Located at 4500 Carbon Canyon Road in the City of Brea, this modern style, green built facility boasts several attractive features. A 1,500 sq. ft. Visitor Center/Exhibit Hall with vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling windows is home to a variety of “high” and “low” tech displays sure to please any age.
Programs
School programs at Chino Hills State Park aim to give students a better understanding of the natural and cultural history of the park and how it relates to their lives. The natural history programs cover topics from biodiversity to the hidden geology underfoot while the cultural history programs focus on the most active period of ranching in the park from the 1920s through the 1980s. Field trips are offered both in-person and virtually through the PORTS program.
Many other seasonal public programs such as Campfire Talks and Family Rangers can be found on the Facebook page.
Exhibits
The exhibits provide colorful information on subjects such as resident plants and animals, wildlife corridors, human impacts on open space, biodiversity, and even geomorphology! Exhibits include tactile features (things you can touch), video monitors, murals and more. The 900 sq ft. Multi-Purpose room can be used for public education and community meetings.
Finally, four bright and cheery public restrooms, an “organic” outdoor amphitheater, and short nature path with interpretive panels finish it off. A large monument sign stands near the entrance for all passing motorists to see.
Access
Visitors entering this western side of the Park can visit the Discovery Center on their way to hike, bike, horse back ride, and view wildlife. The parking lot is accessed off of Carbon Canyon Road and accommodates approximately 75 vehicles. We look forward to hosting many educational field trips and exciting special events at the new Discovery Center. The back parking lot was designed to accommodate buses and equestrian trailer parking.
State Park staff is on site to provide customer service, such as selling park passes, and providing maps, and information. The Chino Hills State Park Interpretive Association will have a variety of fun and educational items for sale at the reception counter. The Multi-Purpose room and restroom facilities, as well as the parking lot, are open to the public.