El Moro Crystal Cove

There are so many trails and loops to choose from here! If you prefer a short 2-mile hike or something a little more challenging like the perimeter for 10-miles; there is something for everyone. You can pay $15 for parking at the Crystal Cove State Park where the Moro Campground is. This is located off PCH right next to El Morro Elementary School. The 2 main benefits to parking here are beach access when you’re done and all the hiking will be done by ascending up/elevation gain followed by descending back to your parked car. If you prefer to do the more challenging stuff first and coast back down…then this is the place for you to park. Also if you continue down the hill past the campground and park down here, you can beach access. Follow the short road which leads to a tunnel under PCH to your private style beach. I have hiked here dozens of times and ended with a beach hangout or quick dip in the ocean to cool off. From the bottom you have many trail options. Go up Moro Canyon and come back down. Loop B.F..I. to Moro Ridge to E. Cut Across and back down Moro Canyon. Do the same but in reverse order (clockwise). The big perimeter loop of Moro Ridge to Bommer Ridge to No Name Ridge. Also can be done in reverse order (clockwise). Also don’t forget about Poles. This trail is one of the steepest and will definitely make you work hard to keep a steady pace. My favorite one to get a killer calf burn!

Another option is to park at Coastal Ridge Park at the top. The perks of parking here is you save $15. The downfall is all the trails, you will descend first and then have to hike back up to your car. Not the best option for those of you who want to hike up(work hard) then hike down(coast).

The same loops and trails can be accessed here as from the bottom parking area. Just will be starting at the top versus the bottom. Also much closer to Rattlesnake Trail which is a mountain biker favorite. Speaking of…keep your head on a swivel as there is always tons of bikers on these trails!

One of my favorite loops is; Park at the bottom. Take Moro Canyon to Poles, which is a steep trail off to the left (steepest of this loop). Once you reach No Name Ridge, turn right to take this trail. Take this until you reach W. Cut Across, which is a hard right(almost U-turn). Briefly go on Moro Canyon (backtracking) to E. Cut Across which is on the left now. Take this up until you reach Moro Ridge, go right on this trail. Then continue down and capture the amazing views of the ocean from Long Beach to Dana Point. Turn right and go down B.F.I. trail back the parking lot. 6-miles and a nice combo of incline, views, and downhill. Also don't forget the tunnel under PCH to the beach for a swim after.

No shade so bring plenty of sunscreen and sun protective layers. In the summer days it gets really warm here so have at least 3 liters of water if you plan on doing a few miles. Always watch out for bikers, runners and other hikers. Also have spotted rattlesnakes here before so be careful of those as well. I have made my own loops and if you want to know more about these, shoot me an email after you subscribe and I’ll gladly share these with you!