OCLB - Crystal Cove Day Hike

Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach present

El Moro Canyon -

Crystal Cove Day Hike

Contact: Doug Cable. E-mail: dccable2@verizon.net. Phone: 949-922-1452

Come join our group for a pleasant moderate day hike in scenic El Moro Canyon located near Crystal Cove Park in Newport Beach, CA. We will be gathering at the trailhead adjacent to Lower Parking Lot in the Day Use Area. Day Use parking fee is $15.00 so pleasecarpool / rideshare with others.

The hike will begin promptly at 8:30AM when we will proceed northward through the center area of the canyon. The path rises quickly at the 1.1 mile cut across. We will then hike along the perimeter of the park in a counter-clockwise direction, passing various campground sites and making our way back to the lower use area trailhead. The total distance is roughly 9.0 miles with variation in elevation between 35 and 1800 feet.

Bring your ten essentials. Click here for list. Snack breaks will be taken at regular intervals. A scenic break is planned at the lower campground site on the east of the park with a beautiful panoramic view of the canyon and Pacific Ocean.

Driving southbound on the 405 FWY from Long Beach, take 73 HWY South in Costa Mesa. Exit the 73 at MacArthur Blvd. and head west toward the Pacific Ocean. (Note that the TOLL Road applies after the MacArthur Blvd. exit). Turn left at PCH in Newport Beach and head southbound. You will pass through Newport Beach village and Crystal Cove Park. Make a left at the El Moro Elementary school road. Keep right and you will see the Ranger Station entrance. After paying the day use fee, make way past RV Park down the path to the lower and last parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater. Trailhead is at the edge of the parking lot. Click here for Crystal Cove Park Map.

After the hike, we may enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean and a picnic on the beach. If you are interested, please bring swimming / beach attire and extra food.

There is no fee for this outing. Day Use Parking Fee is $15.00.