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Details
Distance
2.97 miles
Elevation Gain
30 ft
Route Type
Loop
Features
Wildflowers
Food Nearby
Romantic
Ada Accessible
Family Friendly
Easy Parking
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About this place
Added by Outbound
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is a 4.5 mile hike through the largest wetlands left in California. This hike is perfect for all skill levels.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Orange County and is near Huntington Beach. Just north of Bolsa Chica is Sunset Beach, with lots of great options for breakfast or lunch.
The parking lot has been known to fill up fast, so get there on the earlier side.
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Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Brad Hart
4/18/2026
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Melina Kust
2/26/2025
Beautiful after the winter rains. Calm place to see nature when you need some fresh air
Well Maintained
Not Crowded
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
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Melina Kust
2/26/2025
Not Crowded
Well Maintained
Amazing Views
Great Conditions
Well Marked
Report
Kevin Schoonhoven
2/2/2023
Beautiful spot for birding
This place is my absolute favorite place for bird watching/photography. Always a unique selection of migratory birds coming through the area so its a ...
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Jesse Heydorff
8/24/2020
Great Stroll with the Fam!
The Ecological Reserve also known as the wetlands is across PCH from Bolsa Chica State Beach. The paths in the wetlands are stroller friendly, ...
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Grant
7/15/2018
Family Fun
Nothing strenuous, but just a great way to push the kids around and have a great few hours. There are educational signs telling you ...
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