Best Hiking Trails, Laguna Beach, CA
Hiking Laguna's Boat Ridge adds Value to a Budget Beach Vacation
Nov 20, 2008
While the term “best” is certainly subjective, few people would argue that the hike down Boat Road Trail in the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park is not some of the most spectacular hiking near Laguna Beach. The hiker can access Boat Road Trail by way of the Laguna Bowl Trailhead just past the Festival of the Arts on Laguna Canyon Road. A steep ascent—very steep at times—up a graded fire road leads to a distinct point on Bommer Ridge identified on hiking maps as Point 912. The hiker then turns onto Boat Canyon Road at the well-signposted intersection of Boat Canyon Road and Bommer Ridge Road.
Southeast Boundary of Crystal Cove State Park Where Wilderness Camping is Possible
From the top of Boat Road Trail, the hiker can pick out Moro Ridge to the far right. The canyon that separates Boat Ridge and Moro Ridge is called Emerald Canyon. Moro Ridge is the dividing line between the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park and Crystal Cove State Park. For the vacationing family who likes to camp, there are two wilderness campsites on Moro Ridge (permits available at the Crystal Cove State Park visitor center). The ridge to the left (southeast) of Boat Ridge is Water Tank Ridge.
A Diversity of Chaparral Flora and Fauna and Dramatic Canyon and Mountain Views
Boat Road Trail descends from Bommer Ridge through varied terrain and a diversity of chaparral vegetation. The birding can be particularly good along this section of trail, and the views of the surrounding canyons are stunning. Looking over his or her shoulder, the trail hiker is treated to dramatic views of the inland mountains.
The Boat Road Trail reaches a low point (600 feet) on the ridge and then begins a gradual climb to the summit of Guna Peak (702 feet). The views down into Emerald Canyon are spectacular, and while the hiker may be tempted to hike into the canyon, the ocean side of the canyon is gated by a 16-foot private community gate.
View from Guna Peak Makes Boat Road Trail Best Hiking Trail in Laguna Beach
Once the summit of Guna Peak is gained, the hiker is rewarded with what most agree is the best view in the entire Laguna Coast Wilderness Park. Guna Peak is oft referred to as the crown jewel of this Laguna Beach park, although it’s interesting to note it did not become part of the park until 2000.
Continuing beyond the summit proper, the hiker reaches the site of a large buried reservoir (the Louis J. Zitnik Reservoir). There are benches, an interpretive marker and a commanding view. Looking southeast toward Dana Point and northwest to Newport Harbor and the distant Palos Verde Peninsula is the just reward for any person undertaking this Laguna Beach hiking trail.
Views of Hortense Miller Botanical Gardens from Boat Spur Trail
To finish the hike, the hiker returns to the summit of Guna Peak and takes the Boat Spur trail down the ridge into Boat Canyon. Remarkable views of Boat Canyon make the descent pleasant, and, across Boat Canyon, the hiker can see the site of the famous Hortense Miller Botanical Garden at the top of Allview Terrace. Boat Spur eventually terminates at a gate at the end of Dartmoor Avenue. From there, the hiker can descend Dartmoor to Hillcrest, turn left and follow Hillcrest back toward the village of Laguna Beach.
The entire hike is about three and one-half miles with an additional mile and one-half of pleasant walking through neighborhood streets and the village to return to the Laguna Bowl Trailhead.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
