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trip 2.4 Buck Gully

Distance 5 miles (semiloop)

Hiking Time 2½ hours

Elevation Gain 600’

Difficulty Moderate

Trail Use Cyclists

Best Times All year

Agency City of Newport Beach

DIRECTIONS From the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in Newport Beach, turn northeast onto Poppy Avenue. Proceed 0.3 mile, and park on the street before 5th Avenue.

Lined by multimillion-dollar mansions on the adjacent ridges, Buck Gully Reserve was acquired in 2005 to protect a slice of open space in the San Joaquin foothills. Most verdant in winter and spring, the canyon is pleasant any time of year. The trail system was improved in 2013 to protect the rich coastal sage scrub ecosystem. Beware of the extensive stands of poison oak found near the trail.

The gated and signed Buck Gully Trail begins on the east side of Poppy Avenue just north of 5th Avenue. Descend the paved road to a sign marking the start of the dirt trail along the canyon. In 1.2 miles, pass the Bobcat Trail on the left, by which you will return. In another 0.8 mile, stay left at a fork where another dirt road climbs to Newport Coast Drive. The Buck Gully Trail soon veers north to meet San Joaquin Hills Road in 0.5 mile at a signed trailhead with no street parking.

To make a loop, turn left and follow the sidewalk west along the road. In 0.7 mile, join a paved trail leading to a gazebo with a compass rose. Transmission lines partially obscure the views of the mansions across the canyon. Don’t be lured down the gated road toward one of the transmission line towers. Instead, continue west and rejoin the sidewalk before reaching the signed Bobcat Trail in 0.2 mile near Harbor Watch Park. Benches at the trailhead provide a good place to rest and take in views of the canyon, Newport Bay, and the ocean.

Descend the Bobcat Trail, initially a powerline service road. At a fork, stay right on a narrower trail. In 0.6 mile, cross a footbridge to the signed junction with the Buck Gully Trail. Turn right and retrace your steps to the trailhead.

Lemonade berry