Brea Dam Park

Nature's Urban Escape

Located in Fullerton, California, Brea Dam Park offers a refreshing tree-filled haven that feels miles away from city life. Since 1960, this public space has offered a natural retreat where the morning air feels a little crisper and the walking paths wind through scenic terrain.

A Park With Character

The park's identity is deeply connected to its namesake, the Brea Dam. While much of the landscape features rolling hills that might challenge your calves, there's a welcoming one-acre lawn area at the dam's base that is a wonderful gathering spot. This is where memories are made - where birthday candles are blown out and weekend picnics unfold.

The lower basin includes several useful amenities. You can find picnic tables for your spread, a fire pit for those slightly chilly evenings, and charming seating crafted from tree trunks that add a rustic touch. A gentle stream meanders through parts of the park, often accompanied by a parade of ducks that seem just as content with the surroundings as the human visitors.

For the Trail Riders

If you prefer exploring on two wheels, the park has options for you. The steep hillside above the picnic grounds offers some genuinely exciting mountain biking opportunities. If you're looking for a gradual climb or ready to tackle something more vertical, the trails here have earned Brea Dam Park a spot on local bikers' maps. From beginners testing their balance to experienced riders seeking their next challenge, the bicycle-accessible paths accommodate various skill levels.

An otherwordly shot of the imposing concrete dam structure

Photo: Sergei Gussev (CC BY 2.0)

Paths to Wander

Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? The park's hiking trails extend beyond its boundaries, rewarding your efforts with scenic vistas. A paved road leads up to a spacious rest area, where you can catch your breath before choosing your adventure from several trail options.

The Brea Dam Trail connecting through Lost Trail offers a particularly pleasant journey of moderate difficulty. These well-maintained paths showcase both natural beauty and historical elements, making your hike as enlightening as it is invigorating. The park also connects to other green spaces in Fullerton, creating a larger outdoor network for the adventurous explorer.

The Practical Stuff

You can find clean restroom facilities in a dedicated building - always a welcome sight after spending hours outdoors. Parking is conveniently located next to the golf training center, and you can access the park from multiple entrances.

Bring your four-legged friends along too - the park is dog-friendly with leashed pets welcome on the trails. Some areas feel wonderfully secluded, offering peaceful moments for both you and your canine companion away from the usual hustle.

Beyond the Park Boundaries

Brea Dam Park isn't just a standalone green space - it's part of a larger recreational area that includes the upstream section of the Brea Creek Reservoir. This extended territory transforms the flood basin between Bastanchury Road and the dam into something of a wilderness playground, with even more trails for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

The varied terrain makes this spot great for different outdoor activities. Joggers tackle the inclines for natural interval training, while others simply come to sit quietly among the trees. Despite its popularity, there's always a tranquil corner to claim as your own temporary retreat from everyday life.