Laura RIDE, HIKE, UNWIND
| City | Fullerton |
| Type | Outdoor Activity |
| Parking | Free |
| Audience | All Ages with furry friends included |
| Visit | 3 pm – 4 pm |
| Cost | Free |
| Bathroom | Yes |
| Website | https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/brea-dam-loop |
Our Visit
On a cool, partly sunny afternoon, we embarked on a family-friendly adventure to the Brea Dam Loop, a 1.9-mile trail we discovered using the All Trails app. Located right behind St. Jude Hospital, the trail offered a blend of natural beauty and tranquility. We set out on the main trail, which was mostly dirt with a small paved section along the top of the dam. The weather was perfect—slightly windy with just the right amount of sunshine filtering through the clouds. Our hike took place between 3 pm and 4 pm, which allowed us to soak in the late afternoon light as we explored.
As we began our hike, we noticed a variety of outdoor enthusiasts on the trail. Ebikes and cyclists seemed to dominate the path, whizzing by us with a friendly nod or wave. We even spotted a lone horseback rider, adding a touch of old-world charm to our experience. One notable aspect of the trail was the sense of community; everyone we encountered was courteous and respectful of the shared space.
Details We Discovered
The Brea Dam Loop had several interesting features that caught our attention:
Natural Beauty:
- A picturesque cactus garden at the end of the trail, showcasing a variety of cacti species.
- Bella’s Place, an equestrian location on a hill, offering a scenic view as we hiked.
- The mix of dirt and paved paths, providing a balanced hiking experience.
Points of Interest:
- The tunnel under a bridge where it seemed some people had set up a makeshift living area.
- The mini park near the parking lot, equipped with picnic tables, bathrooms, and a firepit.
Despite its charm, the trail had some drawbacks. The multiple entry points to the main trail were confusing, and we often found ourselves second-guessing our path. Clearer signage would have greatly improved our experience. Additionally, while the hike was easy with a few hills to get our hearts pumping, it wasn’t particularly memorable compared to other trails we’ve explored.
Additional Information
Here are some practical details to help you plan your visit:
Parking and Accessibility:
- Free parking is available near the trailhead.
- The mini park provides convenient amenities such as picnic tables, bathrooms, and a firepit.
Trail Conditions:
- Mostly dirt trail with a small paved section along the top of the dam.
- Multiple trails to choose from, though clearer signage would be helpful.
Safety Tips:
- We recommend hiking in a group, especially near the tunnel under the bridge.
- The trail is best explored during the day for added safety.
Final Thoughts
While our hike at the Brea Dam Loop was pleasant, it left us yearning for more. The trail offers a peaceful escape and some unique sights, but it lacks the “wow” factor of other local hikes. We appreciated the ease of access and the friendly atmosphere, but we wouldn’t go out of our way to recommend it to others. If you’re looking for a quick, family-friendly outing with free parking and basic amenities, the Brea Dam Loop is worth a visit. However, if you’re seeking a more challenging and visually stunning hike, there are better options to explore in the area.
Have you been on the Brea Dam Loop in Fullerton, CA?
If so, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear the highlights of your visit!
