Explore Oak Canyon Nature Center

The Oak Canyon Nature Center offers something for everyone. The 58-acre park features a gorgeous year-round stream and four miles of hiking trails. This great natural area encompasses three adjoining canyons.

Explore Oak Canyon Nature Center

Visitors can explore the oak woodland and coastal sage scrub. While enjoying the park, visitors can watch for wildlife in the natural area. Visitors can hike the nature trails or visit the John J. Collier Interpretive Center. In addition, families can enjoy special programs on the weekend.

Wildlife Viewing

The natural area offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors often see pack rats, opossums, raccoons, cottontail rabbits, and western fence lizards. Birds are abundant, and visitors can see scrub jays, acorn woodpeckers, California quails, and red-shouldered hawks.

‍Nature Trails

The park offers a variety of nature trails that provide bird and wildlife spotting opportunities. The park has a unique geography with two distinct areas. The higher elevation area has more open vistas with less shade, while the lower elevation areas have more trees and shade. Each site is delightful and worth exploring.

The Heritage Trail offers interactive play opportunities for kids. The park has upper trails and lower trails. The upper trails include Wren Way, Bluebird Lane, and Roadrunner Ridge. These upper trails provide beautiful views but are more exposed to the sun.

The lower trails include Tranquility Trail, Stream Trail, Heritage Trail, and the Main Road. These trails are well-shaded.

The Stream Trail is popular with families as it features several points of interest, such as the silver mining exhibit. There are also small statues such as snakes and eggs dotted along the trail. In addition, kids will love crossing the different bridges that cross the stream.

Hikers can combine the trails to create loops or enjoy a different hike each visit.

John J. Collier Interpretive Center

The John J. Collier Interpretive Center is open on Saturdays. This small museum features regional natural history exhibits. In addition, guests can enjoy live animal displays.

Explore a Nature Program

Oak Canyon Nature Center offers a variety of programs that families can enjoy together. Take a naturalist-led hike, enjoy storytime, test your archery skills, or participate in an exciting night hike.

Discover Nature Family Program

A local naturalist leads families on an hour-long hike through Oak Canyon on Saturday mornings. Families learn about the area's history, ecology, plants, and animals. The trek ends at the Interpretive Center, where staff lead an animal demonstration.

Canyon Companions

Canyon Companions offers a great way to enjoy the outdoors while giving back to the community. Community members, including students, can help staff maintain the grounds and trails. This event takes place Saturday afternoons.

Archery

Kids aged 10 and up participate in archery lessons every Saturday. Staff will show participants how to safely draw a bow, point, aim, and shoot. Classes are available for beginners and intermediate archers.

Tales and Trails

On Thursdays, families can enjoy a kids and parent activity. Kids aged two to five can enjoy storytime, go on a hike, participate in a hands-on activity, and experience animal interaction.

Monthly Night Hikes

Families can experience the park after dark on this fun monthly after-dark hike. Bring your flashlight and join a naturalist as they lead visitors through the park at night.

Enjoy Anaheim's Natural Areas

The Oak Canyon Nature Center offers an excellent way for visitors to enjoy Anaheim's wild and natural side. To keep you going through your busy day, check out the best coffee shops in Anaheim and recharge for another adventure.