Carbon Canyon Regional Park — Attraction in Brea

Nice short trails and beautiful scenery. It cost us $5 to get in, but that's not that bad to be able to do a little hike with the family then play at the playground. It has several playgrounds pretty close to each other, so we're thinking of having our 3 year old's 4th birthday party there.

The reason for the 3 stars is we pay $5 to drive in and park, so I wish there was a little more security around the parking area. Maybe fences, cameras or an extra security station or something. We parked at the end of the parking lot to be closer to the beginning of the trail. We went on a couple of hikes, then we let our children play on a couple of the playgrounds. We both received phone calls from numbers we didn't recognize, so we didn't answer them. Well, when we got back to our car, we noticed the ranger and a police woman were at our car. Someone shattered our rear windshield and stole my wife's bag. I guess they thought it looked like a purse, but it was our diaper bag for our 3 month old. It had some diapers, extra clothes, changing pad and things of that nature. Luckily we took his formula with us on the hike because he was due to eat. The police woman and the ranger were both very nice and they were the ones trying to call us. Still not sure how they got both of our numbers. The ranger helped us clean the glass from the back of our SUV. It was a great day partly ruined by some punk.

Lesson learned, don't leave ANYTHING out that can be seen through a window, including a diaper bag. I saw the sign that said take your belongings and hide your stuff from view, but I figured it was for items that had value. When we go back, we'll be sure to hide everything by the feet of the first and second row seats and put jackets over everything. We'll also park closer to more populated areas. Even though there were about 8-10 cars in the area we parked, I guess it didn't make a difference. Don't take a lot if you're going to visit this park and take...

Carbon Canyon Regional Park is great big park for picnicking, sports, fishing, meditating, wildlife viewing, biking, hiking and taking a leisurely stroll through the ‘woods! I really like urban escaping here to a more natural, quieter environment than most local parks. And as large as this park is, it never seems to get too crowded! There’s designated areas for group gatherings, some with requiring reservations. Fishing is possible at the small lake for those who are licensed. I’ve noticed people fishing from the shore or off the small piers, extended over the water a few feet. There’s designated areas for just about every kind of group sports, including baseball, volleyball and soccer, as well as the availability of tennis courts. Inside the main park, users can access everything via paved pathways. Restrooms are located all around the park. As a hiker, I’ve enjoyed going along the surrounding trails for short hikes. Natural dirt and bark pathways are par for the course(s) there. There’s no restrooms available along those paths. There’s the long Creek Trail along the south side of the park, the namesake of which is dry much of the year. There’s also trails that loop to the Carbon Canyon Dam and around to and thru the Redwood Grove. Except for the ‘Grove with its canopy cover, these trails are open space trails, so sun protection should be considered! I’m particularly fond of the Redwood Grove, shown on Google Maps and posted park maps. This is a rare grove of large trees for Southern California. Good for taking a meditative stroll thru the forrest! I’m updating this review with a note of caution, the included, adjoining natural areas beyond the immediate parking lots may be difficult to navigate with adverse weather conditions. If so, I urge caution...

The 124 acre Carbon Canyon Regional Park knocks it out of the park when it comes to value. The parking is is cheap, and well worth it. There are 4 playgrounds near the front that have equipment and structures for all ages and in close proximity for those ever watchful parents. Sprawling grassy areas, tennis courts, hiking/walking paths, and even a 4-acre lake that is stocked weekly for fishing round out the list of features at this park. Guided tours are available by appointment via the park office and hikers can expect to see plenty of wildlife and natural foliage, including the ever present woodpeckers and beetles. Adventurous trail-goers should be wary of rattlesnakes on the trails and do their best to avoid any encounters with them. I have seen several, so keep any dogs or small children under close supervision when away from the developed area of the park. The nature trails are great for those without kids, and for those kids that love the outdoors, just a short 1.1 mile trek around the backside is the Redwood Grove! Some interesting history and knowledge to be gained by doing the short redwood walk, and even in the hottest of summer days you'll stay cool. Check out the information boards in the grove to learn why. A great spot to enjoy a picnic and soak up the California sun. Plenty of shade to go around, but be wary, the park does get busy at times so...