Salt Creek Tuesday Night (NO Salt on the Rim!) Hike

4 Mile (approx.) paved, dog friendly, moderately hilly Intermediate Level, and partial sand & beach optional, hike from Gelson's Market in Dana Point.

From the Parking Lot at Gelson's we'll hang a left at Salt Creek Beach Trail and head inland to do an out and back to/from Camino Del Avion overpass, then we will skirt the Monarch Beach Golf Course and Rose Garden, then head under PCH toward Salt Creek Beach, have a rewarding view from the top of the hill at the Ritz Carlton Fire Ring & Overlook, head back down to the Salt Creek Lifeguard Tower while enjoying million dollar sunset views of the glistening Pacific Ocean. We'll cruise the "cocktail and sunset crowd" at Young's Beach Shack, before returning up past the Golf Course to Gelson's.

This is a dog friendly, and "shoes on", paved walking hike. There is an option for those that have to get their toes in the sand (Salt on the Rim Types!) along a section of beach from the Salt Creek Lifeguard Tower back to the northern Restroom Area before rejoining the ocean path along the southwestern end of the Golf Course (I will explain!)

Parking: Park in Gelson's Market shopping area parking lot at the Southeast end, at the large rock, at the trail head.

Start Location: we'll meetup at the large rock next to the trail head for introductions and a quick hike overview.

Bathrooms (4): Salt Creek Beach Parking Lot, just beyond Salt Creek Lifeguard Tower, at Young's Beach Shack, and North Area Beach (accessible for those walking in the sand once leaving Young's Beach Shack) before rejoining the paved trail.

Post Hike: Enjoy dinner/drink at the Restaurant/Bar at Gelson's or get some shopping done!