It's vitally important as a refuge to many species of plants and as a link between natural areas essential to the survival of many animal species. Chino Hills State Park, a premier natural open-space area in the hills of Santa Ana Canyon near Riverside, is a critical link in the Puente-Chino Hills biological corridor. It encompasses stands of oaks, sycamores and rolling, grassy hills that stretch nearly 31 miles, from the Santa Ana Mountains to the Whittier Hills. Chino Hills is vitally important as a refuge to many species of plants, and as a link between natural areas essential to the survival of many animal species. Chino Hills is also a place where people can escape the pressures of urban life and find peace and solitude in a natural setting. Visitors can simply enjoy a walk, horseback or bicycle ride on trails that meander through valleys and along ridge tops through woodlands, sage scrub and grasslands. Ninety miles of trails and fire roads also offer excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife and native plants. Facilities consist of a picnic area, equestrian staging area, pipe corrals, a historic barn, water spigots and restrooms. The Chino Hills State Park Discovery Center, located on the western side of the park, is a premier interpretive facility which showcases the parks extraordinary biodiversity. However, a few trails are designated for hiking only, because of safety issues or the potential for damage to habitat.
