Boat Road/Boomer Ridge Trail/Emerald Canyon Loop

Activity: Day Hike

Date: July 7, 2019

Distance: 8.5 miles, 1,632’ elevation change, 4 hour duration, rated Moderate

This particular hike in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park was all about the view, location, location, location as they say in real estate.  This real estate has a million dollar view, with a striking vista of Main Beach in Laguna, but really all of Laguna and beyond.

I started my hike late in the morning and the summer air was cool in the 60’s due to the marine layer that burned of within an hour.  This whole area of different trails rambles through rolling hills and canyons.  They are all somewhat similar and they are all really nice.  But it is always fun taking a trail for the first time. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is a great place for a hike and as a training ground for other more strenuous hikes.

When I was researching what hike I wanted to do one site actually called this hike ”strenuous” and also pegged it at another thousand feet of elevation gain.  While this hike has some mileage to it and a couple fairly steep climbs it is definitely moderate.  I think some people measure all elevation gains not just from the low point to the high point, and this hike is different in that it has two different climbs and descents.

This whole area has great hikes, but Boat Road has a stunning view that makes it a must do.  Make sure that you take the little side trip to Spur Ridge, (refer to the trail map), which has great views and a commemorative bench to Joseph R. Sweany.  Sit down take a load off and take it all in before getting back on Boat Road and heading back down.  I guess it is boat road because I could see plenty of sailboats on the horizon, as well as motor yachts anchored in the coves.

The trail head for this hike is in a neighborhood at Gate 14.

The trails in this area are shared by hikers, trail runners and mountain bikers.  I have not seen any horses in this area.

The hike goes down into the canyon which is greener, and has some nice oaks and other trees to provide some shade which is a nice break from the full sun.