Thursday Evening Hike to the Beautiful Dana Point Strand and Salt Creek Beach

ABOUT THE HIKE: This is a beginner hike down the Salt Creek Trail for a walk to the beautiful Dana Point Strand and Salt Creek Beach. The trail descends from our Meetup location next to Gelson's to the Salt Creek Trail with magnificent views of the Five Star Monarch Bay Hotel Golf Course and adjoining wetlands. We walk through the Sea Terrace Park and pass through the tunnel under Pacific Coast Highway. The trail emerges with an even more spectacular overlook of the Salt Creek Beach shoreline. We will be hiking past the Five Star Ritz Carlton hotel, (tides permitting) on to the wet sand, and out to the Dana Point Headlands. We will take a rest stop at rest rooms overlooking the Dana Point Strand. The hike proceeds north along Salt Creek Beach and loops back to our Meetup location. The total distance is approximately 5 miles, with 100 feet of elevation gain/loss. Combining a relaxed pace, modest elevation gain, beautiful sunset vistas, and some walking along the sand, this is a delightful, scenic, fun beginner hike.

DIRECTIONS: From the San Diego "5" Freeway, take Crown Valley Parkway toward the ocean. At the last traffic light before PCH, turn left into Monarch Bay Plaza Shopping Center. Gelson's Market is located on the far, easterly side of the center. We will Meetup on the left or northern side of the Gelson's entrance.

DISCLAIMER: Group organizer and assistant organizers assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence from a group activity. You also agree that your membership of this group is based on an "at will" basis.