Day One

Leave LA by 10 AM and swing by Crystal Cove Shake Shack for lunch

• This local institution is known for its stellar ocean views. Try to get there early because there'll likely be a line!
• Located at 7703 E Coast Highway along Newport Coast
• Open everyday from 7 AM to 9 PM
• Nearest grocery store · Trader Joe's - 8086 Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach · Less than a mile away from Crystal Cove SP

Check-in at Crystal Cove SP's Moro Campground

• Park rangers will direct you to a parking lot for overnight backpackers and provide directions to the trailhead

Hike to Lower Moro Campground set up camp

• It's a 2.5 mile one-way hike, with 846 feet of elevation gain, to reach the campground
• Remember to pack enough drinking water for at least two days (recc: a gallon per person per day)
• The trail doesn't have a lot of shade so bring your sun gear!

Cook up dinner and settle in

• YAY! Soak up the stars, clouds, and ocean breeze
• Enjoy your first sunset at Crystal Cove State Park

Car to camp - 2.5 miles with 846 feet of elevation gain - 2 hours

‍In 1979, the Irvine Company, a family-owned ranch, sells the parkland to the state. Crystal Cove Historic District is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places

Day Two

Make brekkie, pack a lunch, and day hike down to the beach

• Bring your water bottles (to refill your water), snacks, sunglasses, towel, bug spray, down jacket, picnic blanket, a book, and lunch!
• Securely store any food and scented items at camp, but away from your tent
• On the way down, instead of taking Moro Ridge Spur, take a slight detour down Moro Ridge Road to catch a view of the ocean.
• Hike down about 2 miles to the trailhead where you can find the tunnel to the beach

Walk along Reef Point and Crystal Cove Trail

• It's an easy 6 mile round-trip loop, with 335 feet of elevation gain, that takes you through Crystal Cove. The trail runs parallel to the PCH so expect roadside restaurants and activity at certain points, but it's a nice stroll.
• Make this hike as long or as short as you'd like. You still have to carry water back up to camp!
• Have lunch at a scenic vista along the way

Hike back to camp

• It's about a 2 mile climb back to Lower Moro Campground

Clean up and cook up dinner at camp

• Savor your last night at Crystal Cove State Park

Camp to camp - 10 miles with 735 feet of elevation gain - 6 to 7 hours

‍Thousands of years ago, the Tongva and Acjachemen tribes lived in this area. They manufactured soapstone bowls and knives, along with weaving exquisite baskets and nets

Day Three

Cook up breakfast, pack up, and hike back down to the parking lot

Head home!

Camp to car - 2 miles - 1 to 2  hours

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When logging began in the 1850s, there were over 2 million acres of redwood forests, but by the 1960s, nearly 90% of all original redwoods were gone