Peters Canyon Regional Park

The 340 acres of Peters Canyon Regional Park feature graded roads and trails winding through an abundance of habitats including freshwater marsh, grasslands, and coastal sage scrub.

Park Information

8548 E. Canyon View Ave., Orange, CA

This park is open daily between 7:00 a.m. and sunset. Parking is $3.

OC Parks hosts interpretive programs year-round, including birdwatching hikes and Jr. Ranger adventures.

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Park Map
Email
714-973-6611

340

acres of the Reserve's protected land

5.7

miles form the East Ridge Trail Loop

scenic overlooks throughout the park

More about Peters Canyon Regional Park

Peters Canyon Regional Park, centrally located in Orange County, is one of the area’s most popular hiking destinations. A creek meanders through the canyon where groves of rare black willows and cottonwoods grow. The North Loop Trail is 2.5 miles long, a perfect jaunt for beginners around part of the 55-acre Peters Canyon Reservoir, a landing spot for migrating waterfowl as well as the many species that that make it their home year-round.

Visitors with more trail experience can enjoy the 5.7-mile East Ridge View Trail and be rewarded with a panoramic view of the canyon and the land beyond. Keep your eyes peeled for all the animals living here, including mule deer, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, and an occasional mountain lion. Many smaller amphibians, mammals, and reptiles can be found at the park, lured by the lush woodlands, sparkling reservoir, and running creek.

Choose your own adventure: Peters Canyon Regional Park's got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.