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California Trails

Los Angeles: Crystal Cove State Beach

Trace the rugged, uninhabited coastline of Crystal Cove on this 5.2-mile out-and-back to sunbleached bluffs, swirling tidal pools, and a deserted settlement of old beach villas.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 4.2

Waypoints

CCS001

Location: 33.5657653808594, -117.829971313477

Stairs lead to the beach and tidal pools; head N staying parallel to sandstone bluffs

CCS002

Location: 33.5689468383789, -117.835441589355

Tidal pools on N end of Reef Point

CCS003

Location: 33.5739669799805, -117.840263366699

Historic district: Reach a tract of abandonded beach houses originally built for Irvine Ranch helpers. Once called Tent City, it has been a backdrop for many Hollywood movies.

CCS005

Location: 33.5797729492188, -117.853363037109

Surf spot at Pelican Point

CCS006

Location: 33.5836219787598, -117.860252380371

Caves and tidal pools @ Treasure Cove; cliffs are impassable during high tide; turn R up stairs

CCS007

Location: 33.5836296081543, -117.859321594238

Bear NW to lookout

CCS008

Location: 33.5834655761719, -117.86075592041

Little Treasure Cove Point; superb views of the rugged Pacific coastline; backtrack

CCS009

Location: 33.5836296081543, -117.859321594238

Go down stairs to beach; return 2.5 miles to trailhead

CCS004

Location: 33.5768775939941, -117.845680236816

Break for a swim in the usually gentle waves.

Fact: The park’s boundaries extend 1,140 acres underwater to protect the diverse marine life. It’s open to snorkelers and divers.

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