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Schabarum Regional Park is a Los Angeles County regional park covering roughly 670 acres in Hacienda Heights, an unincorporated community in the eastern San Gabriel Valley. The park sits against the foothills of the Puente Hills and offers a noticeably different character from the more manicured parks closer to central Los Angeles — its terrain rolls and climbs, giving visitors a sense of open space unusual this close to a major metropolitan area.
The park is primarily used by local residents for trail running, equestrian riding, picnicking, and organized youth sports, but it draws visitors from across the region for its disc golf course and its network of multi-use trails. The surrounding neighborhood of Hacienda Heights is a quiet, predominantly residential area, so the park serves as the community's primary outdoor anchor.
Because it is a county regional park rather than a state or national park, facilities and programming are managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Hours, fees, and available amenities can change seasonally or due to budget conditions, so checking the official LA County Parks website before visiting is strongly recommended.
Getting There
By Car
Schabarum Regional Park is most practically reached by private vehicle. The main entrance is located on Stimson Avenue in Hacienda Heights. From the 60 (Pomona) Freeway, exit at Hacienda Boulevard and drive south, then follow local signage toward Stimson Avenue. Parking is available inside the park; a parking fee is typically charged on weekends and holidays — verify the current rate with LA County Parks, as fees are subject to change.
By Public Transit
Hacienda Heights is served by Foothill Transit and LA Metro bus lines. However, transit connections to the park entrance itself may require a walk from the nearest stop. Check the Foothill Transit and LA Metro trip planners for current routes and schedules if you intend to arrive without a vehicle. This is not the most convenient approach for families with young children or those carrying significant gear.
By Rideshare
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft operate in the area and can drop visitors at the park entrance. Return pickups from the park should be arranged in advance, as cell coverage can be intermittent in the hillside areas.
Things to See & Do
Trails
Schabarum has several miles of multi-use trails that wind through the Puente Hills chaparral. Trails range from relatively flat loop routes near the park's main facilities to steeper connector paths that link into the broader Puente Hills Trail system. Hikers, joggers, mountain bikers (on designated trails), and equestrians all share portions of the network, so be aware of trail etiquette — yield to horses and give runners and cyclists clear passage.
- The Schabarum Trail segment is one of the more popular routes and connects to adjacent open space managed by the Puente Hills Habitat Authority. Verify current access points locally, as trail conditions and closures can change.
- Chaparral vegetation along the hillsides includes native sage scrub, sumac, and seasonal wildflowers in late winter and early spring.
Disc Golf
The park is home to a well-regarded disc golf course that attracts players from across the San Gabriel Valley. The course uses the natural terrain effectively, incorporating elevation changes and tree cover. It is open to the public; verify any current fee or permit requirements with LA County Parks before visiting.
Equestrian Facilities
Schabarum is one of the more equestrian-friendly parks in the LA County system. There are staging areas for horse trailers, hitching posts, and trail access suitable for riders. Those arriving with horses should confirm current equestrian parking availability on the official county site.
Picnic Areas and Sports Fields
The lower portion of the park has picnic shelters, barbecue grills, restrooms, and open lawn areas. Youth baseball and soccer leagues use the sports fields regularly on weekends. Picnic shelters can typically be reserved in advance through the LA County Parks reservation system — book well ahead for weekends and holidays.
Nature and Wildlife Watching
The Puente Hills chaparral supports coyotes, mule deer, various raptor species including red-tailed hawks, and a range of native songbirds. Early morning visits offer the best wildlife observation opportunities before trail foot traffic increases.
Food & Drink
There are no food or beverage vendors inside Schabarum Regional Park. Visitors should bring their own food, snacks, and drinks. Picnic areas with tables and barbecue grills are available in the lower park for those who want to make a day of it.
For dining before or after your visit, Hacienda Heights and the adjacent city of Industry have a range of restaurants along Hacienda Boulevard, Colima Road, and the commercial corridors near the 60 Freeway. The area reflects the diverse character of the eastern San Gabriel Valley, with strong representation of Chinese, Vietnamese, Mexican, and American casual dining options. The nearby City of Industry and Rowland Heights areas offer additional choices within a short drive.
Practical Information
Park Hours and Fees
LA County regional parks generally follow set daily hours with the park closing at or before sunset, but specific times at Schabarum can vary by season. A parking fee is typically collected at the entrance booth on weekends and some holidays. Always verify current hours and fees directly on the LA County Department of Parks and Recreation website before your visit, or call the park directly.
What to Bring
- Water: There are drinking fountains in the lower park area, but they may be out of service. Carry sufficient water for any trail activity, especially in warmer months.
- Sun protection: The hillside trails offer limited shade. Sunscreen, a hat, and light protective clothing are advisable.
- Appropriate footwear: Trails can be rocky and uneven. Closed-toe shoes or hiking footwear are recommended.
- Dog rules: Dogs are permitted in much of the park but must be kept on leash. Verify current pet policies, as rules in equestrian areas may differ.
Facilities
Restrooms are available near the main picnic and sports field areas. Facilities in the hillside trail sections are limited. There are no food concessions inside the park — bring your own food and pack out all waste.
Cell Service
Coverage is generally adequate in the lower park but can be unreliable on upper trails. Download any maps or trail data before entering hillside areas.
Safety
Trail Safety
The Puente Hills chaparral environment carries a moderate fire risk, particularly during late summer and fall when the region enters its dry season and Santa Ana wind events occur. Check current fire conditions and any trail closures with LA County Parks or the Puente Hills Habitat Authority before hiking in dry months.
Rattlesnakes are native to this habitat and are occasionally encountered on trails, particularly on warm days when they may be basking on rocks or the trail surface. Stay on marked trails, watch where you step and place your hands, and give any snake you encounter a wide berth.
Coyotes are common and are generally not aggressive toward adults, but keep small children close and do not allow dogs off-leash. Never feed wildlife.
Heat
Temperatures in the San Gabriel Valley can exceed 100°F (38°C) during summer heat events. If visiting between June and September, plan to arrive early in the morning and return to the lower shaded areas before midday. Heat-related illness is a genuine risk on exposed hillside trails.
Emergency Services
In an emergency, call 911. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department serves Hacienda Heights. Park rangers may also be present during operating hours. Carrying a fully charged phone and informing someone of your intended route and return time is good practice on longer trail excursions.
