Hike #1582
August 14, 2024
Crystal
Cove Beach & Trails
Hike Leader: Bob DeWolf
Meet at 8:00 am for start at 8:30 am
Rabbits start at a time to be determined
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). Turn left on PCH. After you turn you will see the signs to Crystal Cove (3 miles). Crystal Cove has a number of beachside parking lots. We will meet at the south end of the Reef Point parking lot near the restroom. Reef Point is on the right 1.5 miles beyond Newport Coast Drive. Turn right at Reef Point and stop at the kiosk to pay for parking.
Parking: Senior parking is $14 but passes are available that will avoid the fee. Most public libraries in our areas have a limited number of passes that you can check out with your library card the same way you do for books. The State sells passes but they must be purchased in advance.
After paying or showing your pass continue down the road and turn left. Continue to the end of the road and park near the restroom.
The Hike: Meet near the restroom. Take the ramp down to the beach and turn right. Continue past cottages long ago restored, some recently restored and some currently being restored. You can book some of these but it's difficult. They are just too popular. You will also pass the Beachcomber restaurant and the Shake Shack (up on the hill). Continue on the beach to the cave (at the end). After you have experienced the cave, go back the way you came a little way and turn left up the stairs and left again. This will take you to a nice viewpoint over Little Treasure Cove.
Go back down to the beach and return the way you came. Alternatively you could walk back up on the bluff. I recommend against this as it is longer and warmer. The hike, as described is about 5 miles. When you get back to Reef Point and if you want to walk another mile, continue down the beach to the end and return before going up to the parking lot. If you're still not tired enough you can go through the tunnel to Moro Canyon and hike there, but it will likely be hot.
After Hiking: We will gather after the hike on the South side of the parking lot. There are no tables, benches or shade, but there is usually a nice sea breeze here and you can sit on the folding chair you brought.
Updated: 2024-07-25