OCLB - El Moro Canyon - Crystal Cove Day Hike

Great Outdoors Orange County/Long Beach presents

El Moro Canyon -

Crystal Cove Day Hike

Sunday, August 16, 2026, starting at 8 AM

In the event of hot weather an email will be sent to registrants on the evening of August 15, rescheduling this event to late October or late November.

Trip Leader: Frederick Brown, [email protected], 562-754-1838

Come join our group for a pleasant moderate day hike in scenic El Moro Canyon located near Crystal Cove Park in Newport Beach, CA. We will be gathering at the trailhead adjacent to Lower Parking Lot in the Day Use Area. Day Use parking fee is $15.00 so please carpool / rideshare with others.

The hike will begin promptly at 8:00AM when we will proceed northward through the center area of the canyon. The path rises quickly at the 1.1 mile cut across. We will then hike along the perimeter of the park in a counter-clockwise direction, passing various campground sites and making our way back to the lower use area trailhead. The total distance is roughly 9.0 miles with variation in elevation between 35 and 1800 feet.

Please arrive with the club recommended essentials (click here), wear a sturdy pair of hiking boots, long pants (for protection against poison oak), bring snacks, sun screan and at least two liters of water. Snack breaks will be taken at regular intervals. A scenic break is planned at the lower campground site on the east of the park with a beautiful panoramic view of the canyon and Pacific Ocean.

Directions: Follow your GPS to Lower Moro Parking Lot, Crystal Cove State Park, El Moro Canyon Trail, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. After paying the day use fee, make your way past the RV Park down the road to the lower and last parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater. Trailhead is at the edge of the parking lot. Click here for the Crystal Cove State Park website which has a trail map

After the hike those who wish can enjoy a refreshing dip in the ocean. If you are interested, please bring swimming / beach attire. There is no fee for this outing. Day Use Parking Fee is $15.00.