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

December 12, 2010 By Jeff Hester 4 Comments

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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.

Trail Map and Elevation Profile

© OpenStreetMap contributors
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Other Hikes in Crystal Cove

  • Crystal Cove Blue Route
  • Crystal Cove Red Route

Essential Crystal Cove State Park Resources

  • Crystal Cove State Park – Official Site
  • SoCal Hiker’s Inside Crystal Cove State Park
  • Crystal Cove Interpretive Center
  • Get the Parking Passport app to pay your day-use fees using your smartphone

Related

Filed Under: Trail Guides Tagged With: 3-6 miles, coastal, Crystal Cove, loop, moderate, Orange County

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Jeff H

About Jeff Hester

I'm an avid hiker and backpacker. My wife Joan and I are on the trails every weekend. I started SoCal Hiker to share my passion for outdoor adventure.

Comments

  1. Rita Myers says

    June 23, 2017 at 4:21 am

    Hi jeff,

    Great post and guide! We recently hiked Crystal Cove. Great experience I tell ya.

    Here’s the Trail report:http://datingwithnature.com/crystal-cove-hike/

    Reply
  2. Phoenix says

    December 29, 2019 at 8:10 am

    Before you head over, make sure the park is open. Here’s a link to find out…

    http://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/

    Reply

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About Jeff Hester

I created SoCal Hiker while preparing to thru-hike the John Muir Trail. My goal? Create guides for the best hiking trails throughout Southern California--and occasionally beyond. I personally hike each trail to create these guides, sharing practical advice on gear and outdoor skills. Read more...

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