Located about an hour south of Los Angeles, Crystal Cove State Park spans 2,400 acres of rugged coastal wilderness that includes 3.2 miles of beaches. The park is one of Southern California's prime hiking destinations, with 17 miles of trails that wind through rocky backcountry and lush woodlands. Crystal Cove offers a dozen trails arranged into three separate loops known simply as the Green, Red and Blue Trails.
Green Trail
- The Green Trail is the shortest and easiest of Crystal Cove State Park's three trail loops, but it still includes a few steep climbs and descents. Utilizing three individual trails, this hike starts at the ranger station parking lot and explores the sparsely wooded hills near the coast. Start by hiking uphill on the No Dogs Trail, then take a left on the Poles Trail, which heads downhill and is marked by electric poles along the way. After about a 1/2 mile, you can turn left again and return to the trailhead on a section of the Moro Canyon Trail. The entire hike is around 3 miles round-trip and can usually be completed in about two hours.
Red Trail
- Covering 5.5 miles of moderately challenging terrain, the Red Trail is usually a two or three hour hike, depending on your pace. This loop begins the way the Green Trail ends, leaving the ranger station parking lot on the Moro Canyon Trail. After about a 1/2 mile the route turns onto the 0.3-mile B.F.I Trail -- the initials stand for "Big Flat Incline," which accurately describes the terrain on this section -- and then east on the Moro Ridge Trail. After 1.6 miles on Moro Ridge, turn west on the East Cut-Across Trail, then return to the trailhead on the Moro Canyon Trail. The climb to the crest of Moro Ridge is the most challenging section of this hike, but hikers are rewarded with sweeping ocean views from the top.
Blue Trail
- This 11-mile loop, the longest and most strenuous route through Crystal Cove State Park, is sometimes known as the Perimeter of the Park Hike for its circuitous route around the park's outskirts. The trail offers a little bit of everything: steep climbs, rocky ridgelines, dense forests and panoramic views. Taking a clockwise path from the ranger station, the Blue Trail loop makes use of the No Dogs, No Name, Red Tail Ridge, Deer Canyon, Moro Ridge and Moro Canyon Trails. As with the Green and Red Trails, you can also hike this loop in the opposite direction. The No Name Trail has some of the toughest terrain, with a roller coaster-like series of climbs and descents, while the Moro Ridge Trail provides some of the best views.
Create Your Own Route
- While the Green, Red and Blue Trails are well-established and commonly-followed loops through Crystal Cove State Park, you can also choose your own route using various combinations of individual trails. A trail map -- available through the California State Parks website and in person at the main park office -- is an essential tool as you make your way through the Crystal Cove Trail system. Backcountry camping is allowed at three campsites along the trails. The sites include picnic tables, pit toilets and room to set up tents.
Considerations
- Crystal Cove's trails are often exposed to the sun and the resulting heat can be taxing, especially in summer. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress in clothing appropriate for the season. Layered clothing, including a waterproof outer layer, is a good way to adapt to changing weather conditions. Don't overexert yourself and, above all, bring lots of water. Once you leave the trailhead, there are no sources of drinking water along the trails. Mid-fall to mid-spring is the most comfortable time to hike in the park. In addition to hiking, the trails are open to mountain biking and horseback riding.
