Address: 4721 Sapphire Rd, Chino Hills, CA 91709
Expense: You can park for free at the bottom of the hill and hike/walk-up, or you can drive all the way up and park for $5 (paid parking is limited)
Chino Hills State Park is so breathtaking! It’s kind of wild that Earth did THAT!! There are so many picture opportunities that can be taken here.
To start off, I entered through the east entrance, which is off Highway 71. I parked on the side of the street and walked up the paved road. It was a bit of a walk, but you definitely get to capture more of the beauty up close while walking the scenic route.
When you walk up about a mile, you can turn back and see the view of parts of the city (check the top picture to see what I mean). After you head up the paved pathway, there will be three trails you can find: Pomona Trail, Sidewinder Trail, and Bane Canyon Trail.
All of these trails are about 1-3 miles and I’ve actually seen people of all ages on the trail, so it’s an easy hike/walk. Those trails have dirt paths, so please be sure to wear some comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Tip: If you know you are prone to allergies, I recommend bringing eye drops and tissues. I didn’t know that I would have allergies, but I think once the dirt/pollen flew around and it irritated my eyes. Luckily I always carry eye drops so it relieved the itchiness.
If you plan to go during golden hour for good pictures, keep in mind that from October to March, the park opens until 5 pm every day. As for April-September, they are only open until 7 pm every day.
Another thing to note is that dogs are allowed on paved roads and in campgrounds, but not allowed on park trails.
I do want to add that visiting the State Park, reminded me to be more appreciative of Earth and its beauty. So if there’s an option to walk or bike somewhere, I recommend doing that rather than driving everywhere.
Payback to the Earth and try incorporating sustainable acts into your life! Even if it’s as small as walking up the hill or shortening your shower times! Small actions are still actions. After all, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
