Crystal Cove, Newport Beach CA

• 4-star hikes
• 3 to 5 mile options
• Moderate | Gain 480 to 1,060 feet
• Newport Beach, CA | Los Angeles Region
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Three individuals on a wide dirt trail in a natural setting with green hills and the ocean in the background. Two are hikers and the third is a mountain biker.

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 4.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 1,060 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

4★ Moro Canyon Loop 2.8 mi loop, moderate, gain 480 ft
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.

Red fire patrol truck labeled “PATROL 11” parked on an uneven dirt track with green rolling hills and a clear blue sky in the background.

Fire patrol at the top of the Poles Trail.

Panoramic view of a coastal landscape with rolling green hills, a dirt path winding through the foreground, and the ocean visible in the distance under a partly cloudy sky.

Heading down from Moro Ridge on a counterclockwise hike.

Person in a red shirt and dark pants walking on a dirt trail through a green valley. The valley is surrounded by rolling hills with lush vegetation under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

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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