Weekend Wanderer

Jenifer Ragland

When most people think of Crystal Cove, they probably conjure up

images of big ocean waves crashing on the rocky shoreline or the

pristine, usually uncrowded beach between here and Laguna.

But there is another side of Crystal Cove that is just waiting to be

explored. More than 2,000 acres of virtually untouched wilderness in the

state park is at the fingertips of any hiker, mountain biker or

equestrian who can scrounge up a mere $6 for parking. More than 20 miles

of hiking and biking trails crisscross chaparral canyons and lead to

spectacular viewpoints and secluded coves.

I experienced the magnificence Crystal Cove has to offer in the first

of what will no doubt be regular moonlight hikes. Rangers at the state

park organized the Friday evening event, putting notices in local

newspapers and thinking that they may be able to get 25 or so people to

come out and enjoy the trails lighted only by the full moon.

Close to 100 turned up, sporting comfortable shoes and fleece

sweatshirts, eagerly toting flashlights and bottled water. Most of them

said they had never even been back in the vast network of well-groomed

trails, but chose the moonlight hike because it just seemed like fun.’

The leaders of the hike weren’t even sure what to do because there was

no way one lone trained guide could handle so many people. Luckily, a few

of the park’s docents -- volunteers who know the park well and lead hikes

during the day -- had showed up, ready to help.

They took those who didn’t have reservations for the hike and the rest

of us followed in smaller groups. The park’s staff handled the unexpected

situation very well, and everyone who wanted to hike was able to go.

Jan Cogar, who has been a docent at the park for the past two years,

led our group. She started off by saying how grateful she is that Crystal

Cove exists, especially considering the rapidly developing Newport Coast

housing projects that surround the park’s borders. After a brief

introduction and quick history of the park, we began.

The moon had yet to come up but the sun had just set, so we had no

problems navigating our way up the slightly steep hill in the soft dusk

lighting.

Cogar, holding a flashlight that led the way, pointed out and

explained the different native plants that line the trail. There were

coyote bushes, stinky gourd plants and purple nightshade. There are also

nonnative plants, such as artichoke thistle, that have to be eradicated

occasionally with controlled burns, she said.

As we continued up the trail, we got farther and farther from any

signs of civilization. Chirping crickets replaced the roar of busy

streets and, aside from an occasional airplane, there was nothing but the

silence of nature.

It’s neat to be out here,” said Newport Beach resident Anne Ventura,

whose husband, Frank, toted their 18-month-old grandson, Jackryan, on his

back. It’s so beautiful.”

Monica Schafer, 25, of Costa Mesa, said she decided to go on the hike

after a friend told her about it.

It’s the perfect thing to do on a Friday night, when you usually just

end up sitting on the couch,” she said. I never even knew all of this was

back here.”

When the full moon rose above the hill’s ridgeline in all its glory,

the hikers gasped in awe-filled ooohs.”

The trek took about two hours, and included some semidifficult uphills

as well as some tricky downhills. Overall, it was a good workout, an

educational experience and a great way to escape the fast-paced Southern

California lifestyle and get in touch with nature.

And for those who prefer the beach, Crystal Cove is among the best.

The state park includes paved bike trails along the ocean and wooden

stairways and pathways that lead to the sand.

There, you can ride bikes on the beach, walk in the surf, explore

tidal pools and view the 1920s-era cottages that line the coast. The

beach cottages are on the National Register of Historic Places. The more

adventurous can also take advantage of the area’s prime scuba diving and

snorkeling, although the park does not organize those activities.

For more information on hikes offered throughout the year, call (949)

494-3539.

WHAT: Crystal Cove State Park

WHERE: Between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach

WHERE TO PARK: For beach section, use parking lots at Reef Point, Pelican

Point or Los Trancos. For canyon side, use El Morro parking lot near the

ranger station

HOW MUCH: Free, with a $6 charge for all-day parking

PHONE: (949) 494-3539