Yorba Regional Park

Park Facilities

Phases I, II and III (175 acres) include the following recreational opportunities:

• Equestrian, bicycling and hiking trails.
• Family picnic shelters organized group shelters, tables and barbeque grille.
• Lighted ball diamonds and play fields, concession building.
• Fishing lakes with connecting streams.
• Tot lots with play equipment.
• Ten station exercise course.

For information on ball diamonds and play fields, tele-phone Anaheim Parks & Recreation: 714/999-5191

History

The lands which comprise Yorba Regional Park were once part of an expansive cattle ranch belonging to Bernardo Yorba. This Mexican period land grant totaled 13,328.5 acres on the north side of the Santa Ana River and was called Rancho Canon de Santa Ana (Canyon of St. Anne). Bernardo continued the tradition of cattle ranching begun years earlier by his father, Jose Antonio Yorba, a Spanish soldier with the Portola Expedition of 1769. Jose Antonio had received a grant of over 62,000 acres of land on the south side of the river as early as 1810. This was called Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. The center of life on Bernardo's rancho was a two-story adobe called San Antonio. Unfortunately, it was demolished around 1926. In addition to cattle, other animals were raised, namely sheep, mules, burros, oxen and horses. Crops such as corn, beans, wheat, pumpkin, and even watermelons were grown. Grapes were planted for wine and many orchards graced the property producing various fruits, walnuts, figs, and olives. The tradition of agriculture remained in the area of Yorba Park long after the settlement of Yorba disappeared. Various field crops have been cultivated since then, and the site of the park also served as a hog farm. In the early 1970's, the Yorba Park Site was added to the County's Master Plan of Regional Parks as a first priority project. The Board of Supervisors ordered implementation, and on June 20,1972, the 166-acre site was purchased at a total cost of $3.6 million. Under a grant from the U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Orange County was reimbursed $1.3 million for the acquisition of land for the Yorba Park project. A formal announcement of this grant was made in January of 1972 by the wife of then Secretary of the Interior, Roger C. B. Morton. Mrs. Morton visited both the Yorba Park site and the newly completed Featherly Regional Park.

Please:

• A speed limit of 10 mph is enforced at all times.
• Anglers must comply with State Fish and Game codes, including the possession of a vlaid fishing license for all those age 16 and over.
• Fires are permitted only in fireplaces and approved camp stoves.
• Vehicle operation is limited to paved roadways and parking areas. No vehicles allowed on trails.
• Horses permitted on equestrian trails only.
• Swimming or wading is not permitted in the lake.
• Skateboarding an rollerskating prohibited.
• Please put all garbage and litter in trash receptacles

Entrance Information

Operating Hours:
November 1 to March 31, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April 1 to October 31, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Parking Fees:

Groups:
All groups of 50 or more must obtain a group permit at least 15 days in advance. Forms are available from the park office. Reservations will be accepted at group shelters only; no electricity provided.