2025-Dec: Christmas Tree-Crystal Cove State Beach Walk at sunset /Level 1 et al

It’s time of the year for the beach walk to see the Xmas Tree at sunset-Crystal Cove State Beach
http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/
You can choose to walk/jog a mile or two or the entire beachfront. Please read the directions carefully and note the two parking options and meeting places/times. Recommend wearing water shoes, flip flops or sandals or swimming if you don't feel hiking. One mile is on the pavement and 2 miles on sand with a few rocky areas.

Length: 2- 4 miles 1- 2 Hours - 100ft gain/loss
Pace: Slow pace walk to fast pace walk/jog
Rating: Levels 1 to 2 Click here for hike RATING TABLE for more info about hiking levels **https://tinyurl.com/HikeRating**

For Level 1, you just need to turn back the same way you come and walk as long as you can. Please indicate in RSVP which parking option you choose.

Route: From the northern parking lot bathrooms we will descend onto the beach. We will walk on the sand south all the way to the Beachcomber Cafe or Laguna Beach (3.5 miles) where a shear cliff stops us. We turn around and hike the same way back.

Description: Miles of scenic beaches! Sea life such as seals, dolphins and whales are frequently spotted. This hike sounds a lot easier than it is, 3 miles on sand is a workout. I usually go barefoot on the sand and slap on the flip flops for the few rocky areas we must cross.

Along the way we will pass the Crystal Cove Historic District, a National Register of Historic Places site that contains 46 restored beach cottages from the 1920s and 1930s which are available for rent. The house from the Bette Midler movie 'Beaches' is located here as well as the Shake Shack and Beachcomber Café.

Check out photos from last times:
Dec 2020
Dec 2019
Dec 2018
Dec 2017 https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=28423211
July 2017 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=28012672), Jan 2017 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=27517096), June 2016 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/27020402/), Aug 2015 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/26340500/) and Sept 2015 (https://www.meetup.com/HikingOC/photos/26403431/)

Directions for free parking: From Pacific Coast Hwy turn towards ocean on Cameo Shores Rd. Turn immediate right onto Hampden Rd and park along the road. Meet me at intersection of Cameo Shores Rd and Hampden Rd at 3:30 PM for .5 mile hike into state park.

Directions for pay parking ($15 or state pass): From Pacific Coast Hwy turn towards ocean at Newport Coast Dr. and enter the state park. Turn immediate right and pass by the 1st parking lot keep going north (towards LA) to the 2nd lot - the most northerly parking lot. Park and continue walking north on paved trail to the bathrooms. Wait at the bathrooms to meet free parking group arriving approx. 3:45 PM.

Essentials: Bring water, sunglasses, flip flops or sandals and a hat

Map: Crystal Cove Beachfront
https://crystalcove.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/CrystalCove_Coves_And_Beaches.pdf

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
> YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS.
> YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY
> 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 and snake bites. 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