  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

    View
  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View

  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View

  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

    View