El Moro Trails & Crystal Cove State Beach

Great place to hike with many different trails from easy to intermediate. You have a nice view of the ocean and hills. Everytime I go we take different trails and it feels like a whole new hike. The trails take you up and down not just one way for a long time which can get monotonous.

Great trail! Beautiful scenery & good exercise. I just did the one by the beach this rounds. The beach trail is more flat, paved, and straight.
You can also do the El Moro trails goes more into the hills on the other side of PCH. Difft views.

Pretty good views of the ocean and massive valley! However, it was a pretty basic hike of hills and rocks. Saw some soaring eagles which was pretty cool! Be sure to stop by the beach afterwards to go and relax. Since you’re paying 15 bucks for a whole day of parking, might as well get full value! :)

This is a great local hike, and definitely is a hike, not a nature walk that some may think because it’s on the coast. Went with my parents and did the orange trail, and I left feeling like I got a workout. Will hit up the 9 mile trail next time, and soon! Easy to navigate, good signage, and trails seem kept up. Be sure to wear sunscreen though because not much of it is in the shade.

15 $ to park or 5 $ per hour. This hike is really boring. My girlfriend and I came here and decided to do the strenuous trail. It was not strenuous at all! We got bored during the hike and decided to jog it so we could finish it faster lol! The view of the ocean was nice but overall the hike was okay. Nothing really to see. I think it is a rip off to pay 15 $ for this trail! We were really disappointed. If you want something adventurous with a really nice view this is not the hike to do!

We love this hike and have an annual pass for the beach so the parking fee doesn’t bother us. Great hiking incline and ocean views. If you don’t want hills, you can just do the main hike which does have trees. Great local hike

«Jumping from boulder to boulder and never falling, with a heavy pack, is easier than it sounds; you just can’t fall when you get into the rhythm of the dance.»
― Jack Kerouac, The Dharma Bums
The El Moro trails that lead to Crystal Cove are some of my favorite hiking in Orange County. You get a good workout on the hills, there are several lovely groves of old oaks, vistas of the Pacific and then you can end up on the beach if you must. Parking is $ 15 unless you want to start inland at Coastal Peak. I have a State Park pass so usually I just park in one of the Crystal Cove parking lots.

Camping with a view or is it the other way around? There’s a reason why finding an open camping site here is almost impossible if you don’t plan ahead. Crystal Cove’s campsites offer a beautiful ocean front view but still falls short of greatness.
Pros
*** Bathrooms and shower — Cleanest bathrooms I’ve seen while camping. Maintenance is always on time time clean and restock in the morning.
*** The ocean view — Nothing beats swinging on a hammock and watching the sunset. On a clear day we were able to see Catalina Island.
*** Friendly staff — The patrolling staff is always giving you a smile and a nod. Never did they feel intrusive. Quick to help answer any questions and give suggestions.
*** Beach is within walking distance — You’ll only need to walk out the park and across the street to enjoy a fairly secluded beach.
*** Close to the hiking spots — Just a minute drive or 10 minute walk from the campsites, there are multiple trails to enjoy with varying difficulties and combinations. We did the «BFI» or Big F***ing Incline and trust me, they weren’t kidding.
Cons
*** Close proximity to other sites — There was little to no privacy. Our neighbors were in spitting distance.
*** No fire pits and no open fire policy — This I don’t understand especially in the 48 degree nights we camped in. Usually a fire pit would help with keeping us warm as well as assist with our cooking but we had to purchase propane heaters and limit what we wanted to cook. Makes the site feel more attractive for RV’s.
*** Close to PCH — You’ll hear a lot of cars redlining all day and night. Motor heads won’t have a problem as you’ll have fun trying to guess the cars.
*** High Prices for a night stay — For two nights we paid $ 104. This only covers one car for parking so if you have an additional vehicle, with each site limited to 2, you’ll have to pay $ 15 a night for that extra vehicle.
*** Nature experience — You don’t really feel out of the city when camping at the Moro Campgrounds. If you want the true nature experience, they offer backcounty hike-​in campsites but all sites will be a 3 – 4 mile hike with no water or trash cans available. Pit toilets and a picnic table is all that is offered.
Crystal Cove is a beautiful and well accommodated location to stay but you’ll be paying a premium for the view and the zip code. Conveniently located next to the hiking trails yet troublesome due to their no open fire policy, I would advice not camping here during the winter time unless you have an RV or an efficient heater. Crystal Cove Moro Campgrounds would be perfect during the spring/​summer time.

