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CNLM's Dana Point Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 952 Google reviews · Running trail in Dana Point, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from CNLM's Dana Point Preserve'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.
Protected marine nature preserve featuring sandy beaches, tide pools & sweeping ocean views.
What runners say about CNLM's Dana Point Preserve
“Beautiful ecological conservancy, trail has an amazing view to the ocean, going through the spring is excellent time to see the flowers blooming.”
“The atmosphere was very calm and collective.”
Dana Point headland.....Well I have lived in the area for over 40 years so I'm week qualified to comment. Overall they have done a good job of preserving a small snippet of what was once a natural bit of the southern California coast (to bad they didn't consider that when they built the harbor).
The trail is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. This is a protected area so we stay on the path and only go a few times a week so as not to overly disturb nature.
Beautiful beach side trial offering stunning views. We only walked a small section of the trail and wish there was more time to explore, but what we saw was already breathtaking.
Beautiful ecological conservancy, trail has an amazing view to the ocean, going through the spring is excellent time to see the flowers blooming. A well recommended spot for a romantic date.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful ecological conservancy, trail has an amazing view to the ocean, going through the spring is excellent time to see the flowers blooming.”
Plan your run at CNLM's Dana Point Preserve
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.
- Websitecnlm.org
- Phone+1 949-248-3527
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
Running trails near Dana Point
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Dana Point Preserve Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 83 reviews
Hiking trail over 2.7 mi. with scenic ocean views, and protected wildlife.
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 558 reviews
Free nature center and museum with coastal trails and ocean vistas.
Harbor Point Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 199 reviews
Nature preserve featuring tide pools and ocean views, as well as kid-friendly hikes.
Hilltop Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 144 reviews
Breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding coastline from trails on this hilltop park.
Strand Vista Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,173 reviews
Coastal beach park known for its walking trails, striking ocean views & sunsets.