Hike #1334
September 6, 2017
Crystal Cove Beach & Trails

Hike Leader:  Bob DeWolf

Meet at 9:00 am for start at 9:30 am

Driving Directions: Take the 55 Freeway South toward Newport Beach.  Take the 73 toll road SE to Macarthur Blvd.  No toll is charged if you get off at Macarthur.  Follow Macarthur 2.1 miles S. to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).  Take PCH SE to Crystal Cove.  When you turn onto PCH you will see the signs to Crystal Cove (3 miles).   Crystal Cove has a number of beachside parking lots on the right that come first, and the El Moro parking lot on the left 1.8 miles beyond Newport Coast Drive.  Watch for the El Morro Elementary School.  Turn left at the stop light and drive past the school and make a left at the stop sign.  Refreshments will be at the picnic table at the top of the small hill behind the restroom at the Visitor Center.  The parking fee is $14 for seniors.  You can park free if you have one of the special passes and many of us do.
 
The Hike:  The high temperature is predicted to be in the low 80s.  The predictions are changing by the minute but I think a beach hike at reasonable temperatures is very likely.  At times the backcountry trails have been very hot at this time of year, ignoring forecasts.  The beach is the best choice but if its cool at the trailhead you could consider a 4 mile loop on the trails in the early morning followed by a 4 mile loop on the beach in the late morning/early afternoon.  You could walk 4 miles on the trails, thru the tunnel and down to the Cottages and back for another 4 miles.

Those who want to choose a short hike on the beach can join me and catch the southbound bus ($.75 exact change) to Pelican Point Drive and walk back on the beach with a possible stop at the Shake Shack. 

Another beach hike that can be done is to head down to the tunnel and just do an out and back on the beach for a longer hike.

Crystal Cove State Park Trails

2017-09-06