For a quick reprieve from the city’s hustle and bustle, these local paths immerse hikers in nature, with several offering scenic views.
By Jack Miessner
As fall approaches and temperatures start to cool a bit, it’s the perfect time to get outside and immerse in nature. In Southern California, idyllic spots for outdoor activities are never more than a stone’s throw away—and Newport Beach is no different. Here are five of the area’s best hiking and walking trails to get some exercise while soaking in the sights, whether they are rolling hills, trees along a stream or ocean views.
Buck Gully Trail
Though Buck Gully Reserve is bookended by urban life, the area is a hot locale for Newport Beach residents to walk, run or hike through 300 acres of lush wilderness, which features a stream that runs year-round. In fact, the wildlife conservation area underwent a total makeover in 2020 that improved the impact of its trails on local flora and fauna. The Buck Gully Trail is a 2.6-mile point-to-point path that snakes from one end of the coastal canyon to the other. The trail has many flat portions, but if hiking round-trip (5.2 miles), from Poppy Avenue to San Joaquin Hills Road by the Newport Coast Community Center, there’s about 450 feet of elevation change. Proximity to the coast and several shady spots along the way keep it fairly cool, but it can still get hot on warmer days. The city also partners with Irvine Ranch Conservancy to offer naturalist-led activities and volunteer programs for the public to enjoy and contribute to the reserve. (City of Newport Beach: newportbeachca.gov) (Irvine Ranch Conservancy: letsgooutside.org)
Moro Canyon Trail
The Moro Canyon Trail is a 3-mile, out-and-back excursion on the inland side of Crystal Cove State Park. While there is some shade from coast live oak and Pacific willow trees, hats, sunscreen and plenty of water are recommended. With minimal elevation gain, this trail takes about one hour to complete and links up with a dense system of other trails. For a more strenuous workout, take the East Cut Across to Moro Ridge Road. Or, for another option, enjoy the mostly paved paths atop the oceanside bluffs with scenic views. Moro Canyon is known for its geological formations, ocean views (on the higher elevation trails) and wildlife. “The Moro Canyon Tail is home to a broad community of endangered coastal sage scrub habitat and the native animals that come with it,” says Kate Wheeler, president and CEO of Crystal Cove Conservancy. “The trail is a wonderful place for bird watching, including sightings of threatened California gnatcatchers and the California quail.” (Crystal Cove Conservancy: crystalcove.org) (Crystal Cove State Park: crystalcovestatepark.org)
Castaways Trail
This 1-mile, point-to-point walk offers some spectacular, panoramic vistas of Newport Bay and the tall buildings around Fashion Island in the distance. The trail meanders through the bluffs of Castaways Park, a popular location for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Then, the excursion continues on a path that runs parallel to the bay. The trail is paved and flat all along the way, which makes Castaways an ideal setting for a family outing. Real estate fanatics will love viewing the impressive houses that line the residential portions of the trail. The walk is also home to the 1/1 memorial, a bronze sculpture that honors all military personnel including Newport Beach’s beloved 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, which were adopted by the community to provide assistance for these military members and their families. (newportbeachca.gov)
Big Canyon Trail
Located along the Upper Newport Bay, or the “Back Bay,” Big Canyon Trail is a 1-mile loop that is accessible for hikers of all skill levels. Start at Mountains to the Sea Trail & Bikeway (an extension of Back Bay Drive); a parking lot is across from the trailhead. Follow the sand/gravel path toward Jamboree Road—it’s mostly flat except for a mild incline as you approach the street—then follow the road for a bit and loop back along the bluffs before dipping down to meet the main trail again. Thanks to restoration efforts, the path is adjacent to habitats full of native flora and fauna, with freshwater ponds, riparian areas and coastal sage scrub. You might notice bush sunflowers, red-tailed hawks, cottontail rabbits and more. “Newport Bay is really proud of the ongoing restoration efforts in Big Canyon,” says Mariah Sabo, an education specialist with Newport Bay Conservancy. “And on behalf of the restoration team and partnering agencies, we hope that the local community and out-of-town visitors enjoy hiking alongside the native plants and habitats.” (newportbay.org)
Newport Ridge Trail
The Newport Ridge Trail, which shows off the land, sea and homes of Newport Beach, is perfect for a suburban sidewalk adventure with great views. The walking path, a 1.73-mile loop, follows Newport Ridge Drive and parts of San Joaquin Hills Road through a beautiful, inland neighborhood. As it cuts across Newport Ridge Park, visitors can spot Santiago Peak and the Santa Ana Mountains, and along the San Joaquin Hills leg of the walk, views of the Pacific open up on the horizon. (newportbeachca.gov)
