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Carl Thornton Park
4.4 ★★★★☆ 845 Google reviews · Running trail in Santa Ana, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Carl Thornton Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Green space featuring sports fields, a small lake & children's play area.
What runners say about Carl Thornton Park
“The play areas are clean, safe, and well-maintained, and there’s a great mix of equipment for different ages.”
“Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana is absolutely beautiful and family-friendly — the perfect place to celebrate a child’s birthday.”
“There’s plenty of open space for games and decorations, and the scenery with the lake in the background made for such a peaceful and pretty setting.”
This is a nice place for a walk. Playground for kids. Fitness court available. Beautiful ducks and pond. Restrooms on site.
Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana is absolutely beautiful and family-friendly — the perfect place to celebrate a child’s birthday. I hosted my daughter’s party here, and everything went so smoothly.
Nice little park with a little pond that is stocked with fish. They have a little running and workout trail. It has diamonds for baseball/softball. The park does get crowded in the early evening as everybody seems to play soccer and practice soccer. They do beat up the field.
Trail conditions & character
“Carl Thornton Park in Santa Ana is absolutely beautiful and family-friendly — the perfect place to celebrate a child’s birthday.”
“There’s plenty of open space for games and decorations, and the scenery with the lake in the background made for such a peaceful and pretty setting.”
“There’s also lots of shaded picnic tables, restrooms close by, and plenty of parking, which made it super convenient for guests.”
“There’s also lots of shaded picnic tables, restrooms close by, and plenty of parking, which made it super convenient for guests.”
Plan your run at Carl Thornton Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesanta-ana.org
- Phone+1 714-647-5400
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–10 pm |
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