If you’re looking for a peaceful outdoor escape without leaving the beautiful coastal community of Corona del Mar, Buck Gully Trail is one of those local gems worth discovering. Tucked between residential neighborhoods, this scenic canyon feels surprisingly removed from the busy streets and coastline just minutes away.

The City of Newport Beach describes the Buck Gully system as a protected coastal canyon with the main Buck Gully Trail at approximately 2.55 miles and the Bobcat Trail at about 0.68 miles. The trail winds through a natural canyon with bridges, native vegetation, wildlife, and a seasonal creek. 

What to Expect on the Trail

Buck Gully is generally considered an easy-to-moderate hike and is a great choice for walking, jogging, or getting outside for an hour or two. You’ll encounter shaded canyon sections, narrow dirt paths, bridges and some gradual elevation changes.

There are a few ways to enjoy it. You can hike the main trail as an out-and-back, turn around before reaching the upper section for a shorter outing, or incorporate Bobcat Trail for a loop-style route. The longer route continues toward San Joaquin Hills Road, where you can connect to nearby sidewalks and enjoy views of the surrounding hills and coastline. 

What to Bring

You don't need a lot of gear, but a few basics will make the experience more enjoyable:

• Water
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A hat
• Light snacks for a longer hike
• A light layer, especially in the morning
• Your phone for photos and navigation

After rain, some areas can become muddy, so proper footwear is a good idea. 

Where to Park

One of the most common starting points is near 872 Poppy Avenue, where street parking is available in the surrounding residential neighborhood. Another option is the Buck Gully Staging Area near 801 Marguerite Avenue, which provides access to the trail system. 

Because parking is primarily residential or limited, it's best to arrive earlier and be respectful of neighborhood driveways and residents.

What’s Around Buck Gully?

One of the best things about Buck Gully is its location. You can combine a hike with practically a full Corona del Mar day.

After your walk, head toward Pacific Coast Highway for coffee, lunch, shopping and local treats. The Corona del Mar Village has boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and cafés, while nearby Corona del Mar Plaza offers additional shopping and dining options. 

Beaches, Views, & Entertainment

A Buck Gully outing pairs perfectly with a trip to the coast. Little Corona Del Mar Beach is just down Poppy Avenue and is known for its small sandy cove, rocky shoreline and tide pools.

For a larger beach experience, Corona del Mar State Beach offers sand, swimming, picnic areas, volleyball and other beach amenities. 

You can also stop at or explore the ocean views around the Corona del Mar bluffs. For shopping and entertainment, Fashion Island and the surrounding Newport Center area are only a short drive away.

The Neighborhood Around It

Buck Gully is especially interesting because of the contrast between nature and real estate. The canyon is surrounded by established Corona del Mar neighborhoods featuring everything from charming older cottages and bungalow-style homes to remodeled residences, luxury properties and impressive ocean-view homes. The trail gives you a different perspective on just how close these beautiful homes are to open natural space.

That combination — coastal homes, canyon trails, beaches, restaurants and shopping all within a few minutes of each other — is what makes Corona del Mar such a desirable part of  Newport.

See Buck Gully in Action

For a quick visual look at the trail and the surrounding area, check out this Facebook Reel:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1007148112083254 

Buck Gully is a great reminder that you don't always have to drive far to find nature. Sometimes, one of Orange County's best little adventures is hidden right in the middle of one of its most beautiful coastal neighborhoods.

Love the Corona del Mar area and interested in learning more about the neighborhood? Whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply curious about the local market, feel free to reach out and send me a message. I'd be happy to help!

📲 Erica Johnson
📞 (714) 248-2036
📧 HomesbyEricaJ@gmail.com
🏷️ RE/MAX TerraSol — DRE 01912397