A unique structure with a special connection to the region, surrounded by a diverse landscape and an endless list of recreational opportunities, Carbon Canyon Dam is a brilliant destination for outdoor lovers. Located on the north side of Orange County, the dam is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
The dam is located about four miles east of Brea, adjacent to Carbon Canyon Regional Park. It was constructed in 1959 as a response to Orange County's growth and its need for flood control. The dam was built at the mouth of the canyon to prevent the Santa Ana River from overflowing into neighboring communities in the event of a storm, making the dam an important part of the region's human, animal and plant life.
Visitors to the dam have a lot of recreational options available to them. There are numerous trails across the area for hiking, biking, and jogging, with the Carbon Canyon Nature Trail being the most popular among visitors. There are also wildlife viewing and birding opportunities. Coyotes are very common in the area, with plovers and teals being regularly seen birds at the dam. There are also numerous ways to keep yourself engaged in Orange County, making a visit to Carbon Canyon Dam even more attractive.
Carbon Canyon Dam is easily accessible off Carbon Canyon Road, about five miles east of the I-57 Freeway, Orange County, CA. Most of the roads in the region are paved, with a few gravel roads also around the dam. Not all roads and trails are vehicle-friendly, so drivers are advised to keep to designated roadways when coming to and leaving the dam. In general, though, the roads are well maintained and access to the dam is relatively easy. You shouldn't have too much trouble reaching the area in your rental RV.
Rolling M Ranch Campground is a pet-friendly primitive campground in Chino Hills. It is a short trip from the dam and is easily accessible through the Chino Hills Park entrance on 4721 Sapphire Road. The ground, which is set at the end of the park's eastern access road, has 20 campsites with picnic tables, grills, and a lantern post.
Other amenities include flush toilets and showers. There are no hookups or dump stations. The campground offers easy access to numerous hiking and equestrian trails. Entrance and exit are prohibited at the ground after closing hours, so campers are to be in their tents or RVs about a few hours after dusk. Reservations can be made from the park's website or in person.
There are a few hike-friendly trails that run in close proximity to the dam and can be easily accessed by visitors. The Carbon Canyon Nature Trail is the most popular trail at the dam, spanning three miles and giving visitors a lake view and some birding opportunities.
The nearbyChino Hills State Park also has some amazing hiking trails. San Juan Hill Trail runs for eight miles near Yorba Linda with some scenic views and a chance to see some of the region's most unique wild flowers.
Most of the hiking trails around the dam and at Chino State Park are also horse-friendly and allow visitors the opportunity to explore Orange County on horseback. The Carbon Canyon Trail is often used by horse riders for birding and wildlife viewing around the dam with the 6.5 mile Diemer Trail at Chino State Park also used often by horseback riders.
Horseback is also the perfect way to explore the giant redwood grove at Carbon Canyon Regional Park. The 10-acre grove of coastal redwoods is the largest grove of these trees in Southern California and a horse ride enables visitors to explore the grove and its animal life.
Chino Hills has about 90 miles of trails within its boundaries for bikers. The park is much safer for bikers than the dirt roads around the dam which could lead to accidents. The trails at Chino Hills are much smoother and more bike-friendly.
Bikers can enjoy scenic views by riding along the Little Canyon Loop and the Gilman Peak Trail. Not all trails are open for bikers, however, with the Gilman Trail, Easy Street Trail, Hills For Everyone Trail, and Water Canyon Trail all closed to bikers. All bikers should adhere to the speed limit which is 15 miles per hour.
Orange County has one of California's most diverse bird populations. The varied landscape of grasslands, tall trees, and lake areas surrounding the dam make the region a birding hotspot. Visitors to the dam should bring their binoculars and cameras while hiking to see some of these amazing creatures that reside around the dam.
Bald eagle sightings have become common at the dam in recent years, and plovers and oystercatchers are also regularly seen. Numerous species of songbirds can be heard at dawn, with woodpeckers and teals also common morning sightings for hikers.
Anglers visiting the dam have a lot of fishing opportunities. There is a small lake along the Carbon Canyon Trail where anglers can fish for bull trout, lake trout, whitefish and a few other sport fish species.
There are no rentals around the dam, so anglers should bring their own equipment down to the lake. Two fishing piers are available at the lake. There are a few other lakes and ponds in the region where visitors can fish for a wide range of species. Fishing regulations must be adhered to and licenses are required for persons 16 and older.
The wildlife population is booming in Orange County and visitors can see some of the animals around the dam or at Chino Hills. Chino Hills has a biological corridor and animal lovers can spend time viewing some of the amazing mammals and reptiles that inhabit the region.
Coyotes are the most common mammals around the dam and can be easily spotted at dawn by visitors. Rabbits and raccoons can also be seeing scampering round at dawn in search of food. A wider range of wildlife species reside at Chino Hills including bobcats, mountain lions, rattle snakes and numerous fox species.
