El Morro Canyon, Crystal Cove State Beach 4-5-08

In the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Beach you will find a network of trails, some with an ocean view, winding through the hills.  The "backcountry" is located on the opposite side of PCH from Crystal Cove Beach behind El Morro School and the new El Moro Campground.  In addition to the new campground, the backcountry has two smaller hike in only campgrounds.  Parking is next to the Visitor Center and you can also park in the new day use area in El Moro Campground.  For parking fees & other info click here. Hiking Trail information and maps can be found at the Crystal Cove State Park Website, click here. An excellent description of hiking in El Moro Canyon can be found at yourhikes.com, click here.

Stop by the El Morro Canyon visitor center which includes wildlife displays, historical information, pictures of the surrounding Irvine open space areas or preserves, park maps, trail maps, park program information and numerous other free pamplets.  The "Geology Discovery Trail" guide can be found online at http://www.crystalcovestatepark.com/GeologyGuide112309small.pdf  Scroll down to see El Moro Canyon Trail pictures from a Dec 2008 hike.

Crystal Cove SP El Moro Cyn Backcountry (dated 2008 it does not show the new Moro Campgrounds)

Views of the canyons & hills from the picnic area by the visitor center, 4/5/08

OCRegister Article, "Best Place to Hike", descriptions of several Orange County Hikes including Crystal Cove, click here. Click here to return to the Laguna main page. Click here to return to the Crystal Cove State Park page. Warning:  rattlesnakes are found in this area, please use caution and read our Saftey Page.  Thanks!