Best Hikes in OC

Crystal Cove State Park has 18 miles of hiking trails with stunning views of mountains and the ocean. The routes are suited for beginners and advanced hikers alike, giving families options to choose their own adventure in the native wilderness. With differing levels of hiking difficulty available and plenty of great photo opportunities, Crystal Cove trails are perfect for the whole family.

crystalcovestatepark.org | Laguna Beach

(Photo Courtesy of Crystal Cove)

A family-friendly retreat amid a suburban area, this 5.7-mile trail connects Crown Valley Community Park and Laguna Niguel Regional Park. Known as a bird watcher’s paradise, hikers can spot red-winged blackbirds, western bluebirds, rufous hummingbirds, white-faced ibis, white pelican and osprey, and plenty of geese. Visit this spring to see flocks of baby goslings trotting around behind their goose parents. The path is mostly made of asphalt and a combination of concrete and granite, meaning it is ideal for families with young children.

www.cityoflagunaniguel.org | Laguna Niguel

(Photo courtesy of Laguna Canyon Foundation)

Passing through Oso Viejo Community Park, this hike includes grassy fields, public workout  machines and a peaceful creek bank shaded by coast live oaks and sycamores. This trail is truly unique with a beautiful blend of nature and art. Along your hike, you’ll find a community-built peace obelisk honoring 9/11 victims, a Victorian-influenced hedge maze with stepping stones painted by local children, a butterfly garden, and a gorgeous mosaic path with columns built from recycled glass. Don’t forget to stop by the playground featuring bear statues for which the trail is named after.

cityofmissionviejo.org | Mission Viejo

(Photo Courtesy of Naturalist for You)

Discoveries of numerous prehistoric hunting blades in the 1970s gave this trail its name. Located in a natural coastal canyon, this trail is surrounded by a residential area and the Pelican Hills Golf Course. Fairly flat and shady, the 5.2-mile path follows a stream that irrigates the lush landscape year-round. The trail renovation project led to the addition of several bridges that makes the trail more environmentally friendly and accessible for hikers. Open daily from dusk to dawn, but no dogs are allowed on this trail.

www.cityoflagunaniguel.org | Laguna Niguel

(Photo Courtesy of Jo Flashman)

Discoveries of numerous prehistoric hunting blades in the 1970s gave this trail its name. Located in a natural coastal canyon, this trail is surrounded by a residential area and the Pelican Hills Golf Course. Fairly flat and shady, the 5.2-mile path follows a stream that irrigates the lush landscape year-round. The trail renovation project led to the addition of several bridges that makes the trail more environmentally friendly and accessible for hikers. Open daily from dusk to dawn, but no dogs are allowed on this trail.

www.newportbeachca.gov | Corona Del Mar

(Photo Courtesy of David Moore)

With over 124 acres of forest, Carbon Canyon Regional Park is home to some of the tallest trees on Earth. Along with massive sequoias and coastal redwoods, this two-mile dirt loop has recreational amenities and a serene lake. At the southwestern corner, a steeper part of the trail leads to a great view of the grove below, Carbon Canyon Dam, and the surrounding town.

www.ocparks.com | Brea

(Photo Courtesy of Jin Liu)