Mach One and El Moro Canyon

Meeting time: 7:00am 

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.

Parking Fee: $20 for parking pass

Trail Difficulty Rating: Although this trail is fairly easy to walk on, it is considered moderately challenging. You'll by walking up a steady incline for the first mile and half of the 3.8 mile hike with a few short but steep hills. The dirt trail, with some rocky gravel sections, is wide in most areas. If you have difficulty balancing you should bring a walking stick.   

Weather: Check the weather and dress accordingly. Dress in leayers as you may be cool or cold at the start and warm up as the hike progresses.  

Required Footwear: Tennis shoes with good tread or hiking boots!   

Required Gear: a LIGHT backpack/camel pack water, sun block, sunglasses and a hat. Don’t forget your camera. The wilderness views are awesome!

Can I bring my dog on this trip? Dogs are NOT allowed in the back country hiking trails where we will be.  Coyotes are native to the area.

Minimum Amount of Water to Bring: 2-3 bottles is enough.   

Minimum Amount of Food to Bring: Healthy snacks - nuts, tangerines/fruit, peanut butter crackers, energy snacks, etc.

Hike Description (include terrain, destination, challenges, flora, fauna, history)  The trail begins and ends at the El Moro Visitor Center just north of the Crystal Cove State Park Campground. There is a parking fee here. This 3.8-mile loop provides hikers with great views of the canyon and coastline as you climb 597 feet in elevation. It's a steady incline for the first mile and a half but then easier after that. The trail is shared by hikers and mountain bikers. Squirrels, rabbits, snakes and coyotes are native to the area. No worries. I'm told snakes and coyotes will want to stay away from you just as you would want to stay away from them. So remember to stay on the trail! See what the All Trails app description has to say about this hike.

Hike Driving Direction (include mileage, landmarks, turns)  The Crystal Cove State Park is located on Pacific Coast Highway. We wil take the 15 south to the 91 west to the 55 south. Exit MacArther and turn left and continue about 8 miles to PCH. At PCH turn left and continue to the traffic light School-State Park. Turn left and follow the road to visitor center parking lot. 

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. Are you free of Covid-19 symptoms?  

In case of emergency  Nearest medical facility: Hoag hospital , One Hoag Drive, P.O. Box 6100,Newport Beach, CA 92658-6100 Phone: 949/764-4624  

Appropriate State Park, Forest Service, National Park or local jurisdiction:  Crystal Cove State Park Ranger Station at (949) 494-3539 

Nearest law enforcement / Fire (name, phone number, directions, and time to reach):  Newport Police and Fire 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, your family will be called, 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 personal 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.