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Red Tail and Rattlesnake Loop

Distance: 5.8 miles

Time: 2-3 Hours

Total Climbing: 1000 feet

Difficulty: Moderate

Crowds: Moderate

Dogs: No Dogs

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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.

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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

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

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.

Related Guides

Crystal Cove Best of Hike – This best of Crystal Cove hike takes you on a loop trail offering pristine coastal nature, ocean views, and well marked trails. You'll take in the endangered native coastal sage scrub plant wilderness, which is how the area looked before it was developed, and then hike to heights where you'll be able to see from the San Gabriel Mountains to Catalina. This hike is one of my favorites.

Crystal Cove Red Route Hike – The Crystal Cove red route is the toughest hike that the park recommends, calling it 'a strenuous loop hike around the permitter of the park.' The hike doesn't include a big mountain climb, but rather is a series of ups and downs through pristine native coastal scrub, a rarity in Southern California. The red route is well marked and easy to follow, there are bathrooms along the way, and it offers lots of opportunities for wildlife spotting and expansive ocean views.

El Moro Canyon Loop Trail – The El Moro Canyon Loop Trail might be the perfect hike in Crystal Cove State Park. It's not too long, offers a bit of climbing, and showcases the incredible ocean views that Crystal Cove is famous for. My version of the hike offers the easiest parking and cuts off a section along the road.

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