Overview
Schabarum Regional Park is a large Los Angeles County regional park located in the community of Rowland Heights, in the eastern San Gabriel Valley. Spanning roughly 670 acres, it sits on gently rolling hills that climb toward the Puente Hills range, offering a welcome patch of open space in an otherwise densely developed suburban corridor.
The park is a genuine multi-use destination, drawing equestrians, mountain bikers, trail runners, picnickers, and families who want a low-key outdoor day without driving far into the mountains. Its network of fire roads and dirt trails provides varied terrain suitable for beginners and more experienced users alike.
The surrounding community of Rowland Heights has a substantial Asian-American population, particularly of Chinese and Taiwanese heritage, which is reflected in the restaurants and shops along nearby Colima Road and Nogales Street — making a park visit easy to combine with a meal in one of the area's well-regarded Asian dining strips.
Getting There
By Car
The park is most easily accessed by car. The main entrance is off Schabarum Avenue in Rowland Heights. From the 60 Freeway (Pomona Freeway), exit at Nogales Street and head south; from the 57 Freeway, Brea Canyon Road connections are an option — verify the best current route via a mapping app before departing, as local road configurations can affect travel time.
Parking is available inside the park. A daily parking fee is typically charged; verify the current rate on the LA County Parks website or by calling the park directly before your visit, as fees are subject to change.
By Public Transit
Rowland Heights is served by select LA Metro and Foothill Transit bus routes. However, the park entrance is not immediately adjacent to a transit stop, and the walk from the nearest bus stop may be significant. Check the LA Metro trip planner and Foothill Transit's website for current route and stop information before relying on transit for this visit.
Getting Around
Once inside the park, travel is entirely on foot, by bike, or on horseback. The lower park areas are relatively flat and accessible, while the upper trail network involves unpaved surfaces that are not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs in most sections. Equestrian users should note the staging areas near the park entrance.
Trails are generally well-signed for a regional park, but it is worth downloading an offline trail map before your visit, as cell service can be inconsistent on the upper ridgeline. Apps such as AllTrails carry user-submitted maps of the Schabarum trail network.
Things to See & Do
Trails and Recreation
The park contains several miles of trails, most of which follow fire roads and natural-surface paths through chaparral and oak-dotted hillsides. The terrain is moderate, with some elevation gain toward the ridgeline that rewards hikers with panoramic views across the San Gabriel Valley toward downtown Los Angeles on clear days.
- Hiking and trail running: Routes range from a flat loop around the park's lower meadow area to steeper ridge climbs. No technical gear is needed for standard trails.
- Mountain biking: The fire roads are popular with local cyclists. Some sections connect to the broader Puente Hills trail network — verify current access conditions locally before planning a longer ride.
- Equestrian use: Schabarum has dedicated equestrian staging areas with trailer parking, and trails are shared with horses on most sections. Non-equestrian users should yield to horses on trail.
- Picnicking: Numerous covered picnic shelters and open tables are distributed through the lower park. Some shelters can be reserved through the LA County Parks system — check the official LA County Parks website for reservation procedures and current fees.
- Children's play areas: The park has playground equipment suitable for younger children near the main recreation areas.
- Disc golf: A disc golf course has been a feature of the park — verify its current status locally, as park amenities can change.
Birding and Nature
The chaparral and scrubland habitat attracts a variety of coastal sage and foothill bird species. Bring binoculars if birds are of interest. Early morning visits in spring are generally best for birdwatching activity.
Food & Drink
There are no food vendors or restaurants inside the park itself. Pack water and snacks for any trail activity — this is especially important on warm days, as exposed sections of trail can become quite hot by midday.
For meals before or after the park, Rowland Heights along Colima Road, Nogales Street, and Fullerton Road offers a concentrated cluster of Chinese, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, and Japanese restaurants that are well regarded in the wider LA dining community. Dim sum, hand-pulled noodles, hot pot, and boba tea shops are all within a short drive of the park entrance. Specific restaurant recommendations change frequently; local review platforms will have current options.
A modest selection of convenience stores and fast-food chains is also available along the main commercial corridors of Rowland Heights for a quick pre-hike coffee or snack.
Practical Information
Hours and Fees
The park's opening and closing hours follow standard LA County Parks schedules, which vary seasonally. Verify current hours and parking fees on the official LA County Parks website (parks.lacounty.gov) before your visit, as these details are subject to change.
What to Bring
- Sufficient water — at least one liter per person for a standard hike, more in summer
- Sunscreen and a hat; most trails have limited shade
- Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners; the terrain is uneven in upper sections
- A trail map downloaded offline in advance
- Cash or a payment method for the parking fee machine
Dogs
Dogs are generally permitted in LA County regional parks on a leash. Verify current dog regulations for Schabarum specifically on the LA County Parks website, as rules can vary by park zone.
Facilities
Restroom facilities are available in the main park area. Availability on the upper trails is limited.
Safety
Schabarum is a well-used suburban regional park with a generally safe environment. Standard trail safety practices apply: tell someone your planned route, carry water, and be aware of weather conditions. Summer afternoons can be very hot and exposed on the upper ridge — early morning starts are advisable from June through September.
Wildlife in the Puente Hills includes coyotes, rattlesnakes, and occasional mountain lion activity (as with most foothill parks in Southern California). Stay on established trails, keep dogs leashed and close, and familiarize yourself with how to respond to wildlife encounters before your visit. LA County Parks and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife publish current guidance.
For general emergencies in the park, dial 911. The LA County Parks ranger service patrols the area; contact information and non-emergency park management numbers can be found on the LA County Parks website.
