Explore Laguna Beach’s Scenic Trails

Few places blend coastal beauty and rugged wilderness as seamlessly as Laguna Beach. Beyond its celebrated galleries, pristine beaches, and luxury enclaves, this seaside town is home to an expansive network of trails that wind through canyons, ridgelines, and untouched coastal sage scrub.

Whether you’re seeking a short, scenic stroll or a heart-pumping ascent, there’s a trail for every pace and preference.

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

Crystal Cove State Park is one of Orange County’s most expansive and unspoiled coastal wilderness areas, spanning 2,400 acres of rolling backcountry and 3.2 miles of protected shoreline. As one of the top outdoor things to do in Laguna Beach, it provides a chance to explore pristine coastal landscapes, spot local wildlife, and take in breathtaking ocean vistas.

Along the way, hikers may encounter mule deer grazing in the brush, red-tailed hawks soaring overhead, or the occasional bobcat slipping through the undergrowth. In the spring, wildflowers blanket the hillsides, while the cooler months bring crisp air and panoramic views of Catalina Island. To preserve the park’s delicate ecosystem, dogs are not permitted on the trails.

Parking: Crystal Cove State Park has several parking areas, with hours from 6 a.m. to sunset.

• Moro Canyon Trail

  By the numbers: Moro Canyon has a distance of 3.0 miles and an elevation gain of 35-178 feet. It takes an estimated one hour to finish.

  With minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths, this scenic out-and-back route is one of the park’s most accessible hikes. Starting at the Ranger Station, the trail follows a wide dirt path through Moro Canyon, crossing a picturesque wooden bridge before winding through open canyon terrain. This hike is an ideal choice for beginners or those looking for a quick escape into nature. The turnaround point is at the junction with Poles and West Cut Across, where hikers can retrace their steps back to the starting point.

• No Dogs, Poles, Moro Canyon

  By the numbers: This trail is 2.85 miles long and takes approximately an hour to finish, with an elevation gain of 35-550 feet.

  With a mix of inclines, descents, and rolling terrain, this loop offers a moderate challenge without being overly strenuous. The trail begins with an uphill climb along No Dogs Trail, leading to Poles Trail, where a steep but short descent follows the path of the power lines.

  From there, the trail reconnects with Moro Canyon, offering a gradual, scenic return past the campground and back to the parking lot. Though relatively short, the shifting elevation makes this a great workout while still allowing for moments to take in the expansive canyon and coastal views.

• Moro Canyon, East Cut Across, Moro Ridge, BFI

  By the numbers: This trail is 5 miles long and takes roughly two hours to complete. The elevation gain ranges from 35 to 740 feet.

  Seasoned hikers may find the challenge of this difficult loop more fulfilling. The route starts in Moro Canyon before climbing the East Cut Across Trail, a winding uphill section with little shade. The climb leads to Moro Ridge, where hikers can take in sweeping views of the coastline and surrounding hills.

  As the trail nears the highway, it connects to BFI (a.k.a. the “Big Fat Incline”), a narrow and sometimes steep descent back toward Moro Canyon. The loop ends with a gradual uphill walk back to the starting point. The elevation gain and varied terrain make this a thrilling choice for experienced hikers.

• Park Perimeter

  By the numbers: The Park Perimeter Trail takes around 4.5 hours to complete, with an elevation gain ranging from 35 to 1,000 feet.

  For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the backcountry, hiking the Park Perimeter Trail is one of the best things to do in Laguna Beach. This strenuous, full-day adventure covers much of the park’s remote, rugged terrain, beginning with No Dogs Trail before connecting to No Name Ridge.

  The route continues through Deer Canyon and Red Tail Ridge, eventually following Moro Ridge for several miles before making a long, exposed descent via BFI. This hike is a true endurance test, best suited for seasoned hikers with a solid level of fitness.

ALTA LAGUNA PARK

Alta Laguna Park, perched at the north end of Alta Laguna Boulevard, is a scenic hilltop retreat offering tennis courts, a baseball field, a basketball court, picnic areas, and walking trails. Known as the “Sports Park in the Sky,” it also serves as the primary gateway to Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, making it a favored starting point for some of Laguna Beach’s most breathtaking hikes, including the renowned Top of the World viewpoint.

