Emerald Canyon Road

At the high point, the trail is open and exposed where it meets Bommer Ridge Road. Taking it down towards the ocean, the trail is a mix of hard-packed dirt, loose sand, and smooth rocks and it takes you down into greenery, surrounded by trees and shrubs. Descending about 800 ft. over 3 miles, the grade is gentle and allows for an easy hike, up or down, without breaking your quads or face. This is unverified by myself, but allegedly the trail connects with paths and/or roads that will take you onto the beach at Emerald Bay, just south of Crystal Cove and north of Laguna Beach. This would be a pretty nice way to end your 5k if you started at the top, and a nice place to stop and rest before hiking back to the top.