Dogs No Dogs
Features
Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildflowers
Dogs are not permitted in the backcountry. Camping is by reservation only. Open sunrise to sunset, check parking hours as they can be different according to where you park.
Overview
This loop makes for a terrific introductory excursion at Crystal Cove State Park. There is a great network of well-maintained paths and a few singletrack trails, too. Though long, this run samples everything Crystal Cove has to offer while starting above the park with beautiful ocean views, dropping into the canyon, and turning back just above the PCH.
If the length of this run is too much, use the
West Cut Across or
Poles Trail to shorten the route by almost 3.5 miles or explore the map and find your own adventure!
Runner Notes
This loop heads out on mostly doubletrack, dirt paths through the park. The first half of the route is almost entirely downhill, meaning the second half is almost entirely up. This is a beautiful area to explore with a number of other trails to consider adding on for varying route lengths.
Description
From the trailhead at the top of Ridge Park Rd., start out on the
Bommer Ridge Road following along the freeway. After just under a mile, look for the Red Tail Ridge trail heading to the right (south). Turn right briefly before heading left onto the only singletrack section of this run,
Fenceline.
Follow
Fenceline along the ridge before arriving back at an intersection with the
Moro Canyon Trail. Keep heading south, toward the ocean, and continue onto
Slow 'N Easy. Thus begins your descent into the canyon along the ridgeline. This doubletrack will bend to the east (left) and continue for a half mile until it reaches the
Moro Canyon Trail once again. Turn right onto the
Moro Canyon Trail.
Continue along the canyon floor, winding between the hills on either side for 2.5 miles, until you come to an intersection with the
Poles Trail and
West Cut Across. For a shorter route, head on
West Cut Across for a ~three-mile return trip to
No Name Ridge and the
No Name Ridge Access Trail.
For this run, continue south on the
Moro Canyon Trail for another 1.5 miles, reaching the low point of the route, just 50' above sea level. The trail will bend to the right (west), skirting a parking area and campground before arriving at the Crystal Cove State Park - El Moro Canyon Visitor Center.
From the visitor center, start your ~3.7-mile return journey up the west ridges of the park. Head north, starting on the
No Dogs Trail. This will link up with the
No Name Ridge trail, where
Poles Trail also joins in. Continue the climb, up past
West Cut Across to the
No Name Ridge Access Trail, back to your vehicle.
Contacts
Shared By:
Zander Göpfert
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