Buck Gully Reserve

Visiting this park is like stumbling upon Orange County’s best-kept secret. Buck Gully's more than 250 acres of lush wilderness are tucked into a Newport Beach neighborhood and feature a stunning three-mile trail loop along the canyon.

Park Information

San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Beach, CA

The park is open daily between dawn and sunset. Street parking is available.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy and other organizations host interpretive programs year-round, including evening treks, yoga hikes, and naturalist walks.

Visit Website
949-644-3151

1200

acres of the Reserve's protected land

natural stream flows year-round

bridges that enhance the park's trails

More about Buck Gully Reserve

Talk about a hidden gem! Newport Beach is full of surprises, and experiencing this verdant oasis in the midst of one of the city’s foothill-adjacent neighborhoods tops the list. The crowning feature of Buck Gully Reserve is a three-mile trail that loops through the canyon, with access points in Corona del Mar and the Newport Coast. The trail—which got a comprehensive overhaul in 2020, enhancing its safety and accessibility—is a low-intensity favorite for hikers, with coastal views and a number of bridges.

You’ll find local residents getting their morning and evening workouts in, strolling families, and plenty of young people casually making their way through the canyon. Let the rippling sound of the year-round stream transport you, and while you’re soaking up the ocean vistas, keep your eyes peeled for mule deer, rabbits, and the graceful egrets that call Buck Gully home.

Choose your own adventure: Buck Gully's got the nature. How do you want to enjoy it?

Get wild! But do it respectfully.

: Expect the unexpected on your adventure. Tell a friend or family member where you are going and what time you plan to return, keep an eye on local weather reports, bring plenty of water, and carry emergency essentials with you. Some areas of the NROC do not have cell service, so you may not be able to rely on your smartphone for routing or communication. It’s smart to have a warm layer, rain jacket, and headlamp in your pack, along with means to stay hydrated and fueled beyond what you expect you’ll need, especially in the more remote areas of the Reserve.
: Each park within the NROC has its own activities, hours, and guidelines, all rooted in respect for the land. Before you visit, check out their site so there are no surprises.
: Nurturing the beauty of this nature is a communal effort—love your wild by taking nothing from the Reserve and leave no trace behind.
: You are bound to see some exciting wildlife on the Reserve, and we do mean wild. Respecting the animals’ space will ensure your safety and theirs.
: Though encountering them is rare, some larger or venomous animals could be threatening—the best thing to do is stay calm and be prepared. If you encounter a mountain lion, maintain eye contact, speak firmly, make yourself look larger, and slowly back away—do not crouch or run. If you see a snake on the trail, stop and give it space—most bites happen when people try to move or handle snakes. Walk around from a safe distance.

Ticks are also a natural part of Orange County’s wildlands, especially in grassy or brushy areas. Stay on designated trails, wear long sleeves and pants, and do a tick check after your hike. A little awareness goes a long way!
: We’ve got hundreds of miles of established trails—staying on them ensures your safety and minimizes disruption of the incredible habitats you’re exploring.
: E-bikes are great for urban settings. And hugely destructive for natural spaces. To ensure our habitats’ survival, e-bikes are not permitted on the Reserve.
: We love dogs, but even leashed pets disrupt natural habitats. Help us keep the Reserve’s ecosystems in balance by either leaving your dog(s) at home or making sure you bring them to a dog-friendly area of the Reserve. Find out more about the parks that welcome pets here.
: Take a few deep breaths instead! This safeguards the health of other visitors, prevents waste and wildfires, and protects our plant and animal life from pollution.