For anyone who doesn’t think hiking is enough of a workout… go on this trail! Sometimes I sweat more than on my usual workouts! The reason? Very, very hilly. Some of the hills can be a bit steep, so plan for that and get some good hiking shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
5 stars for the amazing views. Being so close to the ocean while you are hiking is great. Not only do you get a nice breeze, but you have the gorgeous ocean to gaze at. The hills have plant life that is pleasant to look at as well. When you are high enough, you can see the entire oc area… on a clear day you can see close to downtown LA and Catalina Island!
Also a great feature of this hike is that there are many combinations of trails so you can range your hikes from minutes to hours! They have maps so it is easy to plan your trip out. Happy hiking!

We took the No Dogs (0.6 mile) to the Poles (0.4 mile) to the Moro Canyon (1 mile) trail. It’s a moderate loop trail due to the steep elevation changes, and it takes about an hour to complete. No Dogs trail is moderately uphill but short. Once we hit the Poles trail though, that was a very steep descent. At the end of the Poles trail, we went right and down to Moro Canyon trail, which is an easy walk. Total distance was just under 3 miles.
Since it’s so close to the ocean, there’s a nice breeze that counters the desert conditions. There’s not really any shady spots to rest, so remember your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. We didn’t see any wildlife but there are poisonous snakes here so be careful where you step.
Parking is $ 15 (as it is for all of Crystal Cove State Park).

Fun hiking trails right outside of Laguna that provide both a challenge and some nice views of the coast and surrounding hills. Trail maps with screws for «you are here“s are spotted occasionally along the paths. I recommend going in the morning or when it’s not that hot out as uphill treks get pretty intense in the heat.

I Unilocaled «dog hiking trails» and this was 1 of the hits. Very misgiving since dogs are not actually allowed on the mountain trails. However; there is a long bike/​walk paved trail (approximately 2.5 miles) where dogs are allowed. All in all it was not the hiking I was looking for but we enjoyed our walk, and the best part is that the few dog owners that were walking their dogs were very friend and allowed for the dogs to say hi and interact a bit.
The beach was not crowded and I’m definitely looking forward to coming back without my mutt and take in the sun and the waves soon.

Awesome place to hike! Besides the beautiful view of the beach, the next best thing is the fact that you have options. There are numerous trails: Easy, Moderate, Difficult, & Strenuous, ranging from 2.85 miles to 8.97. We chose the difficult hike which was 4.89 miles and it took exactly 1 hour and 30 mins. In doing so we hit the «B.F.I.»…The Big Fat Incline! We were warned by the park ranger. However, going the route we took, we got it out of the way immediately. The ranger gave great directions. The incline was intense, but once we tackled it, the rest of the hike was less intense.
Very clean trails and a great view of the ocean!
Parking: We pulled up to the elementary school nearby. This is where the trolley picks up. Even though it’s only $ 5, it was not feasible for us due to the first pick up time. We arrived at 7AM and the trolley’s first pick up at the school was 9:30AM (at least on Sunday) according to the signage. So we drove up a little further to the visitor’s center. Even though it was $ 15, it was worth it. The parking ticket is good for parking on the other side to start the hike near the day camping grounds as well as the side where you can walk through the tunnel to get to the cottages. Since this was the first time here, the ranger gave great info. There are maps and restrooms on site. The machine to get a ticket for parking accepts credit cards.
An early start is suggested. We went on a Sunday and closer to 9AM, after we finished our hike, we noticed the lot filling up on the day camping side. The area near the cottages that has access to the beach is pretty popular. There is a tunnel to get to that side. They also have a trolley that charges $ 1.00, but it’s such a short distance unless carrying heavy items, it makes more sense to walk from the parking lot to the cottages.
Crystal Cove was awesome! There is a restaurant there so you have the options of food and beverages: Beachcomber Café. I glanced at the menu but didn’t dine there so cannot comment on the café.
Had I been prepared, I would have taken a blanket and laid out after hiking. A great spot right along the shore. It wasn’t too crowded since early. Again, after hiking, it’s strongly recommended that you look at the map and visit the cottages. Your parking ticket is good all day. A short walk through the tunnel and you’re at the beach. Next time I hike, I will definitely be prepared to spend some time on the beach. El Moro trails is a great series of trails and ending up at Crystal Cove is a great way to reward yourself with relaxation on the beach!

