Oak Canyon Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary with 58 acres of oak woodland, coastal sage scrub and running streams nestled in Anaheim Hills. The sanctuary is full of nature, trails, calmness and wildlife and is sure to have something for everyone in the family.
Discover one of Orange County’s best kept secrets! Enjoy the calming sounds of nature and running water, all while exploring the four miles of hiking trails that are open all year long. Wildlife can be found all throughout the Nature Center, just waiting for you to find it. Also located on site is the John J. Collier Interpretive Center, a small museum with live animal and regional natural history exhibits.
What better way to get active then in the soothing sounds of nature, surrounded by beauty, it’s a perfect hike for beginners.
Address: Oak Canyon Nature (6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road)
Located in Anaheim Hills, just past the Anaheim Hills Golf Course.
Oak Canyon Activities & Events
- Oak Canyon Nature Center Camp (week long summer camps)
- Wedding Ceremonies and facility rentals
- Wedding & engagement photos
- Programs & Events
- Nature Nights
- Tiny Tots Academy
- Discover Nature Family Program
- Tours for Groups and Schools
Oak Canyon Nature Park Features
- 4 miles of hiking and walking trails.
- Interpretive center
- Butterfly garden
- Amphitheatre
- Parking
- Bridges
- Wildlife
- Play structures
- Trails
- Quail Trail
- Roadrunner Ridge
- Bluebird Lane & Loop
- Wren Way
- Tranquility Trail
- Stream Trail
- Herbiage Trail
- Main Road
Oak Canyon Tips
- Observe any posted warning signs.
- The park’s upper trails, Wren Way, Bluebird Lane, and Roadrunner Ridge are exposed to the sun but provide better views.
- Speak to the Ranger to learn about the history, animals, land and more.
- Stop by the nature center for a map of the trails and to learn more about the area.
- Bring water, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and anything else necessary to protect yourself from the elements.
- This place is very kid friendly.
- Arrange a guide for a group ahead of time.
- Most trails go in a loop.
- Stay on the trails!
- Watch out for poison ivy “Leaves of three, let it be” and rattlesnakes.
- There are bathrooms available.
- Great place for wedding and engagement pictures. A photo permit is required for any photography with equipment other than a camera phone.
- There is plenty of parking available.
- Hiking trails connect to the adjacent Walnut Canyon Reservoir Trail.
Oak Canyon Nature Center Wildlife
Wildlife includes opossums, pack rats, scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, racoons, cottontail rabbits, California quails, western fence lizards and red-shouldered hawks.
Hours of Operation
- Park grounds and trails are open sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week
- The John J. Collier Interpretive Center is open Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Parking lot gates and restrooms are locked at 5 p.m.
Entrance & Parking
There is no fee required to enter or park at the nature center. However, a $2 donation is greatly appreciated! Parking at the nature center is limited and it is recommended that groups carpool. Parking at the nature center is available both in the parking lot at the bottom of Walnut Canyon Road as well as on the side of Walnut Canyon Road in designated areas. Please watch signs designating parking areas carefully.
Park Regulations
The Oak Canyon Nature Center has established operational guidelines which are designed to promote the conservation of the Nature Center’s wildlife resources, as well as for the benefit and protection of park visitors. The guidelines include
- No pets, dogs or horses, with the exception of service animals
- No collecting of natural objects
- No bicycles or skateboards
- No smoking, cooking, or flame of any kind
- No alcohol