It was a cool late afternoon in December as I headed over to the Buck Gully Trail in Corona Del Mar for a sunset hike. I had somehow managed to avoid exploring this short trail, driving past it numerous times, leaning more towards the long 9 mile Crystal Cove loop, or a calming hike along the beach there. Bustling and upscale, Corona Del Mar is a quaint coastal town, with expensive stores and eateries that always seems busy to me with traffic. The streets are packed with parked cars, and it is not the typical place you might think to get away from it all.
I made it to the trail after about 10 minutes of driving around looking for parking. I was careful to avoid parking on private roads, so I would not be ticketed, as the trailhead sits on one. The trail begins along a paved section, leading to a bridge over a stream, and then a gate, which was thankfully unlocked. Expect this trail to remain closed after a rain.
As I began walking along through Buck Gully, passing through the first gate, I noticed there was loud music blaring from a nearby home. In fact, homes were visible along all sides. I started to wonder how this hike was going to be, and remained positive.
Eventually, as the music faded behind me in the distance, I began to hear birds chirping, and I became enveloped in this cool shady and partially wooded canyon.
As I trodded along listening to the sound of the peaceful creek which flows alongside the trail, I felt like I was walking within a zen retreat of some sort.
I would pass through the woodland amid a path of fallen leaves, passing by trickling waterfalls as I walked along stream-side.
It was a fairly narrow trail through a coastal canyon, with densely packed vegetation.
There was just one main trail through the canyon, in addition to a side trail called Bobcat Trail, which branches off to the north side of the canyon.
On the day I visited here the rest of Orange County was under an air quality alert. The cool moist air along this trail was extremely refreshing, considering that, and the temperature in the canyon in the evening was much cooler than the surrounding air temperatures as well. It felt like I was hiking through a little spa oasis.
There would be a series of bridges of stream crossings throughout the hike, benches to take a rest upon, tree tunnels, and several spots to take a break within the shade.
There was a very gradual amount of gain along the way on this hike. My hike today was only about 4 miles to the signage by the powerpole, and back, although there is an extension that continues onto San Joaquin Hills Road, which I did not explore. I would also consider this a wonderful easy hike if you’re just starting to get into hiking and don’t want something that’s too technical or long.
I did hear several hawks while I was hiking here, plenty of songbirds and even heard an owl on the way back to the trailhead, which was super cool. I only heard him one time and could not locate where he was nested or resting in a tree, but my guess is on this tall pine over here. Also take note that the trail is gated and opened until desk so if your timing is not right, you make it locked out. My hike was 4 miles and it took one and a half hours to complete, which is about my standard pace for easy hikes like this Being 2.5 to 2.8 mph depending on how often I stop.
It was a Sunday evening in December, and I only saw about three groups of hikers along the way. It had rained just over a week ago yet was still a little bit muddy. I would recommend coming here well after a rain for that reason, yet on the other hand, rain does tend to pack down the dust which helps with allergies. I would also recommend not starting your hike any later than 3 PM during the winter months with less daylight since this hike will likely take you about an hour and a half to two hours depending on your pace.
Know Before Your Go
I did notice some tire tracks so I do believe cyclists will use this trail as well which is something to take note of since it is fairly narrow. This trail is known to be popular and crowded during peak times, so I recommend going during a more off peak time. Another issue of concern if you decide to visit here would be parking. There is very limited parking on the streets here in Corona Del Mar. On a weekday during work hours, there will likely be more spots available. The section of road in front of the trailhead is marked as a private road. There is another sign right next to it that says no parking on Monday morning. If you didn’t read both of the signs, you might have thought you were OK to park there. I parked about two blocks away, adding about .2 miles of mileage to my hike today.
I hope you enjoyed reading this, and it is helpful in knowing what to expect, should you decide to visit here.
Leave No Trace
Just be sure to come prepared and follow Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine for future hikers.
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!
Like and Subscribe to my Channel!
Follow my Journey @serafinabenjamin
Follow along on My Youtube Channel where I post videos!
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 2025 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.
Serafina Hikes 