Moro Canyon Trail Buck Gully Trail
LEFT : COURTESY OF CRYSTAL COVE CONSERVANCY ; RIGHT : COURTESY OF CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH naturalist-led activities and volunteer programs for the public to enjoy and contribute to the reserve . ( City of Newport Beach : newportbeachca . gov ) ( Irvine Ranch Conservancy : letsgooutside . org )
MORO CANYON TRAIL The Moro Canyon Trail is a 3-mile , out-and-back excursion on the inland side of Crystal Cove State Park . While there is some shade from coast live oak and Pacific willow trees , hats , sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended . With minimal elevation gain , this trail takes about one hour to complete and links up with a dense system of other trails . For a more strenuous workout , take the East Cut Across to Moro Ridge Road . Or , for another option , enjoy the mostly paved paths atop the oceanside bluffs with scenic views . Moro Canyon is known for its geological formations , ocean views ( on the higher elevation trails ) and wildlife . “ The Moro Canyon Tail is home to a broad community of endangered coastal sage scrub habitat and the native animals that come with it ,” says Kate Wheeler , president and CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy . “ The trail is a wonderful place for bird watching , including sightings of threatened California gnatcatchers and the California quail .” ( Crystal Cove Conservancy : crystalcove . org ) ( Crystal Cove State Park : crystalcovestatepark . org )
CASTAWAYS TRAIL This 1-mile , point-to-point walk offers some spectacular , panoramic vistas of Newport Bay and the tall buildings around Fashion Island in the distance . The trail meanders through the bluffs of Castaways Park , a popular location for pedestrians and cyclists alike . Then , the excursion continues on a path that runs parallel to the bay . The trail is paved and flat all along the way , which makes Castaways an ideal setting for a family outing . Real estate fanatics will love viewing the impressive houses that line the residential portions of the trail . The walk is also home to the 1 / 1 memorial , a bronze sculpture that honors all military personnel including Newport Beach ’ s beloved 1st Battalion , 1st Marines , which were adopted by the community to provide assistance for these military members and their families . ( newportbeachca . gov )
BIG CANYON TRAIL Located along the Upper Newport Bay , or the “ Back Bay ,” Big Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop that is accessible for hikers of all skill levels . Start at Mountains to the Sea Trail & Bikeway ( an extension of Back Bay Drive ); a parking lot is across from the trailhead . Follow the sand / gravel path toward Jamboree Road — it ’ s mostly flat except for a mild incline as you approach the street — then
follow the road for a bit and loop back along the bluffs before dipping down to meet the main trail again . Thanks to restoration efforts , the path is adjacent to habitats full of native flora and fauna , with freshwater ponds , riparian areas and coastal sage scrub . You might notice bush sunflowers , red-tailed hawks , cottontail rabbits and more . “ Newport Bay is really proud of the ongoing restoration efforts in Big Canyon ,” says Mariah Sabo , an education specialist with Newport Bay Conservancy . “ And on behalf of the restoration team and partnering agencies , we hope that the local community and out-of-town visitors enjoy hiking alongside the native plants and habitats .” ( newportbay . org )
NEWPORT RIDGE TRAIL The Newport Ridge Trail , which shows off the land , sea and homes of Newport Beach , is perfect for a suburban sidewalk adventure with great views . The walking path , a 1.73-mile loop , follows Newport Ridge Drive and parts of San Joaquin Hills Road through a beautiful , inland neighborhood . As it cuts across Newport Ridge Park , visitors can spot Santiago Peak and the Santa Ana Mountains , and along the San Joaquin Hills leg of the walk , views of the Pacific open up on the horizon . ( newportbeachca . gov ) NBM
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