Crystal Cove State Beach is a reserve between Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. At the South end of the park is Morro Canyon, a network of trails that will take you all over the canyon. There are maps of the trails at the visitor center. Parking is not cheap, the rates have recently gone up for State Beaches and Parks in California I believe the cost is now about 15 dollars. There are trails inside the park for every skill level, most trails lean toward advanced/moderate. There is a lot of climbing involved, but there is also lots of rewarding downhill. Take the time to explore, there are some great views of the ocean and trails that go all over the park.
Directions:
The 55 Freeway ends at 19th Street in Costa Mesa where it becomes Newport Blvd. Take Newport to Pacific Coast Highway 1 (PCH). There are 2 ramps for PCH, North and South, take the South ramp and stay on PCH heading toward Laguna Beach. You will see signs for Crystal Cove State Beach as you make your way through Corona del Mar. Once you get out of the city, there will be several street lights that have parking for Crystal Cove. If you would like to spend your day at the beach then turn right at one of those streets and pay your fee. If you want to go mountain biking, continue until you see parking for Morro Canyon. Turn left at the light. You will end up in a school parking lot, DO NOT PARK HERE, you will get a ticket. After you have turned, you will loop back around. Continue past the school parking lot at turn right at the gate for Morro Canyon(there should be a sign) then go in the Visitor Center and pay your fee. There are 2 entrances to 2 different trails, one is in the back of the parking lot and one is on your right hand side as you enter the parking lot there is a gate and a large rock next to it.
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