Oak Canyon Nature Center is a 58-acre natural park in Anaheim Hills with approximately four miles of hiking trails through oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. A year-round stream runs through the park’s three adjoining canyons, and the site includes the John J. Collier Interpretive Center with live animals and exhibits about the area’s natural history.
Oak Canyon Nature Center Information
Address: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Anaheim, CA 92807
Phone: (714) 998-8380
Grounds & Trails: Sunrise to sunset daily
John J. Collier Interpretive Center: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: Free; a $5 donation is suggested to support nature programming
Parking: Free; parking is limited
Restrooms: Available; restrooms and parking lot gates are locked at 5 p.m.
Pets: No pets; service animals are allowed
Hours, programs and access can change, so confirm current information with the City of Anaheim before visiting.
Hiking at Oak Canyon Nature Center
Oak Canyon Nature Center has approximately four miles of trails winding through three adjoining canyons. Visitors can combine shorter trails into different routes, making the park useful for everything from a brief nature walk to a longer exploration of the canyon.
The trail network includes routes such as Quail Trail, Roadrunner Ridge, Bluebird Lane and Loop, Wren Way, Tranquility Trail and Stream Trail. Upper trails such as Roadrunner Ridge and portions of Bluebird and Wren are generally more exposed to the sun, while lower canyon routes offer more tree cover.
The trail network offers short routes suitable for many beginning hikers, along with steeper and more exposed sections. Natural-surface trails can be uneven, so choose a route appropriate for your group and current conditions.
Check the official Oak Canyon Nature Center information for current trail information and maps.
John J. Collier Interpretive Center
The John J. Collier Interpretive Center is a small nature museum featuring live animals and exhibits about the regional environment and natural history. Its operating schedule is more limited than the outdoor trails, so visitors can still enjoy the Nature Center grounds when the Interpretive Center is closed.
Nature Programs, Events & Tours
The City of Anaheim offers changing nature programs and special events at Oak Canyon Nature Center. Current and recent programming has included Nature Nights, group and school tours, family and early-childhood nature programs, archery, guided walks, night hikes and seasonal events.
Programs, ages, schedules, registration requirements and fees can change. Check Anaheim’s Programs, Events & Tours page for current offerings.
Groups and classes should make reservations in advance. Guided group and school tours may be arranged directly with Oak Canyon Nature Center.
Wildlife & Natural Habitat
The Nature Center protects oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, stream and canyon habitat. Wildlife that may be encountered in and around the canyon includes opossums, pack rats, scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, California quail, western fence lizards, red-shouldered hawks and other native species.
Observe wildlife from a distance, stay on marked trails and do not collect plants, rocks or other natural objects. Rattlesnakes are native to Southern California, so watch where you step and give wildlife plenty of space.
Parking & Directions
Oak Canyon Nature Center is located at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills, near Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Admission and parking are free. Parking in the dirt lot is limited, with additional parking available in designated areas along Walnut Canyon Road. Follow posted parking signs carefully and consider carpooling for groups and busy programs.
Park Rules & What to Know Before You Go
- Dogs and other pets are not permitted; service animals are allowed.
- Stay on marked trails and do not enter the stream.
- Do not collect natural objects.
- Bicycles and skateboards are not permitted.
- Smoking, cooking and open flames are prohibited.
- Balloons are not permitted.
- Picnicking is limited to the designated picnic area in the parking lot.
- Bring water, sunscreen, a hat and appropriate footwear.
- Upper trails can be exposed to direct sun.
- Natural trails may be uneven or slippery after wet weather.
- Groups and classes should arrange visits in advance.
Natural-surface trails vary in grade and condition. Visitors with accessibility questions should contact Oak Canyon Nature Center before visiting for current information about accessible areas and accommodations.
Photography, Weddings & Facility Rentals
Photography involving people on Nature Center property, including engagement, maternity, headshot and family photography, may require a City of Anaheim permit. Commercial filming and some photography setups have additional requirements. Review Anaheim’s current photography and filming permit rules before planning a session.
Nature Center facilities may also be reserved for weddings and other approved uses. Reservations, rules and fees are handled by the City of Anaheim. See the City’s wedding and facility rental information for current details.
Oak Canyon Nature Center FAQ
Is Oak Canyon Nature Center free?
Yes. Admission and parking are free. The City of Anaheim currently suggests a $5 donation to help support nature programming.
What are Oak Canyon Nature Center’s hours?
The grounds and trails are generally open daily from sunrise to sunset. Hours can change because of weather, holidays, maintenance or other conditions.
When is the Interpretive Center open?
The City’s dedicated visitor-information page currently lists the John J. Collier Interpretive Center as open Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Confirm current hours before visiting.
How long are the trails?
Oak Canyon Nature Center has approximately four miles of hiking and walking trails that can be combined into routes of different lengths.
Is Oak Canyon Nature Center good for kids?
Many families use the shorter trails and Interpretive Center, but trail surfaces are natural and some sections are steeper or more exposed. Adults should choose routes appropriate for their children.
Are dogs allowed?
No. Dogs and other pets are not permitted at Oak Canyon Nature Center. Service animals are allowed.
Is parking free?
Yes. Parking is free, but spaces in the dirt lot are limited. Additional designated parking is available along Walnut Canyon Road.
Are restrooms available?
Yes. Restrooms are available, but the restrooms and parking lot gates are locked at 5 p.m.
Can you picnic at Oak Canyon Nature Center?
Picnicking is limited to the designated picnic area in the parking lot. Food should not be taken onto the trails.
Can you take professional or family photos?
Photography involving people, including family, engagement, maternity and headshot sessions, may require a City of Anaheim photography permit. Check the City’s current rules before scheduling a session.
Are bikes allowed?
No. Bicycles and skateboards are not permitted on the Nature Center trails.
Do groups need reservations?
Groups and classes should make reservations in advance. Contact Oak Canyon Nature Center for current group and guided-tour arrangements.
What wildlife might you see?
Visitors may encounter birds, rabbits, lizards and other native wildlife. Sightings vary by season, weather and time of day.
Where is Oak Canyon Nature Center?
Oak Canyon Nature Center is at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road in Anaheim Hills, California.
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