Enchanted Forest

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!