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Dana Point Preserve Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 83 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 Dana Point Preserve Trailhead'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.
Hiking trail over 2.7 mi. with scenic ocean views, and protected wildlife.
What runners say about Dana Point Preserve Trailhead
“It spans roughly 60 acres and offers stunning ocean views, serene walking trails, and a chance to experience Southern California's unique coastal landscape.”
“It spans roughly 60 acres and offers stunning ocean views, serene walking trails, and a chance to experience Southern California's unique coastal landscape.”
“Beautiful and peaceful easy trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean.”
This is one of the greatest trails that I have trekked in a long time. It was very calming and collective. There was lots of informational boards telling us about the natural wildlife surrounding this place. We got a great view of the ocean.
Felt a little like a secret entrance to a beautiful place because the gate was a little bit hidden. You walk through a little tunnel of branches then it suddenly opens up to the amazing views! Not a long walk but I highly recommend it!
I left my heart in Dana Point Preserve Head Trails. This is a trail you should visit one and come back more...
This place is literally like our backyard and we just found it so much fun to walk
Trail conditions & character
“It spans roughly 60 acres and offers stunning ocean views, serene walking trails, and a chance to experience Southern California's unique coastal landscape.”
“It spans roughly 60 acres and offers stunning ocean views, serene walking trails, and a chance to experience Southern California's unique coastal landscape.”
Plan your run at Dana Point Preserve Trailhead
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
- Websitedanapoint.org
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 8 am–4 am |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 8 am–4 am |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 8 am–4 am |
| Sunday | Closed |
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.
CNLM's Dana Point Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 952 reviews
Protected marine nature preserve featuring sandy beaches, tide pools & sweeping ocean views.
Dana Point Nature Interpretive Center
4.7 ★★★★★ 558 reviews
Free nature center and museum with coastal trails and ocean vistas.
Hilltop Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 144 reviews
Breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding coastline from trails on this hilltop park.
Harbor Point Conservation Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 199 reviews
Nature preserve featuring tide pools and ocean views, as well as kid-friendly hikes.
Strand Vista Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,173 reviews
Coastal beach park known for its walking trails, striking ocean views & sunsets.