Redwood Grove Hike Guide (Carbon Canyon – Brea)
In This Guide |
|
Total Distance (?) | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
Hike Time | 1 Hour (Total) |
Difficulty (?) | Easy |
Total Ascent (?) | 50 feet (15m) |
Highest Elevation | 430 feet (131m) |
Fees & Permits | Entry Fee |
Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
Alerts & Closures (?) | Carbon Canyon Regional Park |
Park Phone | 714-973-3160 |
Weather & Forecast | Latest Conditions |
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It’s an easy hike to visit Southern California’s largest Redwood Grove, located in Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The Redwood grove, while not as majestic as those in Northern California, is still impressive. You’ll be able to wander in the shade of over 200 Redwoods, which would not survive in the hot, dry Southern California climate without the loving attention of OC Parks. It’s a great hike that’s easy for families and beginners.
This is a popular hike. Come as early as possible for the best experience.
Where is the Orange County Redwood Grove?
The Redwood Grove is tucked away in a corner of Carbon Canyon Regional Park. Use this address for the park:
Carbon Canyon Regional Park, 4442 Carbon Canyon Rd, Brea, CA 92823
There is a fee to enter the park.


There are bathrooms and water fountains throughout the park. There’s also a water fountain at the Redwood grove.
Gear For the Hike
This hike is short and flat. Wear comfortable shoes and casual fitness clothes. It can get very hot and dusty on the way to the grove. If you get thirsty, there is a water fountain at the start of the grove.
Redwood Grove Trail Maps

Explore Map on CalTopoView a Printable PDF Hike MapDownload the Hike GPX File
The Redwood Grove Story

- When the oil ran dry in Olinda, the area was cleaned up and Carbon Canyon Regional Park was created in 1975.
- When the park first opened, 100 Redwood seeds were planted at the grove. The seeds were left over from a bank promotion giving them out to customers opening accounts.
- The trees, usually found in the wet and nutrient-rich soils of Northern California, won’t normally grow this far south. The grove area was selected because it’s low and attracts the most moisture and fog. The grove has a man-made irrigation system that waters the trees five days a week.
- When the trees were originally planted, it was thought that they would grow to their normal height of about 350 feet (higher than the Statue of Liberty). However, the challenging Southern California climate has kept the trees under 100 feet. They’re still impressive and majestic.
Orange County Redwood Grove Hike Directions
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Video Directions
Turn by Turn Directions




In the distance is Carbon Canyon Dam, opened in 1961, which handles overflow and flooding from the Santa Ana River drainage system. The dam is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which also leases the Redwood Grove area to OC Parks.








The Redwood is the California state tree.






This guide last updated on September 15, 2021. Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.