2026 Discovery Series - Hiking 101

EVENT CANCELEDMembers Only Event: Learn how to access exclusive member events and programs today! Ready to venture beyond neighborhood walks and confidently prepare for a full day on the trail? Designed for novice and emerging hikers, Discovery Series: Hiking 101 will i......More

EVENT CANCELEDMembers Only Event: Learn how to access exclusive member events and programs today! Ready to venture beyond neighborhood walks and confidently prepare for a full day on the trail? Designed for novice and emerging hikers, Discovery Series: Hiking 101 will introduce Conservancy members to the practical skills and confidence needed to plan safe, enjoyable adventures on the trail. Together, we’ll cover everything from choosing an appropriate route and packing the right gear to staying hydrated, fueling your body, navigating unfamiliar terrain, and adapting when conditions change. Along the way, we’ll share the little things experienced hikers learn over time—how to pace yourself, recognize changing conditions, prepare for the unexpected, and know when it’s time to turn around. Through approachable instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and practical exercises, you’ll leave with the knowledge to explore more of Crystal Cove’s backcountry and other wild places with greater confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first full day hike or simply looking to build a stronger foundation, Hiking 101 will help you spend less time wondering if you’re prepared—and more time enjoying the journey. Participants will receive a detailed packing list and program overview in advance to help prepare. Meet Your Guides Erin Andreatta | Nickolas Burciaga Read MoreTime: 8:00 AMDuration: 4-6 hoursLocation: Berns Amphitheater (presentation) Moro Canyon (Guided Training hike)Capacity: 20 participantsExperience Level: BeginnerPhysical Activity: Moderate. Participants should be prepared to walk several miles on uneven terrain with some elevation gain.Members Only Fee: $10 Route Overview: Bern’s Amphitheater → Moro Canyon Trailhead (0.1 mi) → East Cut Across (1.0 mi) → Moro Ridge (1.2 mi) → B.F.I. Trail (1.5 mi) → Return to Trailhead (0.4 mi) Program Format Classroom Instruction — Approximately 90 minutesLocation — Berns AmphitheaterTopics will include: Evaluating trail distance, elevation, terrain, and difficultySelecting and fitting a daypackEssential hiking gear and emergency suppliesFootwear, clothing, and layeringHydration and electrolyte planningTrail food and sustained energyMaps, trail signs, and digital navigation toolsWeather, daylight, and turnaround timesCommon trail hazards and basic emergency preparednessHiking responsibly and minimizing environmental impactParticipants will practice: Reviewing a route before departureAdjusting and organizing a daypackMaintaining a sustainable hiking paceManaging hydration and snack breaksRecognizing changes in weather, energy, or trail conditionsDetermining when to rest, modify the route, or turn aroundParticipants will leave the program with: A practical day-hiking checklistA basic hike-planning frameworkGreater familiarity with essential gearFoundational navigation and trail-safety knowledgeIncreased confidence preparing for longer hikesA clearer understanding of their personal abilities and limitsParticipants must bring: A daypackSupportive, broken-in hiking footwearWeather-appropriate clothingSun protectionWater and electrolytesTrail snacks or a light lunchA fully charged phoneAny personal medicationsFirst Aid kit

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, sto......More

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.  The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.  Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftopElevation Change: +130 ft.Difficulty: EasyDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+Meeting Point: Education CommonsWhat to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trailsParking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi) Maps & Resources:

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Historic District Walking Tour

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Cente......More

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable footwear for walking on compact dirt paths Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Explore the Cove – Backcountry Ecology Hike

Set in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant ......More

Set in the heart of Crystal Cove’s rugged backcountry, this immersive hike ventures into Moro Canyon to explore some of Southern California’s most unique and threatened ecosystems. Participants will learn about coastal sage scrub, riparian corridors, and the rare plant and animal species that make this region a biodiversity hotspot. Guided by Conservancy staff, the group will discuss fire ecology, restoration projects, land-use history, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore these fragile habitats. Along the way, guests will gain firsthand insight into how recreation and conservation coexist within the wildland–urban interface. Distance: 4.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Wide, hard-packed trail featuring a moderately steep ascent and descent along sections of eroded pathElevation Change: +585 ft (1.2 mi ascent via East Cut) / –675 ft (1.3 mi descent via B.F.I.)Difficulty: IntermediateDuration: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hoursSuggested Age: Adults and youth ages 8+What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, snacks, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on hard-packed hiking trailsMeeting Point: Berns AmphitheaterParking: Please park in the Moro Canyon Parking Lots. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Bern’s Amphitheater → Moro Canyon Trailhead (0.1 mi) → East Cut Across (1.0 mi) → Moro Ridge (1.2 mi) → B.F.I. Trail (1.5 mi) → Return to Trailhead (0.4 mi) Maps & Resources: AllTrails Website Activity LinkAllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image  AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

Berns Amphitheatre

Endless Summer Soirée

Individual Soirée tickets now available! Join us for the 27th Annual Crystal Cove Endless Summer Soirée on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Crystal Cove. Enjoy a beautiful evening while helping raise critical funds for The Conse......More

Individual Soirée tickets now available! Join us for the 27th Annual Crystal Cove Endless Summer Soirée on Saturday, October 3, 2026, for an unforgettable evening under the stars at Crystal Cove. Enjoy a beautiful evening while helping raise critical funds for The Conservancy’s education and conservation programs throughout the park. Individual tickets are $750 per person, and seating is limited. Learn more and reserve your tickets today. Learn more about table sponsorships here.

