Carbon Canyon Regional Park Is Home To The Hidden Redwood Grove In Southern California That Almost No One Knows About
By Natasha Kayes|Published March 22, 2023
×
Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
California Redwoods have long been one of the state’s most beloved natural wonders, but for the most part, you have to travel to Northern California and make your way up winding mountain roads to the redwood forests in order to enjoy these giant beauties. What most people in California don’t realize is that there is a lovely Redwood Grove in Yorba Linda, hiding in a beautiful regional park.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a large, peaceful park with a man-made lake, picnic areas, a playground, and usually quite a few Canadian geese.
The Redwood Grove is situated in the southern part of the peninsula-shaped Carbon Canyon park. With wild hillsides and residential communities surrounding the park, this little dense grove of California redwoods is like a little buried treasure.
The sweet trail that leads through the Redwood Grove is part of a 1.5-mile easy, family-friendly (and dog-friendly, too!) hiking loop. It generally takes less than an hour to complete and is a perfect way to lose yourself in the natural beauty of the area.
This secret grove of California redwoods is relatively small, especially when compared with other national parks and forests, but this group of trees has an enchantment of its own.
The grove in Carbon Canyon Regional Park is actually the largest grove of redwoods in Southern California, with over 200 Redwoods, and it is definitely impressive.
These redwood trees are actually a natural wonder, considering that they are surviving in the Southern California climate that is generally much drier than up north. Technically, they should not grow here at all! However, they are well cared-for by Orange County Parks and are actually thriving.
The trees may not be as old or as massive as their famous old-growth Northern California relatives, but they are every bit as distinctive with their tall, straight trunks and their delicate leaves and branches. Looking up into the tops of these tall, majestic trees is a special experience.
Keep your eyes open in the park and on the forest floor; in the spring and summer, you are likely to find wildflowers including these vibrant California poppies.
This secret grove is a dreamy little spot for romantic photos and a place where you can suddenly imagine yourself far from the city in the redwood-forested mountains.
The Redwood Grove in Yorba Linda at Carbon Canyon Regional Park is a true hidden gem in Southern California. Have you ever seen this amazing little grove in Yorba Linda? We would love to hear what you think in the comments. While you are here, check out 12 magnificent hidden gems you should explore!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
