Explore the Coal Canyon Trail Hike
# Discover the Hidden Gem: The Coal Canyon Trail
Don't let the initial stretch of the Coal Canyon Trail beside the 91 freeway deceive you. After a brief stint alongside the freeway on the Santa Ana River Trail, you'll find yourself immersed in a wildlife corridor, ascending into the northwest Santa Ana Mountains. This under-hiked gem boasts breathtaking views of Angeles National Forest, San Gorgonio, and atop, Orange County's "Mini-Moab." So, grab your hiking gear and hit the trail!
Finding Your Way: The Trailhead
The trailhead is nestled in a spacious, free parking lot next to the Santa Ana River Trail. This area is popular amongst bikers, but even early in the morning, you can snag a spot. Just remember to use this trailhead address: 4995 Green River Rd #4915, Corona, CA 92880.
Amenities like bathrooms and water fill-up stations are not available at the trailhead, however, gas stations and fast-food restaurants are just a short drive away.
Gearing Up
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
With a 10-mile hike ahead, preparing well is essential. Dress in suitable hiking gear, expecting the trail to be entirely exposed. Don't forget sun protection and wear appropriate footwear. It's also crucial to pack 2L of water for the journey.
Want to take your hiking experience to the next level? Check out these top gear picks:
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
- Osprey Hikelite 26: My favorite daypack for its lightweight, durable design, and trampoline mesh that keeps my back dry.
- Norda 001: Offering the comfort of a pillow and the toughness of a monster truck, these hiking shoes are a game-changer.
- Garmin inReach Mini 2: Ideal for emergency situations, offering 100% reliable SOS coverage in backcountry.
- AllTrails Plus: Advanced features like up-to-date trip reports, GPS maps, off-trail alerts, and more to optimize your hiking experience.
- Garmin Fenix 8: Perfect for hikers who crave map navigation, tracking, and routing capabilities.
For more information, check out my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
Maps and Terrain
Be aware that while the trails are scenic, they're not neccessarily pristine single-track trails through a forest. You'll have a short stretch on a paved bike trail at the beginning, followed by a sandy fire road leading to the summit. But don't let that deter you - the hike is fantastic!
AllTrails Plus - (30% off link) Up-to-date trip reports. Plus adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
View Hiking Map on CalTopo Download the GPX File
A Glance at the Hike
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
The Coal Canyon area first gained notoriety in the 1880s with the discovery of oil here. After the oil reserves dried up, small mines were established, leaving remnants that can still be seen on topographic maps. The land then remained undeveloped until the 1980s when it became parkland protected under strong bipartisan support. Today, the trailhead is situated in Chino Hills State Park (no parking pass required), and it leads into the Coal Canyon Ecological Reserve.
Parts of this hike were affected by the 2017 Canyon 2 fire and the 2002 Green Fire, but despite this, the trail remains relatively empty. Mountain bikers are the main users, but even then, it's not overly crowded. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife encounters, such as raptors, rabbits, bobcats, mule deer, and snakes. The wide, sandy trails are excellent for spotting animal tracks and signs of their presence.
Hiking Directions
The trail begins with what appears to be a creepy freeway underpass, but don't be fooled. This was once the Coal Canyon exit on the 91. In the 1990s, a study revealed that the 91 was an obstacle for wildlife trying to migrate between the Santa Ana Mountains and the foothills in the north. To address this issue, the California Department of Parks and Recreation bought Coal Canyon and the underpass to create a wildlife corridor between the two areas. If you see "Area Closed" signs, these are placed in front of side trails away from the rock pile. You are allowed to hike towards the rock pile.
Enjoy the panoramic views and return the same way to complete this unforgettable hike. Be careful if you decide to explore the mini-Moab rocks at the summit; remember the rocks are fragile and crumble easily.
Happy hiking, trailblazers!
1.The trailhead for the Coal Canyon Trail is located next to the Santa Ana River Trail, offering a free parking lot for hikers.2. Pack appropriate hiking gear, including sun protection and suitable footwear, for a 10-mile hike with intermittent exposure.3. Utilize the Osprey Hikelite 26 daypack, Norda 001 hiking shoes, Garmin inReach Mini 2 for SOS coverage, AllTrails Plus for up-to-date hiking information, and Garmin Fenix 8 for map navigation during your hike.4. Check out the Coal Canyon Trail map on CalTopo for a detailed overview of your journey.5. The Coal Canyon Trail will immerse you in the wildlife corridor of the Santa Ana Mountains, showcasing breathtaking views of Angeles National Forest, San Gorgonio, and Orange County's "Mini-Moab."6. Make your way through the trail, keeping an eye out for various wildlife encounters, such as raptors, rabbits, bobcats, mule deer, and snakes.
