2023-July 4th: Fireworks View/Laguna Coast hike-Picnic Laguna Beach (All Levels)

It is time of the year to celebrate a "free" day--July 4th: Independence Day. Please read the post careful and find driving direction at the end of the post!

Meeting Time: 6:45 PM (at trailhead-residential area, so carpool if it is possible)

Difficulty: easy pace, all levels (it's short, but start uphill right away: we'll take time hiking up)
GENERAL RATING/DIFFICULTY: Level 1+/2: slow relax pace for distance, elevation, and pace. Click to see RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating

Duration: 2 miles RT hike and picnic in 1.5 hours or up to 2.5 hours for spectacular fireworks view later on at a Crescent Bay Point Park. If you are up for a longer hike, click 2023-July 4th: Laguna Coast Wilderness-Boat Canyon Hike at Sunset/Levels 2 to 3, Tue, Jul 4, 2023, 5:30 PM | Meetup to RSVP to July 4 Workout Hike! https://www.meetup.com/hikingoc/events/294585255/

We will meet at Gate 14 of Laguna Coast Wilderness. Since this is a residential area, we'll limit number of participants, only RSVP if you are sure to go. Street parking when you arrive (try to carpool with someone you know to save space), walk pass the gate, keep your voice down and we will meet near the Park sign: Laguna Coast Wilderness

Essentials: Water, traction hiking shoes, snacks, or anything to eat and celebrate July 4th. Also a beach towel or something if you like to seat and relax.

2012, July 4th is on full moon, we checked out the view for the first time, it was awesome, click to see photos (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/events/67636782/). Great views of Crescent Bay Park 2013 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=15903982), 2014 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/22995742/383739712/), 2015 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/26242868/#439405509) & 2016 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=27097862)
2017 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=27984542)

We had this event on top of Orange Hills. Click this link (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/2352421/) to see some photos from the past years Orange Hills hike and fireworks view central Orange County.

ABOUT: Boat Canyon is a ridge above Laguna Beach, after a mile uphill, we'll stop the lookout, relax, picnic and head down to the beach waiting for the fireworks

Trail Map: click Laguna Coast Wilderness (http://www.ocparks.com/uploadgraphics/laguna2008.pdf) to see the trail map

Directions: We meet at Gate 14. Yahoo Map or Google to Dunnegan Dr and Dartmoor St, Laguna Beach. Please map your direction before hand and don't rely on your GPS alone as the trailhead is a bit tricky to find. Dartmoor St and Hillcrest Dr signs are under the tree branches, so it's tough for first time driving here.

From Pacific Coast Hwy going south (pass Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Crystal Cove before reach to Laguna Beach), turn left on San Joaquin St (Viejo is the next light street), right on HILLCREST DR, Turn Left on DARTMOOR ST drive to the end.

From PCH going North pass Laguna Beach turn right on San Joaquin St (right after you pass Viejo, the street with light), right on HILLCREST DR, Turn Left on DARTMOOR ST drive to the end

REMINDER :
By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings

***Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, snake bites, coyotes, mountain lions or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***
>>>YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.>>>YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY