01
Best close-to-town escape
Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve (Back Bay Loop)
Newport Beach Back Bay • Coastal Wetlands Loop With Mellow Grades • Laid-Back Nature Walk With Big Sky Views
A flat to gently rolling loop skirting tidal wetlands, ideal for relaxed walks, birdwatching, and sunset light over the bay.
Just a short drive from Costa Mesa, the Back Bay Loop feels surprisingly wild given how close it is to busy streets and neighborhoods. Expect wide paths, long water views, and regular sightings of egrets, herons, and other shorebirds. It’s a go-to option when you want real nature with minimal elevation gain and plenty of room for strollers or casual walkers.
02
Best coastal-and-canyon combo
Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Canyon Area
Newport Coast • Blufftop And Inland Canyon State Park • Scenic Pick For Varied Terrain And Ocean Views
Loop hikes from the Moro Canyon trailheads climb from the beachside campground into open hills with sweeping Pacific panoramas.
Crystal Cove’s Moro area offers classic Orange County hiking: coastal air, wide-open chaparral, and ridgeline trails that look out over the water. You can choose anything from a short out-and-back in the canyon to longer loops that stack several climbs. It’s a solid choice for hikers who want a workout with postcard-worthy views and don’t mind some sun exposure.
03
Best for rolling singletrack
Bommer Canyon & Bommer Ridge
Irvine Open Space Preserve • Chaparral-Covered Ridges And Old Ranch Roads • Local Favorite For Moderate Hill Workouts
A network of trails winding through old ranch land and ridge tops, offering steady climbs, open views, and a quiet backcountry feel close to town.
Bommer Canyon sits just inland from Costa Mesa yet feels much farther away once you’re on the trail. The routes here feature gradual climbs, swooping descents, and long sightlines across the Irvine Ranch open space. It’s a nice middle ground for hikers who want more elevation than a coastal stroll but don’t need a full-day sufferfest.
04
Best canyon escape
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park – Laurel Canyon Area
Laguna Canyon • Rugged Canyons With Shaded Sections And Steep Pitches • Great For Moderate-To-Strenuous Half-Day Hikes
Steep, rocky trails climb from the canyon floor to ridgelines, mixing shaded sections with open, panoramic viewpoints over coastal hills.
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park packs a lot of variety into a fairly compact area, with narrow singletrack, occasional tree cover, and short but punchy climbs. From trailheads in Laguna Canyon, you can string together loops that feel adventurous without being remote. It’s a strong pick when you want something more rugged than the Back Bay but still manageable in a morning or afternoon.
05
Best evening and after-work loop
Peters Canyon Regional Park
East Orange Foothills • Reservoir-Side Park With Wide Dirt Roads • Popular Fitness Loop And Social Hike Spot
A mix of flat paths and a few steeper climbs around a reservoir, often busy with locals getting in a quick workout before or after work.
Peters Canyon is a bit more inland but still an easy drive from Costa Mesa, especially if you’re heading out in the evening. The main loop gives you a clear, straightforward circuit with options to add or subtract hills depending on your energy level. Expect company—this is a well-loved spot for walkers, runners, and casual hikers who like a defined route and open sightlines.