Buck Gully Reserve
A serene natural canyon reserve in Newport Beach offering hiking and biking trails amidst lush vegetation and a year-round stream.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Buck Gully Reserve
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural canyon reserve in Newport Beach offering hiking and biking trails amidst lush vegetation and a year-round stream.
"A beautiful trail, peaceful and nice neighborhood area to park, pretty amazing deep cove with steep mountains."
Park Smartly
Park at Newport Coast Shopping Center to avoid residential parking issues. :car:
Hydrate First
Utilize the Starbucks restroom at the shopping center before your hike. :toilet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Canyon Trails
Throughout the reserve
Wander through lush vegetation, trees, and a year-round stream on well-maintained paths.
Panoramic Views
Top of the trail
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Newport Beach harbor and the seascape.
Wildlife Spotting
Various locations
Keep an eye out for local fauna, including snakes and birds, in this natural habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tranquility
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Park Smartly
Park at Newport Coast Shopping Center to avoid residential parking issues. :car:
Hydrate First
Utilize the Starbucks restroom at the shopping center before your hike. :toilet:
Watch for Webs
Be aware of overhead spiderwebs, especially on less-trafficked trails. :spider:
Beginner Friendly
This trail is great for beginners; start slow and build confidence. :runner:
Tips
from all over the internet
Park Smartly
Park at Newport Coast Shopping Center to avoid residential parking issues. :car:
Hydrate First
Utilize the Starbucks restroom at the shopping center before your hike. :toilet:
Watch for Webs
Be aware of overhead spiderwebs, especially on less-trafficked trails. :spider:
Beginner Friendly
This trail is great for beginners; start slow and build confidence. :runner:
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing their habitat. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Buck Gully Reserve for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful natural scenery, and well-maintained trails suitable for various fitness levels. It's considered a hidden gem for a relaxing hike or bike ride, offering lovely views and a chance to connect with nature. Some minor drawbacks include potential spiderwebs and parking considerations for nearby residents.
"Not crowded at all. Out and back Trail. Watch out for overhead spider webs and spiders. I don’t recommend kids on this trail, but to each his/her own. Nice easy trail. Peaceful. Nice neighborhood area to park however I feel bad for residents dealing with the foot or car traffic. I live near a visited area and parking is and could be an issue. Overall pretty clear of trash."
PJ
"Are you looking for a good hiking spot?
Not used to hiking? No problem. Start slow and build your confidence. This is a good beginner hike.
Hiking with a group is a great way to not get lost on the trails lol 🤣🥾
It’s a beautiful trail.
.
Tip:
Newport Coast Shopping Center - park there and walk to the trail
Starbucks (use the bathroom before hike)
21181 Newport Coast Dr
Newport Coast, CA 92657"
Michele Leocadio
"Pretty amazing deep cove with steep mountains, lush growth and trees with a nice stream in the middle with miles and miles of paths which are bike and people friendly. At the top of the trail you can panoramic views of the Newport Beach harbor and a wonderful view of the seascape. Trails range from easy to difficult."
Shariff X
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Buck Gully Reserve is located in Newport Beach, California. A recommended access point is to park at the Newport Coast Shopping Center (21181 Newport Coast Dr, Newport Coast, CA 92657) and walk to the trailhead. This helps alleviate parking concerns for local residents.
While direct public transport to the reserve's trailheads might be limited, you can likely take an Uber or Lyft to the Newport Coast Shopping Center, which is a convenient starting point for your hike.
Street parking near the reserve can be limited and may inconvenience residents. Parking at the Newport Coast Shopping Center is a widely recommended alternative.
Yes, the trails are described as bike-friendly, so cycling to the reserve is an option if you're coming from a nearby area.
Yes, the reserve offers guided interpretive walks, which can provide valuable insights into the local flora, fauna, and history. Check with local conservancy groups for schedules.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Buck Gully Reserve is a natural preserve and generally offers free access to its trails. There are no specific tickets required for entry.
The reserve is typically open daily, providing 7-day access to its trails. It's always a good idea to check local park advisories for any temporary closures or changes.
No advance booking is necessary for general visits to Buck Gully Reserve. You can visit anytime during its open hours.
While generally open, it's advisable to be aware of any posted regulations regarding pets, fires, or specific trail usage to ensure a positive experience for all visitors and the environment.
Yes, Buck Gully Reserve is great for a quick visit, especially if you're looking for a peaceful walk or a short hike. The out-and-back trail structure makes it easy to manage your time.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Buck Gully Reserve features a variety of trails, including out-and-back routes, deep coves with steep mountains, and paths suitable for both hikers and bikers. Trails range from easy to difficult, catering to different fitness levels.
Absolutely! Buck Gully Reserve is highly recommended for hiking, offering a beautiful natural setting with lush growth, trees, and a stream. It's considered a good beginner hike.
Yes, the trails are described as bike-friendly, though it's noted that bikes should ideally travel in one direction while hikers can go either way.
The reserve is home to various wildlife, including Pacific gopher snakes, birds, and potentially bobcats. Camera traps are used to monitor activity.
Restrooms are not directly within the reserve itself. It's recommended to use facilities at nearby locations like the Newport Coast Shopping Center before your hike.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the 'fields of gold' during certain seasons, the lush canyon greenery, the year-round stream, and panoramic views from the top of the trail. Wildlife sightings also make for unique shots.
Yes, with its diverse vegetation, stream, and potential for wildlife encounters, Buck Gully Reserve offers excellent opportunities for nature photography.
Mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light for photography. The shaded trails can also offer unique lighting conditions during midday.
Drone usage regulations can vary by park and local ordinances. It's best to check with the City of Newport Beach or relevant authorities before flying a drone in the reserve.
The top of the trail offers panoramic views of the Newport Beach harbor and the seascape, making it a prime spot for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers & Nature Lovers
🚴♂️ Mountain Bikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Buck Gully Reserve
For those seeking elevated perspectives, the trails leading to the top of the reserve provide stunning panoramic views of the Newport Beach harbor and the surrounding seascape. These viewpoints are particularly rewarding after a steady climb. The reserve is also known for its 'Bobcat Trail,' which offers ample shade, making it a comfortable option even on warmer days. The presence of a stream adds a soothing auditory element to the hiking experience, complemented by the sounds of birds and rustling leaves.
Wildlife monitoring is an active part of the reserve's management, with camera traps deployed to study animal activity and its interaction with human presence. Visitors have reported sightings of Pacific gopher snakes, birds, and other local fauna, adding an element of discovery to the visit. While generally peaceful, it's worth noting that some visitors have mentioned the presence of overhead spiderwebs, so a bit of awareness is advised.
Conservation and Wildlife at Buck Gully
The reserve is a haven for local wildlife. Recent efforts have included the release of injured animals, such as a Pacific gopher snake that was found snared in an animal trap, back into its natural habitat within the reserve. This highlights the ongoing commitment to wildlife rehabilitation and conservation in the area. Camera traps are strategically placed throughout Buck Gully to monitor wildlife activity, providing valuable data on animal behavior and how it's influenced by human presence. This minimally invasive method helps researchers understand the ecological dynamics of the reserve without disturbing the animals.
Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the wildlife and their environment. Observing animals from a distance and refraining from feeding or disturbing them is crucial for their well-being and the preservation of the reserve's natural balance. The presence of a year-round stream also supports a diverse range of plant and animal life, contributing to the overall biodiversity of this urban oasis.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit