Hiking Trail Guide: El Moro Canyon, Short Loop, Crystal Cove SP

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El Moro Canyon, Short Loop, Crystal Cove SP

Distance
3.6 miles

Elevation
700 feet gain

Difficulty
3/10

City
Laguna Beach ,CA (92651) 39.87 miles from you Weather Map

Trailhead
From Interstate 5, Southbound: Take the Laguna Beach exit. Head south to Laguna Beach. At the Pacific Coast Highway, turn right. Proceed 2.85 miles to the El Moro Canyon turnoff (just past El Moro School.)

From Interstate 5, Northbound: Take the El Toro Road exit. Head south on El Toro until it ends at Laguna Canyon. Turn left on Laguna Canyon. Continue to Pacific Coast Highway where you will turn right. Proceed 2.85 miles to the El Moro Canyon turnoff (just past El Moro School.)

Description

Rapacious development comes up to the very fringes of this natural area, but dip into El Moro Canyon and you will find near solitude. The hike is best in the spring when wildflowers break out like a blush on a pretty girl's face. This is open, mostly treeless country, so a hat and sun screen are a must. Bring your own water.

You can take the loop either clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you travel counter clockwise the gentler "West Cut Across" is a better choice for the trip up the hill than the Poles trail. Those who go the other way can save about a mile by entering El Moro Canyon via the Poles Trail.

The Ocean View trail (1.6 miles round trip) may be worth it for spring wild flowers, but in other seasons may prove a disappointment with its view of trailer parks and luxury developments.

Map / Directions: