Mile Square Regional Park’s Nature Area is a special 15 acre natural park area with native plants tucked away in the upper half of Mile Square Regional Park, nestled between the golf course and the regular park area.
You wouldn't even know it's there if you're passing by on Euclid or Edinger.
Note: Always check the official OC Parks website, because they will have closure notices at the top of the page. Sometimes it is closed due to pond maintenance or some other reason.
The rest of the park is still worth a visit, but just be aware you might need the Plan B.
Directions to Mile Square Park Nature Area
The nature area entrance is in Parking Lot “F” which is closest to the Edinger and Ward park entrance.
Pay a fee to park inside the park - or use your regional parks parking pass. (If you are using the park, we encourage you to pay the fee that helps maintain the park rather than park on the street). MAP TO MILE SQUARE PARK NATURE AREA
Highlights:
So much nature! I was greeted by rabbits and lizards right near the entrance.
What do you do here? Walk the paths and see what you can see. On Michele's visit, she saw a hawk chasing other small birds out of its hunting territory.
Don’t miss the butterfly garden, and be careful when walking nearby. My kids and I had to take extra care to not step on some of the garden’s visitors who were landing right on the path next to the garden. We had some great opportunities for close-up photos of monarchs.
The natural marsh area is a great place to spot different types of water birds, and I like to imagine that some of the park’s ducks, geese and egrets use it as a vacation spot away from the hustle and bustle of the park on the weekends.
Playgrounds, picnic tables and paths to explore just outside of the natural area - bring a picnic lunch and easily spend a good chunk of your day in this expansive park.
Be Aware:
- Pay parking - go through the gate off Euclid Street to purchase a park pass or use the machine at the entrances.
- The nature area has limited hours of availability - Monday through Friday from 8:30am - 3:30pm.
- The trails through the cactus garden area were fairly overgrown on my visit, and I did have to make sure the kids took extra care in some especially tight spots to avoid getting poked.
- Coyotes have been seen in and around this area, and there are signs posted to alert visitors. However, they are typically very shy and will avoid people whenever possible. We did not see any on our visit.
- NO playground inside the natural area. This is a place where you need to stay on the trail to avoid tangling with cactus.
Checklist:
- Restrooms are located outside of the natural area. The nearest restrooms are near the far side of Parking Lot “F” from the natural area entrance, close to the playground area.
- Dirt trails with plenty of benches to rest and enjoy the view
- Official Mile Square Regional Park page by OCParks.com
Nearby Parks:
Originally published in September 2015.
