01
Best overall pick
Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Redwood Grove Trail
Carbon Canyon, East Brea • Shady Regional-Park Canyon Walk • All-Around Favorite For Most Hikers
A gentle out-and-back to a pocket redwood grove that feels surprisingly far from suburban Brea.
The main nature trail through Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a crowd-pleaser: mostly flat, easy to follow, and framed by a small lake, sycamores, and open canyon views. The payoff is a quiet grove of coastal redwoods, a rare sight in Orange County and a fun contrast to the surrounding chaparral. It’s an ideal spot for casual walkers, families, and anyone easing into local hiking without giving up scenery.
02
Longer hill workout
Telegraph Canyon Trail – Chino Hills State Park
Chino Hills State Park North Side • Rolling Canyon Singletrack And Fire Road • Go-To Option For Longer Adventures
A broad canyon route that quickly swaps neighborhood streets for wide-open hills and big skies.
Accessed just east of Brea via the Carbon Canyon entrance, Telegraph Canyon is where locals go when they want real mileage and a sense of space. The trail winds gradually up a broad valley, with side routes that let you add steeper climbs to surrounding ridges for panoramic views toward Orange County and the Inland Empire. Go early on warm days, pack water, and expect limited shade once you leave the canyon bottom.
03
Local history stop
Olinda Oil Museum Trail
Olinda Foothills, Northeast Brea • Short Historic Hill Loop • Best For A Quick, Local Leg-Stretcher
A compact loop that mixes oil-town history with breezy views over Brea’s northern neighborhoods.
Tucked into the Olinda Oil Museum grounds, this small network of trails climbs past old oil equipment and interpretive signs before topping out on low ridges. The short climbs deliver more views than you’d expect, making it a handy option when you only have 30–45 minutes to get outside. It’s a nice intro hike for kids and visitors who like a side of local history with their scenery.
04
Easy in-town stroll
The Tracks at Brea Trail
Downtown Brea Corridor • Paved Urban Rail-Trail With Parks And Art • Best Choice For Relaxed Walks And Jogs
A linear path following an old rail line that strings together small parks, artwork, and neighborhood views across Brea.
The Tracks at Brea is less about wilderness and more about everyday movement, but it’s a staple for locals who want an easy, car-free place to walk or run. Multiple trailheads make it simple to hop on for a mile or two, and the mix of landscaping, play areas, and public art keeps it from feeling like a plain sidewalk. Choose this when you want something stroller-friendly, social, and close to coffee or dinner afterward.
05
Scenic ridge views
West Coyote Hills Trails
Fullerton Hills, West Of Brea • Ridgeline Nature Preserve Paths • Top Pick For Nearby Sunset Vistas
A patchwork of dirt trails along a low ridge with wide views over north Orange County and, on clear days, out to the coast.
Just a short drive from Brea, the West Coyote Hills area feels surprisingly wild for being surrounded by neighborhoods. Rolling paths weave between coastal sage scrub and pockets of trees, with frequent overlooks where you can watch the light change over the city. Aim for late afternoon or golden hour to make the most of the west-facing views and cooler temperatures.