Hiking Trail Guide: El Moro Canyon - El Moro Ridge Grand Loop (East)

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El Moro Canyon - El Moro Ridge Grand Loop (East)

Distance
9.5 miles

Elevation
1200 feet gain

Difficulty
6/10

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

Trailhead
Three miles south of Corona Del Mar, on Pacific Coast Highway, look for a traffic light signed "School-State Park"-turn north (inland), and proceed past El Moro School to a stop sign-turn right, and proceed uphill, veering right, into the El Moro Canyon/Crystal Cove parking lot near the Park Headquarters building. Check if a parking fee is required (varies according to year and season), and proceed to the southeast end of parking lot-the El Moro Canyon trailhead begins behind the gate at the entrance kiosk.

Description

Lofty coastal and canyon views highlight this sagey trek through a canyon adorned with acres of Black Mustard. The hike is best traveled in the clockwise direction, as there is more shade climbing uphill (carry plenty of water). About 1.5 miles past the trailhead, El Moro Cyn Rd. intersects with the East Cut Across-continue NE on El Moro Cyn. After two miles, welcome shade is provided by abundant Oak and Sycamore in the riparian woodland area. At the fork near the third mile, continue NE (right), climb uphill, and then, at 3.6 miles, for a scenic route along better trail, turn left at the fork (Elevator Rd.), continue uphill, and then turn right at road's end to face a gate and a sign marking the East Loop ("Missing Link" Tr.)-go right (east)-beware of speeding bikes! After an additional .7 mile, turn right at Moro Ridge Rd., and continue downhill, turning right at the East Cut-Across to complete the loop. Turn left at El Moro Cyn Rd. to return to the trailhead.

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