Tag Archives: OC

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Salt Creek Trail Western Route

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LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIFORNIA

Activity: Day Hike

Date: October 28, 2019

Distance 6.1 miles, 705’ elevation change, duration 2+ hours, rated Easy

We left from the Salt Creek Beach Park pay parking lot near the Laguna Niguel Ritz Carlton, which by the way- I think is a magnificent hotel, and the location perched on top of a cliff with the sparking blue pacific, tide pools, and a golden beach which boasts blue-green waters like you generally don’t see in California. The view is simply breathtaking, the location is unmatched.

We took the road that is just to the North of the Ritz Carlton property which runs beside a charming green belt little park like area until you reach the beach. We turned north and along this path is were you will join the Salt Creek Trail, which is part of OC Parks.

As I said, Salt Creek is really a marvelous beach with a nice little break and the water is so crystal clear that the colors are really different from most SoCal beaches. It is a splendid spot to spend the day. But we were here for a hike to not only take in the sights, but to stretch our legs, breath some fresh air, and enjoy.

This trail is used by walkers, bikers, and joggers. It’s main purpose would be for local residents to gain access to the nature of the little canyon, which it runs through, but also the beach. It runs past the Monarch Beach Resort and it’s golf resort, which adds to the beauty of the locale with it’s green links, reedy marsh area and exquisite landscaping. This outing is what I would refer to as a urban hike. I am all about wilderness, but in order to be ready for wilderness hikes and backpacking adventure you have to work your way up and this is a great way to do it, especially with views like those of Salt Creek.

Once I completed my trek up the Salt Creek Trail and back down I of course needed to spend some time out on that beautiful beach so I hiked along Monarch Beach, Salt Creek Beach, and Dana Strand Beach.

Views of Monarch Beach
  • Views of Salt Creek Beach
  • Monarch Beach Golf Resort
  • Big broad trail
  • “Road Runner the coyote’s after you, Road Runner if he catches you your through…”
  • Saddle Back off in the distance.
  • This is the top of the trail, so if you don’t want to hike both ways perhaps get dropped off at this restaurant.
Move the body, still the mind.

Always good to go for a walk and the starting point and the ending point awwwwesommmee… Thanks for joining us for this outing, lots more to come so come on COMMENT, LIKE, SHARE and FOLLOW. Checkout the menu above for the many different places that ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ explores. They are all separate sites and thus need to be followed individually. Why not get a hat or a shirt at SHOP APPAREL? Until next time.

Happy Trails,

Roger Jenkins, ’Pursuing Balance Through Adventure

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Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve loop

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Newport Beach

Activity: Day Hike

Date: 9-17-19

Distance 5.2 miles, 230’ elevation change, 2.5 hours hiking time, rated Easy

The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve Loop is a nice way to spend a morning or afternoon. It is a great outing for those in the area, a way to stretch your legs, get some miles in, train for more aggressive hikes, and just to get out doors in some open space. On the bluffs surrounding much of Newport Beach’s Back Bay are nice homes, so you certainly are not out in the wilderness, which is what I enjoy the most, but like I said it is great for a local, easy, nice stroll along the back bay, saltwater marsh, mudflat, upland tidal area with it’s ebb and flood.

Some of the path is roadway, other parts are trail. This area is enjoyed by cyclists, joggers, hikers, bird watchers and even some horse lovers. Everything is well marked, and there are informative signs along the way on birds and wildlife, the area and it’s importance, and natural flora.

Along this route is the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Interpretive Center which is definitely worth a look.

  • Great Blue Heron
Informative Signage along the way.
“An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – Henry David Thoreau 

Thanks for joining me ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ Orange County Hiking as I unwind with a delightful walk along Newport Beach’s Back Bay. If you are looking for great little hikes in the OC this is the place to be, no matter if you just want to get outside, or if you are training for an upcoming epic adventure in the wilderness. If you look at the menu above you will see that there are many areas of the West for you to checkout. Even though they are all PBTA sites they all need to be FOLLOWED individually. Speaking of which please FOLLOW, LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE, and if you are going to be out in nature, working out or even just lounging you will need apparel for that. Check out the ‘Pursuing Balance Through Adventure’ SHOP APPAREL site for top quality logo gear which will help support this endeavor of finding one’s self through impactful adventures in nature and find some balance in your life to counter act the crazy work a-day world in which we live.

Happy Trails-

Roger Jenkins, Pursuing Balance Through Adventure