Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop
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Hikes In and Around Orange County

Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated January 18, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance
5.8 miles
Time
2-3 Hours
Total Climbing
1000 feet
Difficulty
Moderate
Crowds
Moderate
Dogs
No Dogs
Gear
What I Use
Weather
Latest Report
Park
Crystal Cove State Park

The Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop is a fun and off-the-beaten path hike in Crystal Cove State Park that you can find me on every week. It offers incredible ocean views and a secluded single track through native wilderness, including endangered coastal sage scrub.

Where is the Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop?

Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead Map
Unlike other hikes in Crystal Cove SP that require an entrance fee, this hike starts at a free entrance at the Pacific Ridge Trailhead by Coastal Peak Park.

Use this trailhead address:
Pacific Ridge Trailhead, Ridge Park Rd, Newport Beach, CA 92657

Parking is free.

Rattlesnake Ridge Trailhead Parking
The hike starts in the upper right. You can park along the street. The lower left circle is a bathroom with water refill.

Gear Recommendations

In the summer this hike can get very hot, and you'll want at least 1L of water. Otherwise this is a pretty straightforward shorter hike, wear fitness clothing or light hiking gear. I use trail runners on these dirt trails. Not all areas have cell service.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop Trail Maps

Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 6
The trail junctions in the park all have this handy map. The red circle / rivet are your current location.
Click to activate map
CalTopo
Print Map, Work With It Yourself
GPX
Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Hike Directions

Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 2
Make a right at the trailhead onto the Pacific Ridge Trail.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 3
Continue toward the ocean and enjoy the views.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 4
Keep straight at the trail junction with the Tickertron Trail. You're now officially in Crystal Cove State Park.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 5
At the next right, known as the West Cut Across, make the left. Older maps reference this as the Mach One trail.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 1
Shortly after the last turn, make the left onto the Rattlesnake Trail.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 7
There's an eroded trench, climb through or jump.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 8
At the top of the climb bear left. To the right the trail dead-ends.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 9
Follow the Rattlesnake Trail along the ridge.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 10
At the junction of the Tickertron Trail, keep straight. The trail name changes to Red Tail Ridge.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 11
At the end of the trail, make the left onto Bommer Ridge Trail.
Rattlesnake Trail Red Tail Hike 12
Shortly after that you'll return to the start.

Originally published April 2, 2024