My cousins and I have started Hiking every Saturday part of a tradition and quality time plus enjoying the beautiful SoCal :)
We took the green route trail. It was about hour and thirty minutes long. The views were beautiful!!! The ocean on your side and the mountains on other.
If you plan on going Saturday, make sure you either go early to find parking or mentally prepare yourself to wait.
There are two parking spots that we found. One is once you take el Moro road, the other you need to go further down to the beach parking.
We stopped by the ranger center and the lady was very helpful there answering questions.
Bring water and hats. At the end you can enjoy walking down to the beach and the cool water :)
P. S. We are new to hiking so if you are too just know it gets steep, but doable.

El Moro Trails & Crystal Cove State Beach is an experience that flourishes when done together as a pair. Either one alone might feel just a tad lacking.
Parking for the trails can be found at the visitor center for $ 15 if you’re too lazy to find parking elsewhere (you pay at the visitor center, they do take card). It plants you right by the trail-​head. You can grab a map while you’re at the visitor center of the trail.
Here is the address to the turn into the trail (just go a little further), on some days you can get away with parking at the elementary school for $ 5. They are more stringent on the weekends (it never hurts to check, it could save you $ 10):
El Moro Elementary — 8681 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, 92 651
My hike route (approximately 7.5 miles (1,700′ elevation change) — moderate+ difficulty):
Start at the Visitor Center — No Dogs Road — Part of No Name Ridge Road — West Cut Across — East Cut Across — Moro Ridge Road.
Here is a map (the path mentioned above starts at the blue to yellow to orange then loops back):
Hike Pointers:
— There is minimal shade, plan sun protection ahead of time. Hat and sunscreen.
— There are points with ocean breezes but its non-​consistent, it can be an exhausting hike.
— The elevation change can be drastic at times, expect many inclines and several declines.
— You will feel the full effects of the sun, bring lots of water.
— Restrooms can be found at and by the visitor center.
— The beach and trail are path-​ed together, you can cross under the tunnel to get to the beach.
— Trail is well maintained and wide, good for groups.
— Trail is bike friendly, be on the lookout for passing bikers.
— Consistent hill scenery with random ocean views, if you’re looking for a fore-​sty/​woodsy hike, this is not for you.
— There is no true ‘end game’ on this trail e. g an «awwwweee, we’ve finally made it» goal point. The crystal blue ocean will be your vantage points.
Verdict:
1) This is a good trail to workout/​train and work the glutes. Keep your expectations in check and you’ll have a good time.
2) I don’t recommend this hike for anyone who hasn’t hiked for a long time as it may get strenuous with the elevation changes (unless seeking a challenge).
Pace yourself and enjoy!
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End Review ==================
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My first elite-​hike UYE was done on this trail, for a view of a more personal group experience and pictures:

BEACH and COUNTRYSIDE LIFE
PARKING options:
#Coastal Peak Park-​Free
#Laguna Cove side: $ 3
#Crystal Cove side-​Visitor Center: $ 15
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Total: 7.56 miles
Duration of the hike 3:11:57
Calories burned: 2,176 kCal
Elevation: 1,200 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail condition: Well maintained, upside down hills
Hike Type: Loop
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PATH: Visitor Center-​No Dogs Road-​Part of No Name Ridge Road-​West Cut Across-​East Cut Across-​Moro Ridge Road
We were starting from the El Moro Visitor Center which is the main trailhead for hikes into the backcountry; therefore we parked at Visitor Center for $ 15. Do NOT park at the elementary school parking lot which is right before the visitor center parking lot for $ 5 because your car will be towed away.
We were going clockwise direction to get more shade when climbing uphill. We encountered many mountain bikers and sometime runners. However, we didn’t see any snakes? Were we too loud and scared them?
The trail is very DYNAMIC with a LOT of upside down hills, there’s also a long flat walk at some point where you could jog. The fastest way to go uphill is to run into it, it will be very tiring, but then you get more rest while waiting for others to catch up. In my opinion, it’s less tiring by running than (walking slowly uphill-​aka killing me slowly). COOL ocean breeze is a blessing to bear this trail.
Don’t worry to get lost; there are plenty of signs to keep you on track. The trail is not crowded at all, wide, plenty of rooms.
At the end of the trail, there’s the RV-​friendly campground along with shaded picnic tables and restroom area. Going down, you will see a tunnel below PCH leading to the Moro Beach. This is a beautiful beach to enjoy after challenging hike.
WELL-​MAINTAINED TRAIL WITH BEAUTIFUL SCENIC VIEWS OF THE OCEAN
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NOTES:
*Going uphill and downhill can lower bad cholesterol.
*Going uphill may also lower triglycerides.
*Going downhill may reduce blood sugar and boost glucose tolerance.

