A draw for outdoorsy types, Orange County in California U.S.A. boasts a vast network of hiking and mountain biking trails — about 400 that carve through diverse wilderness areas. During the summer months though, inland trails can be too hot for comfort, making the county’s coastal routes more ideal for hiking. Forty miles of coastline hug these scenic paths, offering cool breezes and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean along your trek. Here, find a few of our favorite hikes. (Check back in the fall for cool-weather hikes!)
Trestles, San Clemente
This southernmost spot in Orange County is best known for surfing, but its unspoiled coastline and fresh sea air attracts hikers too. The area is named for the old train trestle crossing over San Mateo Creek, which empties from the Santa Ana Mountains into the sea. A 2-mile loop trail begins at the south end of San Clemente to the beach, crosses the old Coast Highway and continues up over the bluffs. What you’ll find here is a quite trail (usually) and more interesting views. Look out the state park and pier to the north, the Santa Margarita Mountains and San Onofre Bluffs to the south — another three miles of picturesque Pacific coastline with its own set of hiking trails.
Huntington Beach Bike Path
This “trail” is actually a bike path, also perfect for trekkers seeking an easy to moderate route. The intensity depends on how much of its 12.8 miles you cover, as it takes you all the way down to Newport Beach. (If you’re looking for a workout, walk in the soft sand adjacent the path where you can). This expansive stretch of beach is lined with surfers and sunbathers, and on the right day, serves up a pretty constant ocean breeze. You’ll pass by Huntington Beach Pier, one of the largest public piers on the West Coast, as well as several shops, restaurants and homes to the other side.
Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach
Located between Corona del Mar to the north and Laguna Beach to the south, Crystal Cove State Park’s network of trails overlook three miles of dramatic coastline — jagged coves separated by smooth white sands. Calm days reveal sunray sparkles dancing around on a sheet of aqua-blue. On moodier days, choppy waves and bursts of water against the rocks create a spellbinding view from the trail summit and on the descent. Take the 6-mile Oceanfront Bluffs trail or go a bit longer on the El Moro Canyon loop; both offer challenging climbs and epic views. Access the park through one of three lots: Reef Point, Los Trancos or Pelican Point. A ramp from the other side of east side of Coast Highway takes you to the beach. Check out the tide pools here — home to sea urchin, anemone, and starfish, among other magnificent creatures.
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Newport Beach
The harbor spills into this shallow body of fresh water known as The Back Bay. Home to more than 35,000 species of migratory birds, it’s one of the most popular places in the country for bird watching. It’s also a calm and beautiful place to hike, making it a favorite among locals looking for a more leisurely pace. If you’re interested in the ecology, stop by the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center before taking the nearby trail. The path is more than 10 miles long, winding through the wetland’s shady wooded areas, sandy dunes and salt marches, but you can turn back at any time. Look for reptiles, coyotes and even bobcats, among the area’s many species. The Back Bay also offers other trails; pick up a map from the interpretive center.
Car Wreck Trail, Laguna Beach
This strenuous route in Aliso Woods leads to an infamous car wreck — remnants of a decades-old Dodge that is now home to overgrown flora, critters and a plastic skeleton that jokester left behind. How the car got there, no one seems to know — and it’s hard to imagine since no paved roads are nearby. The site is also accessible from Aliso Viejo, by way of a longer (about 7 miles) but much easier route. From Laguna, follow the fire road at Alta Laguna Park to Mathis trail. From there, drop into Car Wreck trail down a super steep slope to the wreckage. You can loop around the floor of the canyon and back up Mathis — a longer trek on a slight incline — or turn and hike back up the way you came. The fire road hugs the ocean, and that’s where you’ll find the views and the breeze.
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