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Buck Gully Reserve

4.5 ★★★★★ 351 Google reviews · Running trail in Newport Beach, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Buck Gully Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

ScenicStroller / ADAHillyTrailhead parkingQuiet

Canyon nature preserve with trails for hiking & mountain-biking, plus guided interpretive walks.

What runners say about Buck Gully Reserve

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (351 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 4 mentions

“The Buck Gully Reserve is an absolutely beautiful location for sunset photos, and casual walks or runs along groomed pathways and hiking trails from morning and into the evening.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 4 mentions

“Beautiful peaceful trail only down fall is no dogs allowed on this trail.”

👟 good for all levels 4 mentions

“Easy trail, a bit muddy after the rain.”

Are you looking for a good hiking spot? Not used to hiking? No problem. Start slow and build your confidence. This is a good beginner hike. Hiking with a group is a great way to not get lost on the trails lol 🤣🥾 It’s a beautiful trail. .

★★★★★ — Michele , Feb 2023

The Buck Gully Reserve is an absolutely beautiful location for sunset photos, and casual walks or runs along groomed pathways and hiking trails from morning and into the evening. Sunsets views are some of the best in Orange County Convenient parking which gets very busy during the sunset viewing hours.

★★★★★ — Stephen , May 2019

Such a refreshing hike. It's easy, however it has the most delightful looking path.

★★★★★ — Emma , Nov 2020

Pretty amazing deep cove with steep mountains, lush growth and trees with a nice stream in the middle with miles and miles of paths which are bike and people friendly. At the top of the trail you can panoramic views of the Newport Beach harbor and a wonderful view of the seascape. Trails range from easy to difficult.

★★★★★ — Shariff , Jun 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 351 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 9 mentions

“The Buck Gully Reserve is an absolutely beautiful location for sunset photos, and casual walks or runs along groomed pathways and hiking trails from morning and into the evening.”

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🤫 Quiet / uncrowded 4 mentions

“Beautiful peaceful trail only down fall is no dogs allowed on this trail.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 3 mentions

“Pretty amazing deep cove with steep mountains, lush growth and trees with a nice stream in the middle with miles and miles of paths which are bike and people friendly.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“Sunsets views are some of the best in Orange County Convenient parking which gets very busy during the sunset viewing hours.”

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Stroller / ADA accessible 2 mentions

“Easy hike, but not for a wheelchair.”

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Plan your run at Buck Gully Reserve

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websiteletsgooutside.org
  • Phone(949) 644-3151

Hours

Monday 6 AM–9 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–9 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–9 PM
Thursday 6 AM–9 PM
Friday 6 AM–9 PM
Saturday 6 AM–9 PM
Sunday 6 AM–9 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Buck Gully Reserve

San Joaquin Hills Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Get directions

Running trails near Newport Beach

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Buck Gully Trailhead

4.5 ★★★★★ 157 reviews

Corona Del Mar, CA

5.2 miLoopNatural surfaceShaded

Trail, usually quiet, through a canyon up to vista points.

1.2 miles away

Zone 205 Trail

5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews

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1.6 miles away

Crystal Cove Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 413 reviews

Newport Beach, CA

3 miLoopMixedScenic

Scenic backcountry area of Crystal Cove State Park offering 18 miles & 2,400 acres of trails.

1.6 miles away

Turtle Ridge Trailhead

4.6 ★★★★★ 11 reviews

Irvine, CA

13.1 miScenicDog-friendly

1.8 miles away

Bommer Vista Trailhead

4.4 ★★★★☆ 49 reviews

Irvine, CA

Scenic

Desert hike on trails with cool ocean breezes.

1.8 miles away

Bluff Top Multiuse Trail

5 ★★★★★ 4 reviews

Newport Beach, CA

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Newport Beach, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.