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Explore the Cove – Coastal Ecology Hike
October 25 @ 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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Description
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.
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 blufftop
Elevation Change: +130 ft.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: 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 Commons
What to Bring: Sunscreen, water, hat, and comfortable footwear suitable for walking on sand and paved trails
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
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:
