No Dogs to Poles to Moro Canyon Loop in Crystal Cove State Park

This moderate 3 mile loop trail in Crystal Cove State Park used to be known as the Green Loop. Now maps at the visitor center don’t name it that, but color code it as blue to designate it as a moderate hike. This loop begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center. It travels across a variety of terrain and gives you a good feel for the interior of Crystal Cove State Park.

Trail Details

Distance: 2.9 miles
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 550 ft
Dogs: No
Parking: $15

The hike begins by climbing up No Dogs to No Name Ridge. Just before the one mile marker, turn right and head down Poles — so named because it follows the line of power poles. This trail is steep and footing can be tricky with the loose gravel. In fact, trekking poles would actually be useful here.

At the bottom of Poles, head right down Lower Moro Canyon.

Stay on the main trail down through Lower Moro Canyon, turning right after you cross the footbridge. Climb up the hill back to the parking lot and the visitor center.