Dana Point Headlands Trail

Hear are the details:

Meeting Time: 7am 

Meeting Place: We will meet at the church parking lot. Enter the parking lot from the church administration building on Red Oak Street, make a left and an immediate right to drive to the back parking lot where the tan portable buildings are located.

Trail Difficulty Rating: Easy, some inclines, some stairs, but mostly flat. 

Number of Miles: about 2 miles round trip. 

Total time: about 2 hours including resting.   

Weather: Check the weather and dress accordingly (weather.com). Layers work best as you may be cool or cold at the start and warm up as the hike progresses.  

Required Footwear: hiking shoes or good tennis shoes with support and tread.   

Required Gear: a LIGHT backpack or waist pack for your snacks and water, walking stick. Walking sticks help to navigate the steps. No heavy or dark clothing. You will want to stay cool. If you wear long sleeves make sure it is light breathable material.

A HAT, SUNGLASSES, AND SUNSCREEN ARE HIGHY RECOMMENDED!! Insect repellent is optional. 

Minimum Amount of Water to Bring: 2 bottles of water is enough. There is no public water.  As always never drink the stream water.   Minimum Amount of Food to Bring: sack lunch, fruit or energy snacks. There are restaurants, hotels  and stores in the immediate area but none very close to the trail. You will see some grocery and convenience stores on the drive into the nature center.

Hike Description (include terrain, destination, challenges, flora, fauna, and history):

We will be hiking at the Headland Preserve two weeks after the Festival of the Whales (http://danapointwhalewatching.com/festival-of-whales/). The Festival of Whales began 40 years ago as an annual seaside event in the town of Dana Point. The community and visitors celebrate the migration of the California Gray Whale and other species with ocean-theme events and activities with an emphasis on education and environmental responsibility. Hopefully we can see some whales from the bluffs. Bring your binoculars just in case. 

The Nature Interpretive Center at Dana Point contains one of the last undeveloped coastal promontories in Southern California, and consists of a steep coastal bluff that rises from the Pacific Ocean. The Preserve lies between Dana Point Harbor to the south and Strand Beach to the north.

This hike will be on a multi-use flat trail that is paved or dirt. Our hike will be about 2 miles long but has variations to it which are optional. The variations are the harbor overlook which is Very easy and the walk to the Strand Beach overlook (easy) or to the Strand Beach itself. The walk down to Strand beach is a very challenging hike which is about an additional half mile of switchback and stairs down to the ocean. We will try it but it is optional to those who wish to remain atop and cheer for us.

Can I bring my dog? NO

Directions: This drive will take 1 hour and 15 min. Dana Point is in Orange County We will meet and park at the  Nature Interpretive Center parking lot at 34558 Scenic Drive, Dana Point.  Take the 57 freeway to Santa Ana. Take the 5 South exit to Santa Ana. This freeway will take you toward  Dana Point. In Dana Point exit Crown Valley Parkway and Turn right. Go about 7-8 miles to the Pacific Coast Highway. Turn left on Pacific Coast and right on Green Lantern (small street). Green Lantern will become Scenic Drive. We will park at the interpretive center or along the street that is not marked in red at the curb.

Seven questions each participant must answer “yes” to before being allowed  on hike:  

1. Are you medically fit to participate in this hike?  

2. Are you bringing adequate food and water?  

3. Do you have the required footwear for this hike?  

4. Do you have the proper clothing for this hike?  

5. Do you have the proper gear for this hike?  

6. Did you prepare physically for this hike? 7

7. Are you free of Covid symptoms?  

In case of emergency: Dial 911   

Nearest medical facility: Mission Hospital 31872 Coast Highway - Laguna Beach, California 92651   

Phone: (949) 499-1311

Nearest law enforcement (name, phone number, directions, and time to reach):  Dana Point or Orange County Sheriff Dept : 911

Leaving early: If you must leave the hike early please tell me. If I think you’re lost, I’m going to call heaven, my prayer partners, Pastor John Matthews, all emergency services will be notified, most likely the hiking group will be calling their families telling them they are waiting for you and every angel in heaven will be on alert. We can avoid unnecessary stress, use of emergency personnel and heavenly time if you communicate. Emergency services are charged to people who unwisely use them.   

Special Conditions: As always beautiful scenery.

What happens when the weather does not co-operate: 

We will never go hiking in inclement weather (storms, lightning, thunder, possible flash floods, icy roads etc). Only God knows all things, my job is to do the best at planning a great trip. I will make all efforts to call and email you if we must postpone a date or change sites.