Crystal Cove State Park

Explore the Cove - Accessible Coastal Ecology Hike

Experience the beauty of Crystal Cove State Park on a guided coastal ecology hike designed with accessibility in mind. This relaxed, interpretive walk follows a wide, flat, paved, and hard-packed blufftop trail, creating an enjoyable experience for wheelchair users, peo......More

Experience the beauty of Crystal Cove State Park on a guided coastal ecology hike designed with accessibility in mind. This relaxed, interpretive walk follows a wide, flat, paved, and hard-packed blufftop trail, creating an enjoyable experience for wheelchair users, people with mobility challenges, and anyone seeking a more accessible outdoor experience. Along the way, you’ll discover the remarkable plants, animals, and natural processes that shape one of Southern California’s most treasured coastlines. Learn about coastal bluff ecosystems, native wildlife, geology, and the ongoing conservation efforts that help protect this extraordinary place. Whether you’re exploring Crystal Cove for the first time or returning with a new perspective, this program offers an engaging opportunity to connect with nature in an inclusive and supportive environment. Distance: 1.1 miles | Est. Time: 0.5 – 1 hour | Elevation Gain: 39 feet Terrain: Wide, flat, paved, and hard-packed accessible trail. Parking: Accessible parking space available at Reef Point trailhead ($5 per hour or $15 for the day). Considerations: At no point during the hike will participants be more than 0.3 miles from the parking lot and restroom facilities, allowing anyone to comfortably leave the program at any time if needed. Program Cost: Free! Explore the TrailPreview available on our AllTrails Map or available below. Read MoreAccessible Parking & Ramp  AllTrails Waypoint – ADA Parking and Ramp           Accessible parking and the access ramp are located on the southwestern side of the Reef Point parking lot. One designated accessible parking space is located adjacent to the ramp, with additional parking available nearby.  The meeting location is approximately 200 feet from the accessible parking area, reached via a compact gravel ramp and paved walkway. Meeting Location & Restroom  AllTrails Waypoint – Meeting Location / Restroom | 0.0 miles  We will meet at Crystal Cove Restroom #5. Accessible restroom facilities are available here at the beginning and end of the hike.   The hike begins at Crystal Cove Restroom #5, where accessible restroom facilities are available.  Turnaround Point  AllTrails Waypoint – Turnaround Point | 0.25 miles This point marks the northern end of the primary out-and-back portion of the route. Located alongside an active habitat restoration area, we will pause here to learn about ongoing efforts to restore and protect Crystal Cove’s native coastal ecosystem before turning around and continuing south. Reef Point Vista & Dedicated Break  AllTrails Waypoint – Reef Point Vista | 0.3 miles  This scenic stopping point offers expansive views up the Crystal Cove coastline, including the Historic District and surrounding marine protected area. We’ll take a dedicated break here to rest, enjoy the view, and explore the natural and cultural resources that make Crystal Cove unique. Route End  AllTrails Waypoint – Meeting Location / Restroom | 1.0 miles From Moro Overlook, we will return to Crystal Cove Restroom #5 and the Reef Point parking area.  The route is intentionally designed with multiple opportunities to rest, shorten the hike, or skip optional segments. Participants are encouraged to choose the route length and stopping points that best meet their individual needs. This program is presented in partnership with Crystal Cove State Park and Accessible Off-Road, bringing together expertise in conservation, interpretation, and adaptive outdoor recreation to create a welcoming experience for all. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Erin Andreatta, Advocacy & Public Programs Manager, at [email protected].

Crystal Cove State Park, Reef Point Entrance

Cove Talk with Steven Swartz: 50 Years with the Gray Whales of Baja California

Each winter, thousands of gray whales travel more than 10,000 miles along the California coast on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth. Their journey connects the waters of Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, Mexico to Crystal Cove, offering a rem......More

