
Within the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks is the City of Newport Beach’s Buck Gully Reserve, a coastal canyon near the Pacific Ocean that’s a perfect starting point for summertime adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can begin their day connecting with the land out on the trails, exploring Buck Gully’s shrubland, grasslands and woodland areas. Then, head to Crystal Cove State Park for a quintessential summer day of surf, sand, and ocean breezes.
Buck Gully is open daily from dawn to dusk for self-guided access, offering nature lovers an opportunity to travel along trails at their convenience. Four bridges installed throughout the reserve in 2012 help visitors explore the area while keeping the native plants and animals safe. The vantages and views from the bridges are serene and peaceful, and allow trekkers to observe the stream that runs through Buck Gully year round. Hiking or biking along the trails and over the four bridges is a great way to work up a sweat before cooling off at Crystal Cove State Park. Click here to learn more about exploring Buck Gully and for a trail map of the reserve.
Visitors to Buck Gully can also enjoy guided hikes through the reserve, led by Irvine Ranch Conservancy on behalf of the City of Newport Beach. On Saturday, Sept. 10, trek across all four bridges in the reserve while observing the year-round stream and local wildlife during Bridges of Buck Gully. The docent-led hike kicks off at 8 a.m., leading visitors through a canopied single-track trail for 5 miles. Guided activities in Buck Gully are free and open to the public with required pre-registration. Click the title to learn more and register.
With more than 1,200 acres of shrubland, grasslands, and woodland areas, Buck Gully offers visitors a day of fresh air and exercise that can easily end in a well deserved visit to the beach! Buck Gully and Crystal Cove are open daily. Dogs are not allowed at Buck Gully Reserve. While dogs are allowed on leashes in the parking lots, campground and paved areas of Crystal Cove State Park, they are not allowed on backcountry trails and the beaches, so plan accordingly. All guided activities on the Landmarks are free and open to the public with required pre-registration; minors must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. For more information, click on the titles or locations above, or visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.