Are you ready for an adventure in Newport Beach? Look no further than Upper Newport Bay, one of the region’s most treasured recreational and environmental assets. With over 1,000 acres of protected estuary, the Bay is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike.
One of the best ways to explore this stunning region is by following the Back Bay Loop Trail, which offers an exciting opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to discover a magnificent regional trail experience.
This 10.5-mile trail is well-signed and winds around Upper Newport Bay, with scenic stops at places like Upper Castaways Park, the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, the new Back Bay Science Center at Shellmaker Island, and Big Canyon.
The Vista Point located on Eastbluff Drive serves as a great starting point for your journey on the Mountains to Sea Trail.
You can easily find parking spaces along the street and walk towards the Vista Point before turning right onto the trail.
The trail offers options for walking, biking, or using a scooter, allowing you to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area at your own pace.
The Back Bay Loop Trail also connects with the 22-mile Mountains to Sea trail, a National Recreational Trail that runs from Upper Newport Bay through Irvine past Peters Canyon Reservoir and into the rugged mountains of Weir Canyon north of Irvine Regional Park. With its multiple entry points, the Back Bay Loop Trail provides ample opportunities for scenic stops and visits to local nature and educational facilities.
The Mountains to Sea Trail is an exceptional trail system that traverses the 50,000 acres of protected open space on the historic Irvine Ranch. Through collaborative planning by various municipalities, the trail provides an opportunity for individuals of all ages and skill levels to discover and appreciate the impressive and diverse landscape of the region.
The trail stretches from Weir Canyon, through Irvine and Peters Canyon Regional Parks, past the historic Irvine Ranch agricultural headquarters, and the Katie Wheeler Library, following the San Diego Creek Channel to reach Upper Newport Bay.
This trail offers one of the most enjoyable ways to connect with the stunning network of urban parks, trails, and preserved natural lands in the nation.
But the Mountains to Sea Trail is more than just a journey through Newport Beach’s natural wonders.
The 22-mile National Recreation Trail also takes hikers and bikers through five different cities and a portion of unincorporated Orange County, providing an exhilarating change of scenery and topography with each step or pedal.
In conclusion, the Mountains to Sea Trail and Back Bay Loop Trail offer incredible opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore the natural beauty of the Newport Beach region. With multiple entry points and options for walking, biking, and using scooters, these trails cater to people of all ages and abilities.
The preserved open space on the historic Irvine Ranch provides a breathtaking backdrop for the trails, which were designed through a cooperative effort by various municipalities to showcase the region’s landscape.
Whether you’re a nature lover or just looking for a scenic workout, the Mountains to Sea Trail and Back Bay Loop Trail are must-visit destinations. So, lace up your shoes, hop on your bike, or grab a scooter and hit the trails to experience the best of Newport Beach’s outdoor recreation.
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