Each winter, thousands of gray whales travel more than 10,000 miles along the California coast on one of the longest migrations of any mammal on Earth. Their journey connects the waters of Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, Mexico to Crystal Cove, offering a remarkable reminder that our coastline is part of something far larger. Join Crystal Cove Conservancy for an unforgettable evening with renowned whale biologist Steven Swartz, whose decades of research and stewardship in Laguna San Ignacio have transformed our understanding of gray whales and helped protect one of the world’s most important whale nurseries. Moderated by Crystal Cove Conservancy’s CEO, this special Cove Talk will explore the extraordinary lives of gray whales, the story of their recovery, the challenges they face today, and what long-term research reveals about the health of our changing oceans. Drawing on more than four decades of fieldwork, Steven will share firsthand stories from the lagoons of Baja California, insights into the ongoing Unusual Mortality Event, and reasons for both concern and hope as we look toward the future of this iconic species. Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, this intimate conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear from one of the world’s foremost voices in gray whale conservation and to deepen your appreciation for the whales that migrate just beyond Crystal Cove’s shoreline each year. Following the conversation, guests are invited to stay for a hosted reception with light refreshments and the opportunity to continue the discussion with fellow conservationists, community members, and our speaker. Location: Crystal Cove Cottage Check-In Deck, click HERE for exact location Parking: Los Trancos Lot across PCH ($15 day-use free with State Parks annual pass) Meet Steven:Steven Swartz conducted the first systematic studies of gray whales in Laguna San Ignacio, Baja California Sur, from 1977–1982. Steven received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 1984. From 1996 to 2000, Dr. Jorge Urban R. of the Autonomous University of Baja California Sur resumed field studies of gray whales at Laguna San Ignacio, which continued sporadically until 2003. With the defeat of a proposed industrial salt production facility and the development of whale-watching ecotourism at Laguna San Ignacio during the 1990s, they recognized the need for an ongoing science-based monitoring program for the lagoon and its wildlife, particularly the gray whales that winter there. In 2006, Jorge and Steven initiated the “Laguna San Ignacio Ecosystem Science Program” (LSIESP). In 2007, they joined the San Diego-based nonprofit Pro Peninsula, and in 2009, the program merged with The Ocean Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization that serves as the fiscal agent for the gray whale research program. In 2015, the program expanded into the Bahía Magdalena lagoon complex to monitor the gray whales that occupy the area in winter and the growing whale-watching activity in the region. At that time, the program was rebranded as the “Gray Whale Research in Mexico” program. Steven’s work has taken him around the United States, including work for NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service. Today, he continues to mentor students, foster the next generation of marine researchers, make public presentations and present webinars on gray whales, and publish research findings on the Gray Whale Research in Mexico website.

Crystal Cove Cottage Check-in Deck, #35 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, sto......More

This guided interpretive hike explores Crystal Cove State Park’s sandy shoreline and coastal bluffs, offering an up-close look at the plants, animals, and ecosystems that define our marine and coastal environment. Participants will walk along the beach and blufftop, stopping to learn about native plant communities, intertidal habitats, coastal geology, and the dynamic forces shaping the shoreline.  The program highlights key conservation challenges such as sea-level rise, habitat loss, and the importance of Marine Protected Areas—focusing on the Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Blending ecology with conservation storytelling, this hike fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Park’s coastal landscapes. Hike will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather.  Distance: 1.2 miles (casual pace with multiple stops)Terrain: Mostly flat with one 900-foot climb ascending from the beach to the blufftopElevation Change: +130 ft.Difficulty: EasyDuration: Approximately 1.5 hours (recommended morning start for optimal conditions align with <3 ft. low tide for tidepool exploration)Suggested Age: Adults and youth ages 5+Meeting Point: Education CommonsWhat to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trailsParking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Route Overview:Education Commons → Cottage #13 (0.1 mi) → South along beach (0.5 mi) → Ascend ramp to blufftop (0.1 mi) → North to Shake Shack (0.5 mi) Maps & Resources:

Education Commons, 5 Crystal Cove, Newport Coast, CA, 92657, United States

Historic District Walking Tour

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Cente......More

During this 60-minute tour led by Conservancy educators, participants will step back in time to explore the history of Crystal Cove State park and the Historic District’s rescue and restoration. No registration required. When: 1:00-2:00 PM Where to Meet: Visitor’s Center in the Historic District What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, and comfortable footwear for walking on compact dirt paths Parking: Please park in the Los Trancos Parking Lot. There will be a $15 Day Use fee per vehicle free with State Parks annual pass Tour will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Crystal Cove State Park Historic District

Crystal Cove and the California Dream Exhibit Opening

Crystal Cove and the California Dream traces unique Californian history through rare photographs, records, and artifacts drawn from UC Irvine Libraries’ Laura Davick Crystal Cove Historical Archive and Orange County Regional History Collections, with a special focus on ......More

Crystal Cove and the California Dream traces unique Californian history through rare photographs, records, and artifacts drawn from UC Irvine Libraries’ Laura Davick Crystal Cove Historical Archive and Orange County Regional History Collections, with a special focus on the community that fought to save the historic cottages you can still visit today. It’s a chance to transform seeing Crystal Cove from just blue water and warm sand into a place that represents how community and the natural world have met at the water’s edge time and time again.   PROGRAM 5:00 p.m.  Guest Check-In (Crystal Cove Auditorium, UC Irvine Student Center) 5:30 p.m.  Welcome and Fireside Chat with Laura Davick (Crystal Cove Auditorium, UC Irvine Student Center) 6:45 p.m.  Exhibit Viewing and Reception (Langson Library Lobby, UC Irvine)   → Register for the exhibit opening! ← Curated by Nicole Arnold, Stephen Anderson, Cheryl Baltes, Cynthia Johnson, and Jennifer Stout Designed by Allan Helmick and Sylvia Irving Exhibit will be on display in UC Irvine Libraries’ Langson Library November 2026 through March 2027 during regular library hours.

UC Irvine Langson Library, Irvine, CA 92697, Irvine, CA, 92697, United States