Oak Canyon Nature Center
Location: 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd., Anaheim, CA – (714) 998-8380
Level: Beginner

Oak Canyon Nature Center is a great natural park for beginner hikers. Located in the heart of Anaheim Hills, CA, Oak Canyon has 4 miles worth of hiking between 3 or 4 different trails. The terrain is relatively diverse from flat to somewhat rocky, which is great if you are just getting into hiking.

As soon as I began my hike into Oak Canyon, I immediately felt like I was a million miles away from O.C. and L.A. Which was exactly what I wanted. There were no signs of civilization except for fellow hikers and their families. The first part of the hike was rather dark, damp and heavily shaded by the arms and branches of the trees that engulfed the entire park. There was plenty of light from the sun. Nonetheless, you definitely get a cool “Sleepy Hollow” feel in the first part of the trail. Further into the hike, the trail takes you alongside a creek of running water. I imagine the streaming creek was the result of the heavy rain Socal experienced just this past month. Otherwise, I wouldn’t count on running water in the creek during the dry season.

The 2nd half of the trail posed to be a little more of a challenge. But, still easy enough for beginners. You’ll start to go up on an incline which consists of some stairs and lots of dirt and rocks. Cactus plants also dominates much of the 2nd half of the trail as it inclines up on the hillside where there are minimal shaded areas.  Not to fear, the cactus plants are only alongside the trail and you just need to be careful not to slip and fall into the plants. During this portion of the trail you will also have a view of the beautiful landscape that makes up part of Anaheim Hills. But, you won’t feel so far from OC as you hike above the tree levels. There are many homes overlooking Oak Canyon Nature Center and power lines that travel across the park. That’s when you realize the city is just a couple minute drive away. At the end of the hike,  and easily within the hour, you will return where you started. So, it’s a relatively short hike but, great for beginners and families who just wants to get out and be in touch with nature.

PROS: The trails are very easy so this location is great for beginners but, my favorite aspect of this park is the natural feel you get once you step foot into the park. The multiple terrains and the 3 or 4 trails make this a good warm up hike for beginners who may want to evolve to a more advanced trail. This park is conveniently located in OC so,  you don’t have to travel afar if you already reside in OC. The beautiful view makes the park all the worthwhile.

CONS: If you are a more advanced hiker then the trails here at Oak Canyon Nature Center will not be much of a challenge at all. I actually am considering taking my very young nephew to this park. Also, there are only 3 or 4 short trails that add up to about 4 miles of hiking. So, if you are a serious hiker looking for a good strenuous workout, then you may want to consider picking up the pace or hike around these trails a couple of times.

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