Parking: Parking is available in a small lot at Alta Laguna Park, with additional street parking nearby. The park is open from sunrise to sunset. For those hiking Canyon Acres Trail, parking is limited, and hikers may need to park across Laguna Canyon Road and walk to the trailhead along Canyon Acres Drive.

• Top of the World via Canyon Acres Trail
  

  The Top of the World trail is famous for its panoramic views.

  By the numbers: This trail is 2.5 miles long and takes approximately one hour and 40 minutes to complete. The elevation gain is 869 feet.
  From the moment the trail begins at the end of Canyon Acres Drive, hikers are treated to expansive views of Laguna Beach’s rolling hills and coastal canyons. The path ascends steadily, offering glimpses of rugged sandstone formations and sweeping valley landscapes. As the elevation increases, the Pacific Ocean comes into view, creating a striking contrast between the deep blue water and the golden ridgelines.

  Near the summit, the final stretch is steep, but the effort is rewarded with panoramic vistas from the Top of the World overlook. On clear days, hikers can see Catalina Island, the San Gabriel Mountains, and miles of unspoiled wilderness stretching toward the coastline. After taking in the scenery, follow the same trail downhill, with an option to take a small loop near the bottom before returning to the trailhead.

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

Laguna Coast Wilderness Park spans 7,000 acres of preserved coastal wilderness, forming part of the 20,000-acre South Coast Wilderness area. With over 40 trails, visitors can explore everything from meadows and canyons to ridgelines with sweeping ocean views. Wildflower blooms in the spring and sightings of rare and endangered species make this a dynamic and rewarding place to explore year-round. Dogs are not allowed on the trails to protect the ecosystem.

Parking: Visitors can park at the Willow Staging Area off Laguna Canyon Road (Highway 133). Parking is available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a $3 daily fee, but annual passes can be purchased at the park office.

• Laurel Canyon Trail

  By the numbers: The Laurel Canyon Trail is 3.6 miles round trip and takes roughly one and a half to two hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 375 feet.

  This moderate out-and-back hike begins at the Willow Staging Area, climbing over rock formations with small caves before leading into a quiet meadow. At the half-mile mark, hikers will pass Ghost Rock, a striking sandstone outcrop where eagles can often be seen circling overhead. Continuing through dry creek beds lined with fossilized shells, the trail leads to a seasonal waterfall, offering a peaceful resting spot before retracing the route back.

  • Willow Canyon Road
    By the numbers: Willow Canyon is 1.5 miles long and takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The elevation gain ranges from 225 to 868 feet.

    With steep inclines and dramatic, wide-open views, this challenging double-track trail leads hikers from Bommer Ridge Road down into the rugged heart of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. As the path winds along high ridgelines, wildflowers and coastal scrub blanket the hillsides, offering seasonal bursts of color.

  • Bommer Ridge, Old Emerald, and Emerald Canyon Road Loop

    By the numbers: This trail is 6.8 miles long and takes roughly three hours to complete. The elevation gain is 912 feet.

    This challenging loop offers a mix of coastal ridgelines, shaded canyons, and rugged backcountry terrain. It begins with a steady ascent along Bommer Ridge, where hikers are immediately met with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Laguna Beach, and Catalina Island in the distance.

    As the trail descends into Emerald Canyon, the landscape shifts—dense groves of ancient oaks provide pockets of shade, and weathered sandstone formations line the path, creating a striking contrast against the greenery. The climb out of the canyon is challenging but rewarding, leading back to Old Emerald Trail.

  ALISO AND WOOD CANYON WILDERNESS PARK

  Spanning approximately 4,500 acres, Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park is a designated wildlife sanctuary with mature oaks, sycamores, elderberry trees, and two year-round streams. Home to over 30 miles of trails, the park offers a mix of easy walks, challenging climbs, and unique geological features. Many rare and endangered species inhabit the park, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike.

  Parking: Parking is available for a daily fee, and the park is open from 7 a.m. to sunset. Dogs are not allowed on the trails to protect local wildlife.

  • Dripping Cave Trail

    By the numbers: This trail is five miles long and takes approximately two hours to complete. The total elevation gain is 400 feet.
    With minimal elevation gain and well-maintained paths, the Dripping Cave Trail is one of the most accessible and historically significant hikes in the park. The route winds through shaded groves of oak and sycamore trees, passing by Cave Rock, a striking natural formation. As the name suggests, the highlight of the trail is Dripping Cave, a large rock shelter once used by native peoples and later by bandits. The overhanging rock formations still bear the soot stains from fires set centuries ago, adding to its mystique.

