Telegraph Trail Slants Toward Easy Riders

For casual mountain bikers, some of the really popular cycling areas in Orange County are awfully vertical. You can’t pedal very far in Crystal Cove State Park, for instance, without facing a pretty imposing hill or two, hills that not only require hard climbs up but also a firm grip on the brakes coming down.

Telegraph Canyon in Chino Hills State Park is a kinder, gentler alternative. It’s still a workout, but a measured one, as the trail (a dirt fire road, really) climbs slowly but steadily through the oak-lined canyon.

At the top of the canyon, there are a variety of side trails from which to choose for additional riding, or you can turn around and take your reward for the climb up: a brisk, no-pedaling-required glide through the countryside.

The ride (or hike--it’s a great walk, too) serves as a nice introduction to Chino Hills State Park, which stretches over 10,000 acres covering parts of four counties: Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Los Angeles. The park was opened in 1983 and remains mostly undeveloped, a place to be enjoyed by foot, bike or horseback.

This is the time of year to discover the park; it’s pretty hot in summer but can be quite pleasant in fall through spring. There are reportedly plans for a Santa Ana Canyon entrance someday, but for now, Telegraph Canyon remains the only official Orange County entrance to the park.

The best place to park is at Carbon Canyon Regional Park, along Carbon Canyon Road in Brea. Leave your car near the east end of the park (entrance fee: $2) and pedal east about 50 yards along Carbon Canyon Road until you spot a dirt road heading to the right, along the edge of an orange grove.

Take that road as it heads up to the mouth of Telegraph Canyon. You’ll have to cross one gate (don’t worry, it’s legal) and continue along the dirt road as it swings to the left and into the canyon. As you head up canyon the vegetation will get less sparse, and you’ll pass through stands of California live oak that overhang the trail.

The South Ridge Trail branches off to the right after about a mile and rejoins the Telegraph Canyon Trail farther down. On a first trip, stick to Telegraph Canyon; the road is wide, and it’s hard to stray for the first several miles.

After about four miles, you’ll reach the head of the canyon and come out to the ridge tops. The North Ridge Trail branches to the left, allowing for a nice side trip. If you continue along the main trail for another 1 1/2 miles, you’ll reach McDermont Spring. This is a good spot to turn around, although there are several trails to explore from here, most of which descend eventually to the park’s main entrance off Highway 71 near Corona.

If you go exploring, stay off the Hills for Everyone Trail, which is exclusively for hikers.

Also, some trail etiquette: Slow down when you approach hikers or equestrians; if you’re approaching hikers from behind, warn them (gently) so as not to startle them when you pass. Stay on the trails. Don’t ride in the park just after a rain, as riding in the mud speeds trail erosion.

Telegraph Canyon is popular with cyclists but is not as overrun as some other parks in the county. For those who can get away for an hour or two, weekdays especially are a great time to enjoy some quality time in Chino Hills State Park.