Yorba Regional Park

Park Overview

Yorba Regional Park is a 175-acre linear park located in Anaheim, California, along the Santa Ana River. The park, which opened to the public in 1976, was developed on land that was once part of the expansive Rancho Cañon de Santa Ana, owned by Don Bernardo Yorba.

The Yorba family used the land for cattle ranching and crop cultivation until the early 20th century. In 1972, Orange County acquired 166 acres of the property to create Yorba Regional Park.

Natural Features

The park stretches over one mile in length, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities for visitors. It features four lakes connected by streams, providing a picturesque setting for various activities.

The landscape is dotted with mature trees, offering plenty of shaded areas for relaxation. Its design incorporates elements that recall the natural river setting of the Santa Ana River, creating a peaceful environment within an urban area.

Fishing Opportunities

The lakes and streams are popular spots for fishing, with anglers able to catch catfish, trout, bluegill, and bass. A California state fishing license is required for those over 16 years of age.

Picnic Facilities

Yorba Regional Park is known for its extensive picnic facilities, making it a favorite destination for family gatherings and group events. The park boasts approximately 400 picnic tables and 200 barbecue stations scattered throughout the grounds.

Seven group shelters are available for reservation, with the largest able to accommodate up to 250 people. The spacious open areas are also perfect for flying kites and hosting community events.

Trails and Recreation

The park offers a network of paved trails ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. These trails connect to the Santa Ana River Trail, which extends about 20 miles southwest to Huntington Beach. For those who don't bring their own bicycles, rentals are available at the park.

The paved paths make this an excellent location for teaching children to ride bikes. The park's convenient location near the 55 Freeway and Chapman Avenue also makes it an ideal stop for cyclists using the Santiago Creek Bike Trail.

Playgrounds and Sports Facilities

Yorba Regional Park features six playgrounds distributed across its length, providing ample opportunities for children to play and explore. The park also includes various sports facilities such as volleyball courts, two baseball fields, and a soccer field.

Dog Park

One of the park's most popular features is the Orange Dog Park, which consists of separate enclosures for small and large dogs. The dog park is exceptionally well-maintained with consistently green grass.

The large dog section is divided into two separate areas that are used on alternating days to preserve the grass quality. One of these areas offers more shade than the other, so visitors should come prepared with sun protection.

The dog park includes seating areas for owners, and community members often bring extra balls and water dishes. It's typically busiest in the late afternoon, with mornings before 11 AM generally being quieter.

Amenities

The park offers clean restroom facilities conveniently located throughout the grounds, including near the dog park entrance. Ample parking is available close to key areas of the park.

The grounds are consistently well-maintained by park management, though some areas have young trees that are still growing and provide limited shade. A visible tree planting program is underway to improve shade coverage throughout the park.