SPOTLIGHT: CHINO HILLS STATE PARK

Location: At the convergence of Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties, north and east of Yorba Linda.

Description: Chino Hills State Park preserves about 10,000 acres of unspoiled rolling hills in the middle of one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.

Activities: Trails and dirt roads in the park are popular with equestrians, hikers and mountain bicyclists (some trails are open to hikers only). Equestrian campsites offer water for horses, corrals, picnic tables and fire rings. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a large protected stand of walnut trees, bird watching and spring wild flower displays.

Access: Automobiles can enter at only one point, through Bane Canyon in the northeast corner of the park (in San Bernardino County). Take California 71 north from the Riverside Freeway, then turn left on Pomona Rincon Road. After half a mile, watch for a brickyard and head west two miles on the adjacent dirt road.

Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enter the park at several points in Orange County: near Green River Golf Course east of Anaheim Hills, from several residential streets in Yorba Linda and through Carbon Canyon Regional Park in Brea.

Fees: Camping $6; day use $3 per vehicle; dogs $1 per night, 50 cents per day.

Information: (714) 780-6222.

Future: Chino Hills State Park opened in 1983, following years of lobbying by the volunteer group Hills for Everyone. A general plan approved in 1986 called for eventual expansion to 13,500 acres plus the construction of toilets, more campsites, picnic grounds, equestrian facilities and additional vehicle entrances. Most of the park will be kept in its natural state.