A Day at Chino Hills State Park

Taking a hike or going on a bike ride at Chino Hills State Park is a great way to spend a day if you want to do something different and get out of the house.

Nestled on the outskirts of residential homes, the State Park offers, hiking, camping, biking and general, outdoor fun. For Southern California residents, this is a great opportunity to explore an area that is essentially, in your own backyard (it's just off the 71 freeway). For people from out of state, this is a great, day-long visit you may want to consider making.

To begin with, the cost of visiting the park is extremely cheap. If you only plan on staying for a few hours or the day, you only have to pay for parking which is $4. Once you drive up a dirt path, you will reach a booth (which is not manned by anyone). You get out of your car, take one of the tickets, fill it out (make sure to bring a pen), put your $4 into the envelope and drop it into a box. You take the other portion of the stub and stick it on your dashboard.

It's basically on the honor system. However, the sign says that rangers do walk around to ensure that every vehicle has paid.

After you pay, you will drive about 2 miles on a winding dirt path to the designated parking areas. Make sure you drive slowly and watch out for on-coming traffic because the road is extremely narrow (and you may have to pull over). Plus, if you go over the edge realize there are no patrol cars going up and down the path to make sure everything is fine (the area is seemingly remote).

You will pass various areas to park or camp. Take your pick as far as where you want to park and keep an eye out for stands a long the way which contain maps to the park. However, if you go all the way up towards where the signs point to campgrounds (and a former stable), you will find a large parking lot, restrooms and more campsites.