Pets allowed
Allowed with Restrictions
Elevation Gain
1,190.00 ft (362.71 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
10.60 mi (17.06 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Telegraph/South Ridge Loop is a 10.6-mile route in Chino Hills State Park near Yorba Linda, California. The loop here will be popular with runners, hikers, and mountain bikers, and can be completed in either direction. Note, however, that the portion through Telegraph Canyon is notably more gradual and flat than that of South Ridge. Telegraph Canyon meanders along the floor of the valley between North Ridge and South Ridge all the way to Rolling M Ranch on the east end of the state park. South Ridge Trail as well traverses the length of the park and offers more opportunities for scenic vistas. Chino Hills is best seen in the winter and spring, as the hills turn a vibrant green following hopeful rains. This route can be quite exposed, so it is important, as always, to be properly prepared, especially during hot and dry summer months. This route can also be extended and/or shortened, utilizing one of the numerous connector trails between the two primary trails. 

The Chino Hills area is not only a nature refuge in the midst of a tri-county urban region (located at the juncture of Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties), but also serves an important role as a part of the Puente-Chino Hills Wildlife Corridor between the Santa Ana Mountains and the Whittier Hills. Parking regulations vary throughout the year, but please note that there is a gate that locks! For current parking regulations, check the Chino Hills SP page on parks.ca.gov. Street parking is also available (check street signs!) in the neighborhoods across Carbon Canyon Road. Signage indicates that trails are open from sunrise to sunset.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Car fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Quiet. Birdwatching. Scenic.

Cons

Popular on weekends. Mountain bikes allowed.

Trailhead Elevation

470.00 ft (143.26 m)

Highest point

1,462.00 ft (445.62 m)

Features

Wildlife
Flushing toilets
Wildflowers
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Biking

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

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