Home › California › Newport Beach › Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
4.8 ★★★★★ 2,272 Google reviews · Running trail in Newport Beach, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Upper Newport Bay Nature 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.
Home to many bird species, this 135-acre park offers an interpretive center & hiking/biking trails.
What runners say about Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
“There is no formal service but the trails were clean and easy to follow.”
“I was very impressed with this beautiful open space area, which showcases Upper Newport Bay, offering up stunning views of these wetlands.”
“The trails are easy to navigate, there are learning boards, and in the lookout points there is seating.”
“Mullet were also jumping out of the calm creek water here sporadically, which is interesting to watch.”
This is the first time I've visited Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. I was very impressed with this beautiful open space area, which showcases Upper Newport Bay, offering up stunning views of these wetlands. The sky was overcast, when I pulled into their large free parking lot.
Great park to visit. The trails are easy to navigate, there are learning boards, and in the lookout points there is seating. Saw and heard many birds. Not too many people on the trail midday on a Saturday. Very little shade so bring a hat! It was very windy so make sure it's a hat that cinches.
This was a nice walk/hike. There are several trails to choose from so you can make your own trail. The weather was great and you get a nice breeze in this area. Would definitely come back.
Never knew about this place until my husband took me. What a cool little spot! From the moment we got there, a lady taught us to listen for a specific bird sound and told us what it’s name was.
Trail conditions & character
“I was very impressed with this beautiful open space area, which showcases Upper Newport Bay, offering up stunning views of these wetlands.”
“There’s also a free parking lot available, but it tends to fill up quickly on weekends—so plan accordingly!”
“Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve was a peaceful and beautiful place I visited with someone.”
“I love that it has both dirt trails and paved bike lanes which makes it convenient if you're on foot, bike, wheelchair, skateboard, etc.”
“I found out a bit later, that they get the mud, which they build their nest with, from muddy banks of a creek, which feeds Upper Newport Bay.”
“The interpretive center opens 10 AM-4 PM while the bathrooms are open 6 AM-4 PM.”
“Could even make a full loop if intended with the shared bike path, but we decided only to do the west bluffs and the interactive museum.”
“I love that it has both dirt trails and paved bike lanes which makes it convenient if you're on foot, bike, wheelchair, skateboard, etc.”
Plan your run at Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteocparks.com
- Phone(949) 923-2290
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.
Vista Point
4.8 ★★★★★ 240 reviews
Park featuring paved paths and scenic vistas along the Back Bay, plus wild birds.
TeWinkle Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,531 reviews
This 49-acre park with a lake offers play areas, ball fields, tennis courts & picnic shelters.
Upper Newport Bay State Marine Conservation Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 53 reviews
Scenic park with a one-way path popular for walking, driving, biking and hiking, plus a lake view.
Heller Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 127 reviews
Clean neighborhood park featuring a playground, swings and grassy areas for picnics.