Randy Vogel - Best Easy Day Hikes Orange County

Randy Vogel is the author of more than twenty rock climbing, mountain biking, and hiking guides. He lives with his family in Laguna Beach, California, and is an attorney specializing in business law.

Bruce Grubbs has a serious problemhe doesnt know what he wants to do when he grows up. Meanwhile, hes done such things as wildland fire fighting, running a mountain shop, flying airplanes, shooting photos, and writing books. Hes a backcountry skier, climber, figure skater, mountain biker, amateur radio operator, river runner, and sea kayakerbut the thing that really floats his boat is hiking and backpacking. No matter what else he tries, Bruce always come back to hikingespecially long, rough, cross-country trips in places like the Grand Canyon. Some people never learn. But what little he has learned, hes willing to share with you via his books, of course, but also via his websites, blogs, and whatever works. His website is BruceGrubbs.com.

T he coastal areas of Orange County range from sandy beaches and tidal estuaries in the north to rocky shorelines and the rugged San Joaquin Hills in the south. Accordingly, the hiking experiences along Orange Countys coast vary considerably. Bolsa Chica features an easy, wheelchair-accessible trail along a newly restored estuary that offers ample wildlife viewing and is perfect for a short family outing. Crystal Cove State Park, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park offer longer and more challenging hikes into the coastal hills and canyons.

The coastal areas of Orange County are also some of the most threatened and biologically important in California. Estuaries and wetlands are probably the most ecologically diverse and fertile areas on the planet, but they are disappearing at an alarming rate. Most of these areas have fallen victim to housing developments or have been dredged to create marinas. Coastal hills, once covered in native coastal sage and other unique plant communities, are being graded to make way for toll roads and housing subdivisions, which are ubiquitous in southern Orange County. Still, Orange County has saved small remnants of this landscape. This guide will direct you to some of the most accessible and spectacular scenery remaining.

This short hike makes a loop around this restored estuary and offers wonderful opportunities to observe a wide variety of bird species.

Distance: 1.5-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy; moderate for wheelchair access

Elevation gain: 15 feet

Trail surface: Wooden bridge, packed dirt

Best season: Year-round; winter months (November to March) offer the highest concentrations of migratory birds.

Other trail users: None

Canine compatibility: Dogs not permitted

Fees and permits: No fees or permits required

Schedule: Trail open sunrise to sunset; interpretive center open Tuesday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 a.m. to noon; Sunday noon to 3:30 p.m.

Maps: USGS Seal Beach

Trail contacts: Bolsa Chica Conservancy, 3842 Warner Avenue, Huntington Beach 92469-4263; (714) 846-1114; www.bolsachica.org

Finding the trailhead: Take either Warner Avenue or Golden West Street west from Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) to the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/Highway 1). From Warner Avenue head about 1.5 miles south on the PCH. From Golden West Street drive north on the PCH for approximately 2.5 miles. Park in the small parking lot on the inland (east) side of the PCH. The lot is nearly opposite the entrance to Bolsa Chica State Beach. GPS: N33 41.741' W118 2.774'

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy was formed in 1973 with an initial acquisition of 300 acres of wetlands next to the Pacific

Coast Highway. Additions in 1997 and 2005 have brought that total to approximately 1,200 acres of prime marshland. In the summer 2006 engineering was completed that permitted seawater to flow into the reserve for the first time in more than one hundred years. This reserve, and the wetlands farther north in the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge, is one of the last remaining and most important fresh-saltwater estuaries in Southern California. Binoculars are a must, as you will have the opportunity to see a wide variety of birds, including terns, plovers, avocets, herons, egrets, various migratory sparrows, marsh hawks, and cormorants.

Begin the hike by taking the long wooden bridge over the shallow marshlands. On the opposite side of the bridge, at 0.1 mile, follow the dirt trail as it works its way to the left (north), then atop an old levee. Interpretive signs will help you identify wildlife.

The trail continues northward along levees on the inland side of the main, restored tidal marshlands. Note how different species of birds seek different types of food or use different search strategies. Beak size and shape play a role in their hunting techniques. Keep an eye out for nesting least terns on marsh islands and for sea sponges, jellyfish, and crabs in the shallow water.

At 0.8 mile you reach the northern apex of the trail and pass over an inlet for seawater into the marsh. Now you are heading south, the marsh on your left and the coastal highway and Pacific Ocean beyond to your right. As you head back south on the marshs edge, take note of the small sand dunesall that remains of a historically much more extensive dune system. Lilac-colored sea rocket and yellow beach primrose can be seen growing on these small dunes.

Depending on the time of year and time of day, the species and activity of the bird life will vary. Continue south along the marshs edge until you return to the parking lot at 1.5 miles.

The interpretive center located on Warner Avenue, to the north of the parking area used for this hike, features exhibits, a saltwater aquarium, books, and docent-led tours. You can easily make a detour to the right and then head north from the dam crossing to reach the interpretive center.

0.0 Start from the parking lot and cross the long wooden bridge over the marsh.

0.1 The dirt trail begins on the far side of the bridge.

0.8 Reach the northern apex of the trail at the seawater inlet. (Option: To detour to the interpretive center, turn right here and then head left [north] on a marked trail.)

1.5 Arrive back at the parking lot.

This longer loop hike takes you up one of the few unspoiled coastal canyons in the region and then up to a high ridge over the Pacific Ocean that offers great views of the rugged coastline.

Distance: 4.7-mile loop

Approximate hiking time: 2.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 750 feet

Trail surface: Fire road, some footpath

Best season: Fall through spring; early mornings in summer

Other trail users: Mountain bikers, equestrians, trail runners

Canine compatibility: Dogs not permitted

Fees and permits: $10 parking fee (Do not park at the elementary schoolyou will be towed.)

Schedule: Open 6:00 a.m. to sunset

Maps: USGS Laguna Beach

Trail contacts: Crystal Cove State Park, 8471 Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651; (949) 494-3539; www.crystalcovestatepark.org

Finding the trailhead: Take Laguna Canyon Road (Highway 133) south from Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway) or Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway) to its terminus at the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/Highway 1). Drive north on the PCH for approximately 2.8 miles to El Moro Road, where you will find an elementary school and a traffic light. Turn right (east) onto El Moro Road and drive up the road to the entrance booth (a right-hand turn). Pay the parking fee here or at the self-serve machine in the parking area a short distance ahead. Turn right and drive past the campground to the day use parking lot. GPS: N33 33.759' W117 49.151'