Crystal ice plants

Text and photography copyright 2010 by David W. Lockeretz, all rights reserved.  Information and opinions provided are kept current to the best of the author’s ability.  All readers hike at their own risk, and should be aware of the possible dangers of hiking, walking and other outdoor activities.  The author does not take any responsibility for injuries sustained during hikes or walks on the routes described here.   Check the informational links provided for up to date trail condition information.

Dana Point Sea Caves

• Location: Dana Point.  From I-5, take the Pacific Coast Highway exit.  Go 1.3 miles west and take a left on Dana Harbor Drive and go 1.3 more miles to the end.  From the south,
• Agency:  Ocean Institute
• Distance: 1.4 miles
• Elevation gain: level
• Suggested time: 1 hour
• Difficulty rating: PG
• Best season: All year, during low tide (see chart here)
• USGS topo map: “Dana Point”
• More information: here
• Rating: 6

If none of the ten Halloween hikes I posted earlier work for you this weekend, consider this short but challenging trip to the sea caves of Dana Point.  Between the caves and the area’s history as a filming locale for pirate movies, there’s a lot of intrigue on this hike.

From the parking area, descend a staircase to the beach and head westward along the rocks.  If the tide is low, progress shouldn’t be too tough, but as always, be careful when you’re walking across this kind of terrain.  On your left are great views of the ocean and on your right are the bluffs, with interesting geology and flora, including crystal ice plants.

After half a mile or so, you come to the first sea cave.  Shortly beyond that is the second, which has two entrances.  You may be able to scramble through the smaller one, which comes first, but if not, go a little farther to the larger entrance.  The cave is large enough that you should be able to stand comfortably inside it.  Here, you’ll get a unique view of the ocean.  This makes a good turnaround point, but if the tide is low and you feel confident in your rock-scrambling abilities you can head farther down the coast to the Strand Beach.

When you get back to the parking lot, make sure to check out the replica of the Pilgrim, the boat which Richard Henry Dana described in Two Years Before the Mast.  If you enjoyed this hike, be sure to check out the similar sea caves farther north along the coast, near Corona Del Mar.