Trip Date: 1/18/2014

Location: Crystal Cove State Park

Permit/Pass: All Day Parking Pass - $15. Annual pass - $195. Oversized vehicles (25'long/9' high) - $75 per day (annual pass for oversized vehicles - $270)

Trails: Park map

Directions: Crystal Cove is located just north of Laguna Beach on California's Route 101 (Pacific Coast Highway). There are different access points. For this hike head south from Corona del Mar on PCH (or north from Laguna Beach) to the traffic light at the Los Trancos entry. Turn east (away from the ocean) and head into the parking lot. The beach access path that begins this hike is at the southern corner of the parking lot.

Trail sequence: Beach access path  / Tunnel under PCH / Beach access path / Crystal Cove SB / Bluff connector / paved Bluff trail

Type: Loop

Distance: 3.5 miles

Elevation: Min. - 1', Max. - 174'

Profile:

Rating: Easy (factors: sand walking, heat)

Synopsis: This is fun walk with good variety. You initially walk through the historic Crystal Cove beach cottages, past the well-known - and usually quite crowded - Beachcomber restaurant, then up the beautiful beach. On the way back you climb stairs to the bluff trail and generally follow PCH back to your car. We've done this hike as a way to work off breakfast at the Beachcomber, but you could also reverse the direction and have lunch (be sure to get a reservation or be prepared to wait) at the end of your walk.

Track: Historic Beach and Bluffs - Crystal Cove SP

Turn by Turn:

  -- Find the paved access path at the south corner of the parking lot. Follow is as it descends into a gully - making sure to pay attention to the signs (because at one point there is a counterintuitive choice of left or right fork).

  -- After walking through the tunnel under Coast Highway you find yourself amid the quaint beach structures and sandy paths of Crystal Cove. It's usually an enjoyably busy vibe and you could easily spend all day here enjoying the beach, tide pools, and history. When ready, turn and head northwest on Crystal Cove beach. 

  -- Along the way up the beach you pass several access point leading back up to the bluffs. If time or energy are an issue these paths will return you to your car. But for this hike stay on the beach for about a mile and a half. When you come to what appear to be caves in the bluffs there will be a set of stairs on your right leading up. Take these stairs.

  -- After climbing the stairs a short walk left (northwest) will take you to an overlook (and the end of the path). Then turn back and follow the paved bluff trail all the way back to the Los Trancos parking area.

Photo gallery: Flickr