Crystal Cove State Beach Walk - Levels 1+ to 2

This is a low tide walk on the sand at the scenic Crystal Cove State Beach. This is a flexible hike, suitable for Beginning to Intermediate hikers. Please read the directions carefully and note the TWO parking options and meeting places/times.

Sorry, dogs are NOT allowed on the beach.

## Key Info:
## Meet and Greet at the Cameo Shores free parking area at 8:50 AM.
## The hike departs Cameo Shores parking area promptly at 9:00 AM.
## For the paid parking, meet us at the north (Lot #1) restrooms at 9:10 AM.
## Tide is Low 1.0' at 10:12 AM.

If you arrive late or otherwise choose to do this walk on your own, just bring a friend and follow the directions detailed below.

Description: Miles of scenic beaches! Sea life such as sea lions, sea stars, crabs, anemones, sea slugs, dolphins and whales may be seen. One mile is on the pavement and the rest is on the sand with a few short, rocky areas. If you choose to walk barefoot on the sand, you may want to bring some flip flops to slip on for the few rocky areas we must cross. See the Key Info above for tide info.

We will pass by the Crystal Cove Historic District, a National Register of Historic Places. There are restrooms there as well as a restaurant and bar.

For Level 1+: Walk as far as comfortable then turn back the same way you came. This might be only 2 or 3 miles.

For Level 2 and above: Pick up the pace and go farther, if you wish. For added challenge, you can go up and down the ramps between the beach and the bluffs. You can go all the way to Abalone point and touch the rock, then head back, about 7 miles total.

Length: Up to 7 miles and 3 Hours (more or less). <100 ft gain/loss. I usually go about 4 to 5 miles, but you may opt to do more or less.

Difficulty: Your choice. Make it short, slow and easy. Or make it longer, faster and more challenging.

Pace: slow-paced stroll to fast pace powerwalk/jog

Rating: Levels 1+ to 2 Click Here for hike RATING TABLE.

Free Parking: From Pacific Coast Hwy turn towards the ocean on Cameo Shores Rd. Then immediately turn right onto Hampden Rd and park along the road. Meet me at intersection of Cameo Shores Rd and Hampden Rd. GPS address: 4699 Hampden Rd, Corona Del Mar, CA 92625. See Key Info for time.

Pay Parking ($15-$20 or State Pass): From Pacific Coast Highway, turn toward the ocean at Newport Coast Drive and enter the State Beach. Turn right and go all the way to Lot #1 at the North end. Park and then walk north on the paved path to the first restroom. Wait there for the Free Parking group to arrive. See the Key Info for the time.

Route: From the northern parking lot restrooms we will head north/west on the paved path toward the beach. We will turn right just before the ramp that leads down to the sand. We will walk past the golf course to a nice circular view point at the end of the path. Then we will walk down to the sand and south toward Laguna Beach, then turn around and hike the same way back.

Essentials: Water, maybe a snack or picnic lunch, sunglasses, flip flops or sandals, a hat or umbrella, a happy attitude and a big smile!

How to get to Crystal Cove State Beach: Click Here

Geologic Points of Interest: Click Here

About HikingOC

REMINDER:

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> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.

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