“Schabarum Regional Park sign in Rowland Heights, CA” — Photo by Nandaro, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Tucked into the foothills of the Puente‑Chino Hills corridor, Peter F. Schabarum Regional County Park delivers sweeping vistas, equestrian adventure, and more than a dozen miles of multi‑use trails—all less than 30 minutes from downtown Los Angeles.
Address: 17250 E. Colima Road, Rowland Heights, CA 91748
Hours: 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., seven days a week
Phone: 626‑854‑5560
Vehicle entry: $7 per car on weekends and holidays; $5 for seniors/disabled; free on weekdays
Panoramic Setting and Trail Network
At 575 acres—75 of them developed—Schabarum is one of L.A. County’s largest community regional parks. Its ridge-top location grants 360-degree views of the San Gabriel Mountains, Puente Hills, and far-off Catalina on exceptionally clear winter mornings. Trailheads for the Purple Sage Loop, Skyline Trail, and the park’s signature Life Trail fitness circuit fan out from the main lot, offering options that range from a gentle 1‑mile stroll to a rolling 7‑mile equestrian trek. Trail maps are posted at each kiosk, and printable PDFs are available online before you go.
Signature Amenities
• Equestrian Center – Two arenas, a 60-foot round pen, and full-service boarding facilities attract riders from across the valley. For stall availability, please call 626-437-0171.
• Tennis Complex – Six lighted courts host drop‑in play, USTA leagues, and paid lessons year‑round.
• Soccer & Multi‑Purpose Fields – Regulation turf accommodates AYSO, adult leagues, and youth camps.
• Life Trail® Fitness Zone – Ten ADA‑accessible stations spaced along a half‑mile paved loop make low‑impact workouts easy for all ages.
• Youth Campground – A reservable 2‑acre enclave with fire rings, potable water, and restrooms—perfect for scouting overnights.
• Group Picnic Terraces – Eight shelters (capacities 50–250) with barbecues, electrical outlets, and sweeping canyon views.
• Playground Village – A recent renovation added tower slides, inclusive swings, and a shaded tot lot.
Horses, Wildflowers, and the Purple Sage Trail
Spring rains blanket Schabarum’s hillsides in lupine, poppies, and, yes, the fragrant purple sage that gives the park’s most popular loop its name. The Purple Sage Trail gains roughly 450 feet over 2.8 miles, topping out at an overlook where wild mustangs once roamed Rancho La Puente. Today, you’re more likely to meet trail riders from the equestrian center—yield right and enjoy panoramic photo ops of the San Gabriel Valley below.
Family‑Friendly Recreation
Weekends buzz with birthday parties, pickup soccer, and Parks After Dark movie nights each July. Kids race between the playground village and shady lawns while parents fire up Santa Maria‑style grills. The park’s amphitheater hosts summer folk concerts and autumn cultural festivals celebrating the area’s Taiwanese and Mexican heritage.
Practical Tips
• Arrive by 8 a.m. on weekends to beat the gate queue and secure shaded parking.
• Cell coverage can be spotty on ridge trails—download maps in advance.
• Equestrian day‑use permits ($5 per trailer) are sold at the entry kiosk; bring your own certified weed‑free feed.
• Rattlesnakes are common from April through October; keep dogs leashed and stay on marked paths.
• Drinking fountains sit beside every restroom, but carry extra water for longer hikes.
Nearby Work‑and‑Play Balance
After a sunrise hike or trail ride, locals often swing by Onboard Coworking in nearby Diamond Bar for a quiet desk, robust Wi‑Fi, and hot coffee, allowing them to trade hiking boots for business calls without a long commute.
From ridge-top sunsets that set the Puente Hills aglow to horse-friendly canyon paths alive with the scent of sage, Schabarum Regional Park proves that genuine wilderness vibes still thrive within L.A. County. Plan a day—or a whole weekend—and discover why this Rowland Heights gem remains a beloved retreat for hikers, riders, and families alike.
Next, let’s plan your visit to the Pathfinder Community Regional Park
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