CHINO HILLS STATE PARK: safety tips: dogs off leash

Many people enjoy taking walks with their dogs, and the Chino Hills State Park does make accommodations if you wish to have your dog accompany you. However, there are some restrictions that must be followed:

• Location: Leashed dogs are only allowed on Bane Canyon Road and the road leading to McLean Overlook. Bane Canyon is the road that begins at the entrance of the Park off of Sapphire Road, in Chino Hills and ends at the Rolling M Ranch in the heart of the park. (The road to McLean Overlook begins near where the dirt road becomes a paved road).
  
  Dogs are also allowed on the adjacent campgrounds, picnic areas and parking lots. Dogs are not allows on any of the trails that branch off from Bane Canyon Road. Please look for signs that remind you where dogs are prohibited.
   

• Leashes: Dogs must be leashed at all times.
   

• Clean up: Please be considerate of others and the wildlife and clean up after your dog. Dog waste is a nuisance to encounter and may contaminate water sources.

Why does Chino Hills State Park have these restrictions on dogs?

• Protect park resources: Dogs are predators by nature and their presence or lingering scent will disturb and frighten wildlife nearby. Dogs can transmit diseases and parasites to native animals including coyote and deer. Dogs that are unleashed often harass or kill park wildlife.
   

• Protect your dog from:
  - Animals: In Chino Hills State Park, the wildlife the presents the most problems to your dogs, if they were to wander off the road, is snakes. A rattlesnake bite to your dog can potentially be fatal. Also, other animals such as mountain lions, coyotes and raccoons, if threatened, may fight back and attack your dog.
  
  - Ticks and thorny/toxic plants: Dogs frequently pick up ticks in their fur and can encounter thorny or toxic plants. If your dog gets into poison oak, it can transfer the irritating oils to your skin the next time you pet your dog.
  
  - Falls: There are some steep areas in the park and an unleashed dog can suffer painful and sometimes fatal falls.
   

• Safety and enjoyment of other visitors: Some people are scared or intimidated by dogs, even the friendly ones. Also, dogs reduce the amount of animals that hikers are likely to see.

Park regulations, common courtesy and good judgment all require that you take special care when bringing your pet into Chino Hills State Park. Thank you for your cooperation!