*Note: This review is based on the El Moro Trails. Beach is not included, but will hopefully expore the beach soon.
What’s a great way to start the 4^th of July weekend? Oh just drive about 53 minutes to partake in this nice and scenic hike.
Location/​Parking: I recommend parking at the El Moro Elementry School. You only pay $ 5 and it’s good for the whole day compared to paying $ 15. Plus, there is a free trolley that takes you to the other side of the trail.
Time to hike: I would recommend starting early. There is absolutely no cover and the sun will be on your back throughout the duration of the hike. You will feel a breeze when you start hiking closer to a vantage point overlooking Crystal Clove! :)
Levels of difficulty: Easy…3.0 miles with a elevation gain/​lost of 287′, Moderate…2.85 miles with elevation gain/​loss of 633′, Difficult…4.89 miles with elevation gain/​loss of 1053′, and stenuous… 8.97 miles with elevation gain/​loss of 1848′. Choose one and start on your epic hike. Hike level chosen today… difficult!
Mapping: Maps are not drawn to scale. I would recommend printing out a map beforehand. While you go from point a to z, rotate the map that you printed out and match it with the pre-​existing maps that are posted along the trail. From there, you can navigating through the hiking trail.
Experience: If you want to see the view of Crystal Cove, take either the difficult (6 miles) or stenuous (9 miles) route. Don’t let the levels of difficulty steer you away from a great hike. The hiking trails are wide and are composed of rolling hills! Promise you won’t fall off. There is a steady incline where you will feel it in the legs and you’ll definitely feel it in your quads when you are hiking down hills.
Enjoy the hike and stay hydrated my friends!

One of my favorite spots. It’s beautiful here. Amazing views. Very clean. $ 15 parking. Come at low tide to check out the tide pools. There’s a big cave that people usually hang out in.
You can cliff jump off The Arch if you make it there. It is pretty dangerous, so be careful.

$ 15 for parking is no bueno, but if that $ goes back to keeping Crystal Cove State Beach clean, safe and in tact, then I fully support $ 15 a car.
We wanted to find the crystal cove arch and we got way more than we bargained for. The woman at the visitors’ center had no idea what/​where the arch was so we started walking to the northern most point of Crystal Cove beach. Along the way, it was low tide so we were scoping out the tidepools and picking up beautiful seashells along the way.
When we got to the northern most part of the beach, we knew we had to climb over some rocks to get to the arch. DO NOT visit the arch wearing flip flips or during high tide. You have to climb over slippery, mossy, and jagged rocks to get to the arch. It’s not necessarily dangerous but a slip or fall could lead to a serious injury. Do not try to find the arch alone. Always hike with a buddy.
The arch is a lot larger and taller than I expected. It’s a gorgeous, natural rock formation. If you go during sunset, it’s even more beautiful with the golden pink clouds in the background.
We found all sorts of seashells: sea urchins (totally in tact) in purple, green, and cream, cowry shells, fighter shells, snail shells of all different colors and sizes, and we even found a baby starfish. The hermit crabs in the tidepools are fast and have all different kinds of shells. Sea anemones galore!
Crystal Cove is a great beach to visit. It’s gorgeous and clean.

So I guess I should’ve read more Unilocal reviews in detail before heading here. I would have known that unless you’re hiking towards the beach, you won’t get much of the views or yeahhhh.
$ 15 for parking for all day access. You can park at any of the trail parking lots & they have bathrooms located at the staging area. The parking near the entrance of the El Moro trails gets full quick, we were lucky that people were leaving when we rounded the parking lot twice.
Took the NO NAME RIDGE TRAIL, yes that is what it is called.
There is absolutely NO shade at all.
So dry & dusty.
Apparently this is where a lot of people go biking, KUDOS to them because there are some steep grades here. Saw a guy struggling to get up the hill, siiiiigh. I was sending him positive vibes too.
The No Name Ridge Trail has a steady incline up-​hill then a steep incline down then when you think you’ve reached the end, there’s another steady incline back up to the parking lot.
Altogether, the hike was a good workout but the views weren’t anything to go ga-​ga over. Just sayin’