Park information
Acreage
12 acres
Park hours
Monday
6:00 am - dusk
Tuesday
6:00 am - dusk
Wednesday
6:00 am - dusk
Thursday
6:00 am - dusk
Friday
6:00 am - dusk
Saturday
6:00 am - dusk
Sunday
6:00 am - dusk
Contact
949-494-3539
Helpful links
Top trails (35)
- El Moro Canyon Loop TrailThe trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center just north of the Crystal Cove State Park Campground. There is a parking fee here. This loop provides visitors with a tour of the El Moro Canyon, then climbs over 800 feet in elevation to the ridgeline, where some of the best coastline views in the park can be seen. It is steep for the first couple of miles if you go clockwise, but then easier after that. Plus, going in that direction you get great views of the ocean. Be careful as...
- Reef Point and Crystal Cove TrailEasy•4.7(3274)#2 - Reef Point and Crystal Cove TrailLength: 5.2 mi•Est. 1h 46mBegin from the large parking area along the Pacific Coast Highway and pass Reef Point Vista. After this, you will drop down towards the beach and walk along the water towards Pelican Point. At this point you will hike back up to the top of the bluff and follow the trail inland back towards the parking area.
- Crystal Cove Perimeter LoopThis is a serious hike with some good elevation gain that follows the perimeter of the park and provides beautiful views over the Pacific and east toward Santiago and Modjeska Peaks. This "grand tour" of the Crystal Cove backcountry passes all three backcountry campgrounds and takes you up and down ridges and valleys.
- El Moro Canyon Short LoopOcean views, insulated canyon, coast chaparral, wildflowers, and grasslands. Rapacious development comes up to the very fringes of this natural area, but dip into El Moro Canyon and you will find near solitude. The hike is best in the spring when wildflowers are in full bloom. This is open, mostly treeless country, so a hat and sun screen are a must. Bring your own water. You can take the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you travel counter clockwise the gentler "West Cut...
- B.F.I., Moro Ridge Spur, Poles LoopModerate•4.6(1833)#5 - B.F.I., Moro Ridge Spur, Poles LoopLength: 4.8 mi•Est. 2h 29m
- El Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge LoopModerate•4.7(1195)#7 - El Moro Canyon to Moro Ridge LoopLength: 8.2 mi•Est. 3h 27mStart by hiking uphill through Moro Canyon to Boomer Ridge. Follow the ridge to Moro Ridge which you will follow down back towards the trailhead. There are views of the foothills and the coast as you hike back down. There are two backcountry camping areas you will pass. They do not have water available, so be sure to pack in enough to drink and cook with.
- Slow 'N Easy, Poles, and Pacific Ridge LoopModerate•4.6(1201)#8 - Slow 'N Easy, Poles, and Pacific Ridge LoopLength: 6.9 mi•Est. 3h 10mThe trail is a mix of fire road and single-track trail and is popular among hikers and mountain bikers. If mountain biking this route, it is recommended to ride counterclockwise so you can avoid climbing the steepest downhill section. There is little shade along the way, so bring plenty of water and sun protection. There are nice views along the way, including a few ocean views.
- Blufftop Multiuse TrailThis is a lovely walk along the bluff in Crystal Cove State Park. Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean and breathe in the sea breeze. There are several parking lots available - find any lot serving Pelican Point and Reef Point and you'll be able to join the trail. There are additional pathways that take you down to the beach or around the park if you want to extend your route. If you are hiking with a dog, keep in mind that dogs are not allowed on the beach. Accessibility: There are 2...
- Pacific Ridge, Moro Canyon and Boomer Ridge Trail LoopHard•4.7(852)#10 - Pacific Ridge, Moro Canyon and Boomer Ridge Trail LoopLength: 10.8 mi•Est. 4h 35mThis park is subject to closures for repairs throughout Winter. This route is a loop of El Moro Canyon in Crystal Cove State Park. This loop avoids the large asphalt hill that leads from Moro Ridge down towards the Ocean. The majority of route follows the outer ridge on the wide fire roads, mostly without shade except for in the middle of the canyon. A few good hills regardless of which direction you traverse. If you get there early (by 7:00 am) you can park on the street for free @ Coastal...
Showing results 1 - 10 of 35
Helpful reviews of trails in Crystal Cove State Park
"Just had an incredible hike at Crystal Cove State Park! Morrow Canyon Trail led to breathtaking views, and the weather was pure perfection. Hawks soaring overhead added to the magic. The well-maintained trail, the East cut across, Morrow Ridge - every step was a joy. The ocean views were simply stunning. Grateful for this perfect outdoor experience! #NatureAdventure #CrystalCoveHike"
Crystal Cove State Park backcountry trails. Parking fee but annual passes can be purchased. Most libraries have passes to lend this year.
Trails in Crystal Cove State Park. Parking fees. Beautiful coastal views and backcountry trails.
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Frequently asked trail questions about Crystal Cove State Park
Where is the best place to hike in Crystal Cove State Park?
According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Crystal Cove State Park is El Moro Canyon Loop Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 5,740 reviews. This trail is 5.0 mi long with an elevation gain of 810 ft.
What is the longest trail in Crystal Cove State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Crystal Cove State Park is Bommer Ridge Trail, W Fork Trail, Hogback Ridge Trail. This trail is estimated to be 12.3 mi long.
How many trails are in Crystal Cove State Park?
There are 35 trails in Crystal Cove State Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 30,979 AllTrails community reviews.
Which trail has the most elevation gain in Crystal Cove State Park?
If you're looking for elevation gain, Crystal Cove State Park has you covered. Crystal Cove Double Loop boasts the most elevation gain with 2,286 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Crystal Cove West Side Loop, which will get you 2,175 ft of elevation gain.
Are there camping trails available in Crystal Cove State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 6 camping trails in Crystal Cove State Park and the most popular is Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop with an average 4.6 star rating from 2,899 community reviews.
Are there running trails available in Crystal Cove State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 25 running trails in Crystal Cove State Park and the most popular is El Moro Canyon Loop Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 5,740 community reviews.
Are there biking trails available in Crystal Cove State Park?
According to AllTrails.com, there are 16 biking trails in Crystal Cove State Park and the most popular is El Moro Canyon Loop Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 5,740 community reviews.
