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Pacific Ridge Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 294 Google reviews · Running trail in Newport Beach, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Pacific Ridge 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.
Scouting area for hikers and mountain bikers, offering various routes, including many with ocean views and shaded canyons.
What runners say about Pacific Ridge Trailhead
“The trails you start on - Ridge Road or Bommer - are both very wide and well-maintained, and so are quite a few other trails.”
“Gorgeous trail running and mountain biking territory—be sure to try Moro Canyon, Elevator Trail, “No Name Ridge” and Bommer Ridge (this one takes you to Laguna!”
“There is little to no phone service (even Verizon), lots of wildlife (sunny=reptiles; shade=bunnies), and the canyons come with shade.”
I did a 7.2 mile loop here on April 10, 2021, you can see my trail recording on the Alltrails app, just look up my name and please follow me for more fun trails and my reviews. This is a busy place to hike, but it has a lot of different trails to explore.
I tried a large loop clockwise. The trail overlooking the ocean is very pleasant and the walking is light. The second half is all uphill. There is no shade and it is best to go early in the morning or on a cloudy day. It is better to have plenty of water.
Nice area. It's beautiful and cool in the early morning. Pretty expansive for it's nestled next to the cities. Saw a bunch buffalo gourds growing along the trail. I understand it's a great place for mountain biking, but it's not exciting for hikers to be passed by mountain bikers as they kick up dust.
There are tons of trails at Crystal Cove Park. This time we did the “Slow N’ Easy” big loop trail. It’s definitely not easy but moderate to hard because of the long, steep slope at the latter half of the trip, and the 7 mile total distance. 95% of the road has no shade.
Trail conditions & character
“Gorgeous trail running and mountain biking territory—be sure to try Moro Canyon, Elevator Trail, “No Name Ridge” and Bommer Ridge (this one takes you to Laguna!”
“Parking fills up pretty quick on weekends, but you can always drive back a bit and park along the road, just have to walk then to the trailhead.”
“It’s definitely not easy but moderate to hard because of the long, steep slope at the latter half of the trip, and the 7 mile total distance.”
“There is little to no phone service (even Verizon), lots of wildlife (sunny=reptiles; shade=bunnies), and the canyons come with shade.”
“I did a 7.2 mile loop here on April 10, 2021, you can see my trail recording on the Alltrails app, just look up my name and please follow me for more fun trails and my reviews.”
“2 mile loop here on April 10, 2021, you can see my trail recording on the Alltrails app, just look up my name and please follow me for more fun trails and my reviews.”
“For some reason there are signs saying no dogs so it looks like they are not allowed here which seems strange to me.”
“Plenty of hiking opportunities into different trails, wide paths for easy strolling to single track rugged trails .”
“If you go straight across, parallel to the 73, you'll get to the Willow Staging Area which has restrooms and a tap for drinking water.”
“Amble parking, restroom, water fountain, did a 6mile loop hike with 75% of the group as elderly newbs to hiking.”
Plan your run at Pacific Ridge Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
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.
Coastal Peak Park
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Bommer Canyon Preserve Cattle Camp
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This large natural area features many paths for hiking & biking, plus a historic former cattle camp.
Bommer Canyon Nature Trail
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Hiking, running, and mountain biking are popular at this park featuring scenic trails.
Bommer Canyon Trail Head
4.6 ★★★★★ 102 reviews
Scenic hiking area offering well-paved trails, some with ocean views, and a public restroom.