  • Car Wreck Trail

    By the numbers: This trail is 3.8 miles long and takes approximately two to three hours to complete. The total elevation gain is 950 feet.

    With steep climbs and exposed terrain, Car Wreck Trail offers a challenging route through rocky switchbacks and high ridgelines with sweeping views of Laguna Beach, Catalina Island, and Mt. Baldy. About halfway through the hike, tucked into the rugged canyon landscape, lies the rusted remains of a 1946 Dodge coupe—a relic so intriguing that the park officially recognized the trail in 2013. The car’s battered frame and faded paint stand in stark contrast to the surrounding wilderness, making it a popular destination for hikers and photographers.

    The trail can be hiked as a loop, which spreads out the elevation gain, or as a steeper out-and-back for a more direct approach to the car. With little to no shade, it’s best to set out early in the morning or late in the afternoon and bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes.

  HEISLER PARK

  Set atop the oceanfront bluffs of Cliff Drive, Heisler Park is one of Laguna Beach’s most scenic and inviting coastal escapes. Stretching from Aster Street to Diver’s Cove, the park offers lush gardens, walking trails, and panoramic overlooks, where visitors can take in unobstructed views of the Pacific and catch glimpses of surfers, sailboats, and even dolphins offshore.

  • Heisler Park Walk

    By the numbers: This trail is one mile long and takes approximately one to two hours to complete. The route includes some stairs, slight hills, and street crossings.
    Following the bluffs from the Lifeguard Tower at Main Beach, this paved walk offers uninterrupted ocean views, lush gardens, and a variety of public art and landmarks. Along the way, visitors will pass the Gazebo, a picturesque viewpoint, as well as sculptures such as “Breaching Whale” by Jon Seeman and “Sea Breeze” by Sukhdev Dail.

    The path continues past Las Brisas, a well-known oceanfront restaurant, and Casa Loma, formerly the Inn at Laguna Beach, before reaching the Gnarly Tree, a twisting 60-year-old Melaleuca tree that is being considered for Heritage Tree status. The walk ends near Monument Point and the tide pools, where visitors can explore the protected marine reserve.

  PREPARING FOR YOUR LAGUNA BEACH HIKE

  

  For a safe and enjoyable hike, wear sun protection and sturdy shoes, pack plenty of water and essentials, and plan your trip for cooler times of the day.

  
  If you’re just starting out on your hiking journey, here are some general guidelines and good-to-knows:

  What to wear: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are necessary for sun protection, even on overcast days. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as many trails have steep or uneven terrain.
  What to pack: Always carry plenty of water, especially for longer trails with little shade. A light backpack helps carry snacks, a first aid kit, and an extra layer in case the weather changes. Some of the parks included here will have gift shops, so bring cash if you want to buy a souvenir.

  When to go: The best time to hike in Crystal Cove State Park is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler, and the lighting enhances the coastal views. Spring is especially scenic, while fall and winter offer crisp air and clear skies. Summer can be hot, so it’s best to start early to avoid midday heat and bring extra water.

  Understanding basic trail etiquette

  Laguna’s trails offer incredible beauty, but preserving them requires care from every visitor:

  • Stay on designated paths to prevent erosion and protect native plants, and keep noise levels low to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
  • When passing others, yield to uphill hikers, and step aside for bikers or horseback riders to ensure a smooth flow on the trail.
  • Wildlife is best admired from a distance, so avoid feeding or disturbing animals.
  • Finally, before heading home, take a moment to pack out any trash—keeping the trails clean ensures they remain just as breathtaking for the next visitor.

  YOUR LAGUNA BEACH LIFESTYLE STARTS HERE

  From oceanfront estates to hillside retreats, Laguna Beach offers an unparalleled way of life—one that Shauna and Leita Covington know better than anyone. As Laguna Beach real estate experts, they provide insider knowledge and dedicated service to help you find a home that puts the region’s pristine beaches, scenic trails, and vibrant culture right at your doorstep.

  Ready to make Laguna Beach home? Call Shauna at 949.412.8088 or Leita at 949.395.3037, or send them a message here.