Oak Canyon is a 58-acre nature center, wildlife sanctuary, and park nestled in the beautiful Anaheim Hills. This sanctuary is full of trails, nature, and amenities and will indeed have something for every visitor. It has three adjoining canyons, and nearly 4 miles of hiking trails traverse one of our region’s few remaining coastal sage scrub and oak woodland areas. This park is also home to the small museum John J. Collier Interpretative Center. This museum features live animals and regional and natural history exhibits.
Oak Canyon Nature Center is one of Orange County’s best nature areas! You can enjoy the calming and soothing sounds of nature and running water while exploring the hiking trailers available all year round. Wildlife like scrub jays, raccoons, opossums, acron woodpeckers, pack rats, California quails, cottontail rabbits, red-shoulderd hawks, and western fence lizards can be found throughout the area. There’s no better way to get active than in the unique sounds of nature surrounded by beautiful sceneries and the numerous amenities and activities that the Oak Canyon Nature Center offers.
Oak Canyon’s Amenities and Features
- Interpretative Center
- Butterfly Garden
- Wildlife
- Trails
- Play structures
- 4 miles of hiking trails
- Amphitheater
- Trails:
- Roadrunner Ridge
- Wren Way
- Stream Trail
- Main Road
- Quail Trail
- Bluebird Lane & Loop
- Tranquility trail
- Herbiage Trail
Oak Canyon Activities & Events
Oak Canyon Nature Center offers week-long summer camps, photoshoot locations, wedding ceremonies/facility rentals, and different programs throughout the year like
- Nature Nights: Meet experts from different natural fields for a hike accompanied by the staff naturalist.
- Tiny Tots Academy: This program prepares children (3 to 5 years old) for kindergarten. The program’s lessons allow every kid to explore different subjects, socialize, and develop motor skills during playtime.
- Discover Nature Family Program: Go on a naturalist-led hike through Oak Canyon and learn about the park’s history, animals, ecology, plants, and more.
- Tours for Groups and Schools
Oak Canyon’s tips and regulations
- Keep an eye out for warning signs.
- Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, or any necessary gear to protect yourself from the elements.
- Stay on the trails!
- Watch out for poison ivy and rattlesnakes.
- If you want to plan a photoshoot, you’ll need a photo permit.
- Hiking trails connect to Walnut Canyon Reservoir Trail.
- No pets allowed (only service animals)
- No bicycles or skateboards
- No collecting nature objects
- No alcohol/smoking
- No cooking or flame of any kind.
