Crystal Peak Park Loop is a 6.8 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Newport Beach, California that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking, running, horses, and mountain biking. Horses are also able to use this trail.
Hiking
Horseback riding
Mountain biking
Running
Views
No dogs
As of Feb 23, 2019, users have reported that there are temporary closures in this area. Please consult the park's website before visiting.
Sun Jul 12 2020Sat Jun 20 2020Thu Jun 11 2020
Thu May 28 2020Started at Pacific Ridge, and went into Crystal Cove gate 10. Trail Slow & Easy, mostly downhill, until got to el Morro, and then all uphill on Poles for 1/2 mile. See picture. Finished up on No Name back to Ridge top. 7.2 miles. No shade in beginning for over 2 miles.
Sun May 24 2020Great hike to access your ability. A little of everything except scramble. Go early before the flies are out.
Sat May 23 2020Super packed. Went at sunrise. By the time we left it was a traffic jam
Wed May 20 2020Mediocre, great views.
Sat May 16 2020I would recommend this trail as a great start to hiking. It can be strenuous, but it is not a winding trail. Some parts of have a difficult incline. Overall a great workout and beautiful views.
Fri May 15 2020This is definitely fairly rated as moderate it’s definitely not easy but I wouldn’t consider it difficult. I walked briskly most of the way and trail ran most of the downhill parts. I really loved this trail as there were different plants and animals along the way. I saw a garden snake, a rabbit, several quails, and a few birds. I would say to bring a bandanna or some sort of face covering because the dirt is loose part of the way and kicks up a lot of dust if it’s windy. When mountain bikers passed it kicked up a lot of dirt as well. I definitely made this trail challenging for myself the last 2 miles I had to really be mentally strong haha. Beautiful trail!
Sat Feb 29 2020first time doing this trail, I believe I started on the el moro side and ended with no name.. next time I'll go the other way.. I think starting with no name would be more challenging.. just hiked today, but this is a good looking trail for trail running. will definitely do that next time. highly recommend . I stopped and took lots of pictures to capture the beauty of nature.!!! beautiful.
Fri Feb 21 2020Fri Feb 21 2020Thu Jan 16 2020Very nice “trail” - This is really a dirt road, not a trail. But it was a nice long hike with some good views. It is longer than the description by a bit, we clocked 9.4 miles, and we went clockwise from the trail head. Good parking ($15) and bathroom facilities. About half way thru the trail there is a small public park with a nice bathroom, which was helpful. Second half of the hike seemed fairly redundant. The elevation is mostly in the first half and isn’t terribly challenging. We saw two moms pushing running strollers (big tires). Overall nothing earth shattering but a nice hike and a good way to get out some energy. We only saw a handful of bike riders and they were all courteous.
Sun Jan 05 2020Nice hike for a clear day. I cut the trail in half (sort of), by taking the rattlesnake trail. It’s really narrow, but a good option if you’re trying to save some time or not do the full loop. I don’t think the trail was that hard although it’s rated hard. I think a moderately active person can knock it out at any pace.
Thu Jan 02 2020I really enjoyed this run. It gave you good views across the board. Rolling hills, amazing sunset views over the water, and even enclosed forest and some points. It does get a little steep and some points but nothing that isn’t able to be handled. Trail is washed out in some areas, not completely but if you misstep you could roll your ankle so keep your eyes on the trail. Overall great trail and would recommend to anyone looking for a good hike or run.
Fri Nov 29 2019Took this one different ways and longer loop all the way to crystal cove park will be about 9 miles. Nice shades in el Moro cyn some caves and rock formation too. Instead of slow n easy trail take the elevator (right side) at the canyon fork which is a challenge but shorter.
Sun Oct 20 2019Everything is great, it’s a beautiful walk with well mantained trails. But heed the reviews about the bugs. Lots of buggies...so cover up and wear the breathable sportswear.
Sat Oct 12 2019Super bloom dying, lots of flies but as you hike out of the canyon not so much. Began at sunrise, would recommend a hat with bill as the sun is blinding in spots. Over all a nice hike and not too many bicyclists even though today is Saturday. Happy Trails
Wed Sep 04 20194pm awesome time to start a 9 mile hike temperature was great . And the sun was perfect.
Tue Jul 30 2019Super easy hike. Began at sunrise, had the trail pretty much to myself. No gravel or boulders on trail to navigate over or through. Trails not that well marked so knowing the canyon is helpful. Loads of areas for running. Super bloom definitely dying back. Parking is free by trail head.
Sun Jun 09 2019ended up heading towards ocean it was hot
Fri Jan 25 2019Fri Nov 02 2018My wife and I started our hike about 7:30am from the Ridge Park location in a counter- clockwise direction. Started out with a fairly cool temperature (65ish), but started to climb fairly quick, but a little more than half way thru our hike we we covered with shade and trees. It actually got a little chilly. Overall, we thought the hike was wonderful, but didn’t consider it a “Hard” Hike. I think it was more of a Moderate-Hard Hike. Next time we will migrate to the “Elevator” Trail for a more challenging Trail. A few hikers, a runner, and a few mountain-bikers were sharing the trail. Able to see Catalina Island today, and saw some indication (paw prints) of either Bobcat or Coyote. About a week before this trek, we saw a Coyote.
Tue Aug 28 2018Wonderful hike! Not too crowded and the trail was wide enough for bikers to easily pass. If it wasn't overcast, I'm sure the ocean views would have been amazing...I will have to come back again!
Fri Nov 10 2017wouldn't describe as hard, more moderate.
