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Crystal Cove State Park consists of 2,800
acres of beautiful canyons, over 3 miles of Pacific coastline, cascading
bluffs and an abundance of nature and amazing coastal scenery. The park
is located off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Laguna Beach
and Corona del Mar.
This state park offers its visitors a variety
of outdoor activity. You can surf the Crystal Cove waters, hike/bike
the dirt trails along the coast and inland or explore the underwater
park. Just off shore is a 1,140 acre underwater park for snorkel and
scuba divers. Kayaks are also a fun way to get around these coastal
waters. |
There are 2,000 acres of undeveloped woodland on the agenda for prospective
hikers. The hikes are moderate, therefore are appropriate for all ages.
There are maps available at the ranger station at El Moro. Mountain
biking is also an ideal sport for this location. Crystal Cove has become
a center for Orange County cyclists. Miles of dirt road and single track
routes are waiting to be explored. If you have a horse there are also
equestrian trails available. There are no stables at the park and the
use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on the trails or in the back
country.
If you like adventurous camping, Crystal Cove State Park has amazing
environmental/primitive sites at El Moro, across the PCH. All sites
are a three-mile hike from the parking lot. There is no beach camping
at this state park. After you park your car in the El Moro parking lot
(All vehicles must be left at the park office), you must hike
inland and primarily uphill to reach the campsite. The trail is demanding
at times and is in the opposite direction from the beach. You must pack
everything in, including water. There are 32 sites and the camping fee
is $15 per night. Day use parking is $10.
Crystal Cove walks and tide pool excursions
are a great way to get back to nature. There is a variety of native
land and water wildlife with several distinct plant and animal communities.
The ranger station offers information on what to look for while exploring.
- Open 6am-10pm (winter 6am- 8pm)
- All camp sites are accessible only by foot.
- No Pets Allowed (maybe walked on paved areas only).
- No trash cans available - pack it in, pack it out.
- Fires restricted to backpack stoves.
- No hunting
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