Crystal Cove, Newport Beach CA
• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Medium difficulty | Gain 480 to 1,060 feet
• Newport Beach, CA | Los Angeles Region
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Best ocean views are in the hills above the trailhead.
At Crystal Cove State Park, discover an oasis of classic California coastline squeezed in between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, with barely a sign of civilization. We've traced two hikes that reveal the best terrain and oceanside views, though there are further options to explore deeper inland where you'll also find camping options available. Visiting this state park also gives you access to miles of sandy beach, ocean, rockpools and sea caves.
Expand ↓ Map
4★ Moro Ridge Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
4★ Moro Canyon Loop
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions |
We recommend experiencing this park during dry seasons as most trails here have dirt surfaces and wet weather creates lots of mud on the canyon trail and washes out the hillside routes. Paid parking is best at the trailhead located on the map, though there are additional spaces by the entrance to Moro Canyon.
Fire patrol at the top of the Poles Trail.
Heading down from Moro Ridge on a counterclockwise hike.
The dirt trails get muddy and slippery after rains.
Tangents:
• Official: Crystal Cove State Park
• Public Maps at AllTrails: Canyon Loop, Ridge Loop
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
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