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.
- Video and Turn-by-Turn Directions to the Carbon Canyon Redwood Grove
- How to Get to the Carbon Canyon Regional Park
- Insider Tips and Recommendations for the Hike
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.
Gear That I Love Right Now
Nothing is sponsored or promoted, just the actual gear that I use.
Check out the complete list here. ( Updated October 2024)
Redwood Grove Trail Maps
How Will You Navigate?
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
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.
Need More Info?
- Have a question about the guide? Join my Patreon and ask me a question.
- When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.
- Do you have an update to this guide? View the Youtube comments for this video. Leave a comment and I will do my best to update the guide.