01
Best overall pick
Bane Canyon Loop, Chino Hills State Park
Sapphire Road Entrance Of Chino Hills State Park • Rolling Canyon-And-Ridge Loop With Broad Views • Best Introduction To Chino Hills Hillsides
A classic looping tour of Chino Hills State Park with wide-open scenery, modest climbs, and plenty of room to roam.
Bane Canyon Loop strings together ranch-road style paths through golden grasslands, oak pockets, and long ridgelines that feel far from suburbia. Expect exposed stretches and steady but manageable climbs, with big sky and wide views as your reward. It’s a great first choice if you want a real sense of the park without committing to an all-day effort.
02
Classic park traverse
Telegraph Canyon & South Ridge Loop, Chino Hills State Park
Carbon Canyon Side Of Chino Hills State Park • Canyon-To-Ridge Lollipop With Long Sightlines • Great For Fitness Hikes And Trail Runs
This popular loop climbs from a mellow canyon floor up to a high ridge, delivering a solid workout and sweeping views over the Chino Hills.
Starting along Telegraph Canyon, you ease into the day on a gradual grade framed by hillsides that light up with wildflowers in a good spring. The route then breaks upward to South Ridge, where the payoff is a big-sky traverse with long views toward the San Gabriels and Orange County. It’s a favorite of locals who like to power-hike or run before the heat and enjoy a satisfying loop without needing to navigate complex side trails.
03
Summit with big payoff
Gilman Peak, Chino Hills State Park
Interior Ridges Of Chino Hills State Park • Steady Summit Climb To A Panoramic Peak • Best For Views After A Workout
A more strenuous outing that tops out on one of the park’s signature summits, with 360-degree views on clear days.
Reaching Gilman Peak usually means committing to a respectable climb on dirt roads and singletrack, but the panorama from the top makes every step worth it. From the summit, you can scan the Inland Empire, Orange County, and surrounding ranges, especially striking in crisp winter air. Choose this hike when you want something a little tougher and don’t mind long, exposed sections under the sun.
04
Easygoing family option
Carbon Canyon Regional Park Trails
Brea, West Of Chino Hills • Park Paths And Short Dirt Trails Through Groves And Low Hills • Best For Casual Strolls And Kids
Gentle walking paths, a small redwood grove, and low hillside trails make this a relaxed place to stretch your legs close to town.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is ideal when you want fresh air without committing to a big climb or long mileage. Paved and dirt paths loop around ponds, picnic spots, and the pocket redwood grove, with a few short hill trails if you want a bit more exertion. It’s an easy recommendation for families, multi-generational groups, or anyone easing into local hiking before tackling the larger state park.
05
Challenging ridge-line outing
Skyline Drive Trail
Corona Foothills, South Of Chino Hills • Long Multi-Use Ridge Trail With Sustained Climbs • Best For Experienced Hikers And Strong Walkers
A longer, exposed ridge route with rolling climbs, big views, and a backcountry feel despite its proximity to the suburbs.
Skyline Drive runs along a prominent ridge above the Corona side of the Chino Hills, drawing hikers and mountain bikers looking for a serious workout. The grades are steady rather than technical, but the distance, sun exposure, and occasional wind make it feel like a bigger adventure. Go early, pack extra water, and you’ll get expansive vistas that stretch from the inland valleys to distant peaks.