Landmark Spotlight: Buck Gully Reserve

Nestled within the sprawling Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks, Buck Gully Reserve is one of Newport Beach’s hidden gems. Spanning 300 acres of coastal canyon, this lush escape features a year-round stream that nourishes vibrant riparian zones and coastal sage scrub. The result is a dynamic habitat full of life–from graceful egrets to energetic rabbits. 

Buck Gully Reserve offers nearly five miles of well-maintained trails perfect for hiking and biking, with stunning ocean views along the way. In partnership with the City of Newport Beach, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) has enhanced the experience over the years, including the installation of bridges in 2012 and a comprehensive trail overhaul in 2020, ensuring safe and enjoyable adventures for everyone. Whether you’re out for a leisurely hike, a bike ride with loved ones or simply soaking in the breathtaking coastal vistas, Buck Gully Reserve welcomes nature enthusiasts daily from dawn until dusk. 

For those looking to engage more deeply with this remarkable landscape, consider joining one of the upcoming guided hikes or volunteer restoration events with IRC. If you’d like to experience the reserve’s scenic beauty firsthand, join the Bridges of Buck Gully Hike on Tuesday, March 4 for a journey through the canyon’s stunning bridges and viewpoints. For a more challenging adventure, the Buck Gully Loop Hike on Tuesday, March 18 will take participants through the length of the canyon, with a stop at Canyon Watch Park for breathtaking coastal views. The Fourth Friday Habitat Restoration in Buck Gully on Friday, March 28 offers an opportunity to help improve wildlife habitats by planting native species and removing non-native plants.

Step into nature, enjoy the coastal air and discover the beauty that Buck Gully Reserve has to offer!