Stewardship Saturday

Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty a......More

Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty and history. Participants will assist in activities to help advance ongoing restoration projects throughout the park. The day’s activities—such as site preparation, weeding, seeding, and planting—will depend on site needs and the time of year. No experience is required! The event is free, and RSVPs are required. Register at the form below. Event details: Time: 8:00am-11:30amRegistration is capped at 20 participants per day.Recommended for ages 16 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.What to bring: sunscreena hatsturdy closed-toed shoeslong pantslong sleeves (recommended)gloves if you have them (gloves will also be provided)snacks and water in a reusable bottlePlease contact Jen at [email protected] for any questions. Each event will take place at one of the two project sites below: The Bowl: Hike level: MediumBe prepared to walk about 30 minutes to the project site (~1.5 miles one way ~3.0 miles round trip) on slightly uneven, mostly flat terrain. However, there is some elevation gain as you approach the site.Coastal Bluffs: Hike level: EasyThis site is easily accessible from the parking lot and does not require any hiking.The project site will be determined closer to the event date. Looking to host a private event? Please contact Jen at [email protected] for more information.

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

DescriptionThis 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 bl......More

DescriptionThis 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.  Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event 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: AllTrails Website Activity LinkAllTrails Extensive Trail & Terrain Map Image  AllTrails Detailed Satellite Imagery Image

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 Conservancy goes to Baja: Pacific Gray Whale Expedition

Crystal Cove Conservancy is organizing a five-day, low-impact eco-tour to Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, a UNESCO-designated sanctuary and one of the last remaining calving grounds for Pacific gray whales. Located within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, th......More

Crystal Cove Conservancy is organizing a five-day, low-impact eco-tour to Laguna San Ignacio in Baja California Sur, a UNESCO-designated sanctuary and one of the last remaining calving grounds for Pacific gray whales. Located within the El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve, the lagoon is a globally important habitat for whales and other marine life. The trip offers guided whale encounters aboard small panga boats led by local experts, along with interpretive conversations with conservationists and marine scientists about current challenges facing gray whales and coastal ecosystems. Participants stay at an environmentally sensitive camp designed to minimize impact while providing an immersive wilderness experience. The program is operated in partnership with conservation-focused outfitter Baja Discovery and is intentionally limited to a small group. Trip details (tentative): Price: $5,095 per person (double occupancy single occupancy may incur an additional fee)Group size: LimitedIncludes: Chartered flight from Tijuana (departing San Diego), lodging, meals, local guides, and interpretive programming For questions or additional details, please contact Nick Burciaga at [email protected]

Stewardship Saturday

Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty a......More

Welcome to Crystal Cove Conservancy’s and Crystal Cove State Park’s Stewardship Event!Come help us on a habitat restoration project during Stewardship Saturday! This volunteer event is open to all and offers a hands-on way to connect with Crystal Cove’s natural beauty and history. Participants will assist in activities to help advance ongoing restoration projects throughout the park. The day’s activities—such as site preparation, weeding, seeding, and planting—will depend on site needs and the time of year. No experience is required! The event is free, and RSVPs are required. Register at the form below. Event details: Time: 8:00am-11:30amRegistration is capped at 20 participants per day.Recommended for ages 16 and up. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.What to bring: sunscreena hatsturdy closed-toed shoeslong pantslong sleeves (recommended)gloves if you have them (gloves will also be provided)snacks and water in a reusable bottlePlease contact Jen at [email protected] for any questions. Each event will take place at one of the two project sites below: The Bowl: Hike level: MediumBe prepared to walk about 30 minutes to the project site (~1.5 miles one way ~3.0 miles round trip) on slightly uneven, mostly flat terrain. However, there is some elevation gain as you approach the site.Coastal Bluffs: Hike level: EasyThis site is easily accessible from the parking lot and does not require any hiking.The project site will be determined closer to the event date. Looking to host a private event? Please contact Jen at [email protected] for more information.

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

DescriptionThis 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 bl......More

DescriptionThis 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.  Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event 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

DescriptionSet 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 ......More

DescriptionSet 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. Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event will be cancelled in the event of rainy weather. 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

Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike

DescriptionThis 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 bl......More

DescriptionThis 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.  Please print and complete your Crystal Cove Conservancy participant waiver here, and bring the filled-out form with you to the hike. Event 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