The Yorba Regional Park’s land was originally part of a vast cattle ranch and farm owned by Bernardo Yorba in the 1800s. After Bernardo’s family left, the ranch was still used for agricultural purposes until 1972, when Orange County purchased it for $3.6 million, the 166-acre farm. Yorba Park became the top priority project for Orange County, and it opened its doors to the public in December 1976 as the official bicentennial project.
Situated in Anaheim’s Santa Ana Canyon, this linear park environment recaptures the river setting of the Santa Ana River. Among its four lakes and connecting streams, jogging paths, biking, and equestrian trails, there are over 400 picnic tables along with restrooms and barbecue grills, making it the perfect spot to take the family tuckered out by the Disneyland big crowds. Yorba Park also features a bicycle rental shop called Wheel Fun Rentals, which rents various bikes, pedal boats, and kayaks.
Yorba Park has been successfully developed to provide large group and family picnicking facilities. The lake and connecting streams provide opportunities for model boat sailing and fishing. Bicycle trails connect Yorba Regional Park to the nationally recognized Santa Ana River trail, leading around 20 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Playgrounds and restrooms can be found throughout Yorba, and it also offers seven group shelters (only available by reservation), horseshoe pits, physical fitness courses, over 200 barbecues, and many more amenities.
Park’s amenities
- Hiking trails
- Fishing
- Dog-friendly (as long as they’re on a leach)
- Bike rentals
- Paddle Boat Rentals
- Ball fields
- Volleyball courts
- Picnic shelters for reservation
- Kite Flying Area
- Playgrounds
- Bike Trails
- Horseshoe Pits
- Barbeques
- Picnic areas (tables, restrooms)
- Equestrian Trails
- Model Boats
- Fitness Par Course
