BFI to Rattlesnake Loop – Crystal Cove (~8-10 Mi, Moderate to Fast Pace)

Join us for a scenic loop through Crystal Cove in Newport Coast, CA. We'll descend BFI to Moro Canyon, then climb back via Rattlesnake and return along Bommer Ridge. The standard long route is approximately 10 miles and typically takes 3–3.5 hours, depending on pace and breaks. Expect stunning coastal views, open ridgelines, and shaded canyon paths. A shorter ~8-mile variation is also available for those who prefer a lighter day.

Please Note: Not So Casual means our hikes double as a workout — brisk pace, solid climbs, and an endurance challenge paired with a friendly, supportive group vibe. Come prepared with gear, water, and your best effort, and you’ll fit right in. The group moves at a steady, moderate-to-fast pace and may not wait if you fall behind, so please know your limits and be ready to hike at this level — or plan to finish on your own, ideally by pairing up with someone at a similar pace.

Details:
Location: Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Road, Newport Beach, CA 92657
Meeting Point: Ridge Park Entrance (at the dead end of Ridge Park Road near the trailhead sign)
Parking: Free street parking available
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, sustained pace
Distance / Elevation: ~10 miles with ~1,800 ft cumulative gain (shorter ~8-mile option with ~1,250 ft cumulative gain available)
Duration: ~3–3.5 hours, depending on pace and breaks
Restrooms: Available at Moro Campground, approximately halfway through the long route.

Essentials:
• Traction hiking shoes
• Water (at least 1.5L; electrolytes recommended)
• Light snacks
• Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
• Hiking poles (recommended if you normally use them)

Route: Both routes begin at Ridge Park Entrance and follow Bommer Ridge to Moro Ridge.

Long Route (~10 miles): Continue via Moro Ridge Spur → descend BFI to Moro Canyon → Crystal Cove SP Moro Campground → West Cut Across → Rattlesnake → Red Tail Ridge → return via Bommer Ridge.

Shorter Route (~8 miles): At Moro Ridge, turn onto East Cut Across → Moro Canyon → West Cut Across → Rattlesnake → Red Tail Ridge → return via Bommer Ridge. (Alternate: from Moro Canyon, take Poles up to No Name instead of West Cut Across to Rattlesnake.)

From the Trail:
We also share lessons from the trail in a short Not So Casual Hikes newsletter on training, discipline, and showing up.

https://notsocasualhikes.beehiiv.com

Note on Punctuality & RSVP: Please be on time — we’ll wait up to 5 minutes past the start. If you’re running late, you can post your ETA in the event discussion, but the group may still begin without you. If your plans change, please update your RSVP — it helps us know who to expect on the trail.

Disclaimer & Safety Notice: Not So Casual Hikes are challenging outings designed for hikers in strong shape who know their limits and show up prepared. Organizers are volunteers—not guides—and cannot be responsible for your pace, navigation, or safety. We hike at a steady pace and the group may spread out. Please be prepared to navigate independently if you fall behind, though we’ll aim to check in at major junctions when possible. By signing up, you accept full responsibility for your fitness, gear, hydration, and navigation, and agree to hold harmless the Organizer, Co-Organizer, Assistant Organizers, and fellow participants for any incidents or injuries. Participation also means you agree to Meetup’s Terms of Service. Hiking carries inherent risks, including trip/fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak, ticks, snakes, coyotes, or mountain lions. Be prepared for sun exposure, heat, or marine layer conditions depending on the day.