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 Reporter |
Summary: Rapacious development comes up to the very fringes of this natural area, but dip into El Moro Canyon and you will find near solitude. The hike is best in the spring when wildflowers break out like a blush on a pretty girl's face. This is open, mostly treeless country, so a hat and sun screen are a must. Bring your own water. You can take the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you travel counter clockwise the gentler "West Cut Across" is a better choice for the trip up the hill than the Poles trail. Those who go the other way can save about a mile by entering El Moro Canyon via the Poles Trail. The Ocean View trail (1.6 miles round trip) may be worth it for spring wild flowers, but in other seasons may prove a disappointment with its view of trailer parks and luxury developments. Trailhead: From Interstate 5, Southbound: Take the Laguna Beach exit. Head south to Laguna Beach. At the Pacific Coast Highway, turn right. Proceed 2.85 miles to the El Moro Canyon turnoff (just past El Moro School.) From Interstate 5, Northbound: Take the El Toro Road exit. Head south on El Toro until it ends at Laguna Canyon. Turn left on Laguna Canyon. Continue to Pacific Coast Highway where you will turn right. Proceed 2.85 miles to the El Moro Canyon turnoff (just past El Moro School.) (Lat:33.566 Lon:-117.82) Trail Guides for El Moro Canyon, Short Loop, Crystal Cove SP: Afoot & Afield in Orange County by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Bikes, Ranger Contact: Crystal Cove State Park, 949-494-3539 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joel Sax, who has posted 51 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Page 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Hiyasmin on 8/21/2006 The parking fee was a bit steep = $10. My friend and I ended up choosing the "moderate" hike which took us up the BFI (Big F*in Incline). This was probably the hardest part of the entire hike. The rest was fairly simple and downhill. There weren't many pretty plants and the beach view was OK. It was fairly challenging ... but we were able to complete the entire route in 2 hours. 
Reviewed by Sascwash Woman on 8/11/2006 I have to say, I love it because of it's coastal air! I've hiked in other cities and clean air is great when hiking. 
Reviewed by dave on 7/5/2006 cool spot camp there its worth it
Reviewed by Nick on 11/3/2005 Did this hike with my daughters (6 and 4). This was a good trail for the kids. It's steep enough to actually give a bit of a workout, but not so steep as to overwhelm the little ones. Plenty of nice views. Also, the kids had a lot of fun following animal tracks through the valley. Would definitely recommend this to people with children.
Reviewed by Sunil on 6/22/2005 Went on this trail on June 19, 2005. Did 5.5 miles trail. Good views...good for family and kids. There are no trees or shady areas on the trail...so start early. Unless you risk parking in the school lot (not legally allowed), there is a $10 parking fee. [The same is valid for Crystal cove park] Good info and maps available at the ranger station.
Reviewed by LP on 9/16/2004 This was my third hike and a very beautiful one. Although the hike was not difficult at all, I was exhausted after hiking the 6 mile loop up to the lower camping ground and back. One of the best things is having Crystal Cove State Beach across the way to go dive into after a long hike!! I can't wait to come back in the Spring!!
Reviewed by Shawn on 7/26/2004 Good for hiking & running. Unfortunately, the development is rapidly moving in around the park. Nevertheless, still well worth the effort. Some nice trails towards the back (Rattlesnake Canyon I think is one) that don't seem to see much foot traffic.
Reviewed by LT on 6/25/2003 This was my first time hiking and the experience was wonderful. Many different trails to loop around to with helpful trail maps with 'you are here' signs along each junction of the trail. We went on an overcast day but the view at the top was awesome. We were still able to see the ocean and down into the valley. Don't laugh but I had a glimpse of what the first settlers must have felt like as they were looking over the rolling hills and land when they reached the west coast. I can't wait to go back. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Orange County Hiking, Orange County Trails, Orange County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||