It was early December, and I met up with a friend to hike one of our favorite local hikes Crystal Cove has so many great trails, and one of my favorite routes is the Red Route. It circles the park, traveling up No Dogs starting at the Ranger Station.
One of the drawbacks of a State Park like this, is the steep price tag for parking. I love my parks and beaches so having a pass is a no-brainer for me. It’s way better than paying $15 to park here, just to take one hike.
We started fairly early heading up the canyon. It was winter and fairly overcast, with some hints of blue sky peeking through, contrasting with the muted landscape. We discussed a skinny trail heading through the canyon, Rattlesnake, and the consensus was we would not be hiking there.
We headed up No Dogs, and made a right on Ticketron, on down along Deer Springs Trail, which we would connect to Bommer Ridge from.
The trail had early mustard in bloom since this year, summer hung around a little longer, and there was more rain, causing spring to begin sooner than usual. The trail was narrow and overgrown slightly, as we headed down into the canyon
The campground was empty as it has been every other time I have passed by here.
We decided to take Bommer on to Missing Link, a single track.
There were stunning views of Saddleback Mountain in the distance. I somehow enjoy the muted hues of winter landscapes here, absent bursts of bright green.
We had only been hiking for about 5 minutes, when we almost passed by a rattlesnake. My friend, up ahead of me, saw it first, and we backtracked a moment to assess the situation. I tried making noise with trekking poles. It was like he was frozen. I wanted to go back, the way we came and switch to Bommer. A mountain biker came along, and before we could argue proceeded to scare it off with his bike. The snake did not want to budge. Eventually he begrudgingly slithered away. I took it, he was weak, and sunning himself.
We headed down Missing Link and down into the canyon along Slow and Easy trail.
Once in the canyon, we were in the cool naturally air conditioned oak forest, surrounded by interesting rock formations, some of which have caves carved out of them.
But we did not want to go too easy on ourselves, so we headed back up Poles, to No Dogs for our route back.
Poles Trail is the true butt-kicker of a hike here in Crystal Cove, and great training. Why not double the gain for the hike?
All in all it was another fun day on the trail, and hiking is always better with friends.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Maps
Crystal Cove Perimeter Loop on Alltrails
About me
I’m Serafina! I’m a writer and California girl who loves to go exploring. Hope you will get outside today, breathe some fresh air, and be happy!
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Disclaimer: The work on this blog is my opinion and my opinion alone and I am not responsible for the outcome if someone were to apply these thoughts to their own life. All text and photography copyright 2024 by Serafina, all rights reserved. Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability. All readers’ usage of the ideas and opinions presented in the blog, are at their own risk. Be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, surfing, walking, cooking, and other activities, which may take place indoors or outdoors. By reading this, you agree not to hold the author or publisher of the content on this web site responsible for any injuries or inconveniences that may result from reading the blog, or partaking in any activity mentioned in the blog. Read the blog, and use its ideas, if you so desire, at your own risk.
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