Near Crystal Cove Loop
Overlook on the No Dogs Trail.
Near Crystal Cove Loop
No Name Ridge.
Near Crystal Cove Loop
Cactus on No Name Ridge.
Near Crystal Cove Loop
No Name Ridge Trail.
Near Crystal Cove Loop
Kiosk at the No Dogs Trail.

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Driving Directions
Hike Route

Crystal Cove Loop

4.1 (25 Ratings)
A gorgeous loop route with coastal/ocean views down into the canyon and back up and out.
9.1
mi
Distance
1,341
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Fall ColorsFamily FriendlySpringViewsWildflowers
Access Issues
Dogs are not permitted in the backcountry. Camping is by reservation only. Open sunrise to sunset, check parking hours as they can be different according to where you park.

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
9.08mi
Distance
1,341ft
Elevation Gain
1,341ft
Elevation Loss
35%
Max Grade
1,023ft
High Point
33ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
From the trailhead at the top of Ridge Park Rd., start out on the Bommer Ridge Road following along the freeway. After just under a mile, look for the Red Tail Ridge trail heading to the right (south). Turn right briefly before heading left onto the only singletrack section of this hike, Fenceline. Follow Fenceline along the ridge before arriving back at an intersection with the Moro Canyon Trail. Keep heading south, toward the ocean, and continue onto Slow 'N Easy. Thus begins your descent into the canyon along the ridgeline. This doubletrack will bend to the east (left) and continue for a half mile until it reaches the Moro Canyon Trail once again. Turn right onto the Moro Canyon Trail.Continue along the canyon floor, winding between the hills on either side for 2.5 miles, until you come to an intersection with the Poles Trail and West Cut Across. For a shorter route, head on West Cut Across for a ~three-mile return trip to No Name Ridge and the No Name Ridge Access Trail. For this hike, continue south on the Moro Canyon Trail for another 1.5 miles, reaching the low point of the route, just 50' above sea level. The trail will bend to the right (west), skirting a parking area and campground before arriving at the Crystal Cove State Park - El Moro Canyon Visitor Center. From the visitor center, start your ~3.7-mile return journey up the west ridges of the park. Head north, starting on the No Dogs Trail. This will link up with the No Name Ridge trail, where Poles Trail also joins in. Continue the climb, up past West Cut Across to the No Name Ridge Access Trail, back to your vehicle.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Zander Gopfert