What do you picture when you think about Southern California? Most imagine picturesque beaches with plenty of people playing volleyball, tanning in the warm Golden State sun, and surfing the Pacific Ocean. While you’ll find all of these things in Newport Beach, there are so many other things to see and do here! One of our favorite ways to explore the great outdoors in Orange County is hiking the Pacific Ridge Trailhead. This fantastic trail network boasts stunning views and miles of paths that are perfect for hiking, running, photography, and more!
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Your Guide to Hiking the Pacific Ridge Trailhead
Pacific Ridge, El Moro Canyon, and Boomer Ridge Trail Details
The Pacific Ridge Trailhead network offers some of the best hiking in Orange County. This collection of trails wind and weave through stunning canyons, along gorgeous ridgelines, and down through Crystal Cove State Park.
Begin your hike at the trailhead across the street from Coastal Peak Park. It’s about a 20 to 25-minute drive from Newport Beach, and there is plenty of street parking along East Coastal Peak and Ridge Park Road. Take Boomer Ridge Trail straight from the entrance and continue on the route for several miles until it begins to bend south towards the ocean. You can follow this route in a complete loop back to your car. There are more than a handful of paths branching off from the Pacific Ridge Trailhead, but most lead to a collection of campgrounds.
If you would like to cut the 9.9-mile loop trail in half, take the third right onto El Moro Canyon Trail. This route dips down through a beautiful and quiet ravine that makes its way down to the beach through the Crystal Cove Park Tunnel!
The views from the Pacific Ridge Trailhead are fantastic regardless of which path you branch off on during your hike. You’ll find the best ocean views about halfway through the trek before dipping down to Crystal Cove Beach. The panoramic scenery is breathtaking, so bring your camera! You can also get glimpses of the surrounding mountains along the first section of the Boomer Ridge Trail.
Trail Difficulty
The gently sloping paths of the Pacific Ridge Trailhead network make this a fantastic place to hike for families. While the wide, cleared routes are well-marked and easy to traverse, we do recommend bringing your hiking shoes, given that the loop encompasses about 10 miles. Make sure you pack water, snacks, and a hat. There is no shade anywhere along the trail, so it can get hot, especially during the summer.
Plan Your Orange County Experience
Make the most of your Southern California retreat by booking a Burr White Realty property. Our extensive line of rental homes in Newport Beach puts you within steps of the sand, restaurants, and shops throughout our coastal paradise. From small duplexes to large homes, we will help you find the perfect home that fits your family and budget. Start planning your trip today by checking the best times to visit our area along with our list of things to do!
Browse our accommodations and book your Burr White Realty property today! We look forward to welcoming you to Newport Beach.