Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Great place to watch birds and go for a hike. Runners, birders and walkers share the trails. Plenty of clean, informative signs at every lookout point. Most of the scenery is near ocean side with oil rigs on the northern end. It cuts off on eastern end for mating birds. Some pretty pink flowers there to mark the spot. A crosswalk at the parking lot on the east side for pch would be helpful for those who want to cross to the beach side.

A great nature reserve next to Huntington Beach. It has a long bridge connecting to a small island you can walk to. Very beautiful but windy due to location. Perfect for an after dinner (or before dinner) stroll, bird watching, or nature enjoyment. Don't miss it if you're in Huntington Beach. Caution: no restroom

Flowers are not fully blooming yet but still very beautiful. Perfect place for bird sighting. We went on a week day, not crowded at all, which was perfect for us since we wanted to take pictures with flowers of my beloved dog's paw print. I'm always looking for easy to moderate trails, and this is an easy one, excellent for a serene long or short walk.

It’s an easy hiking area through beautiful nature. We’ve seen many birds, lizards, fish, squirrels, rabbits, and even coyotes. Fortunately, the coyotes were on the other side of the fence. Just be aware when you’re hiking. The trails are easy for kids to walk and very well-maintained. It was even easy enough to push a stroller through the trails. You can see the ocean on the other side of PCH. The sunsets are gorgeous. There are lots of benches if you want to relax and enjoy the view. We usually park in the lot off of Warner Ave. It’s free. It’s not a large lot, but we haven’t had any trouble finding a spot.

A great place for a nature walk and bird watching right off Hwy 1, across the street from the beach. There are occasional signs sharing information about the area and the birds, and benches to rest and appreciate the beauty around you.

Great place to get a walk with cool sea breezes. There were birds and fish to look at that made it pleasant. Much of the trail was poorly maintained and some areas were not marked. There was also lots of urban infrastructure visible including pumping facilities, and oil jacks. The parking was limited so I recommend getting there early if you want to park at either end of the trailhead.

Great parking Miles of trails No bikes no drones No animals... Just great scenery Great bird watching And amazing place to run jog and walk See also the bolsa chica conservatory on Warner Street... Great place to start 👌 Update: new improvements at the center, bathrooms and also new growth areas are coming in well and strong. Rear to the park has seen significant construction and new park with new community has gone well. Over, the park is doing great. Areas are non bike non drone and no pets. I have been coming to this location for over 2 decades. this place is a wonderful place to enjoy a few miles of relaxation, walking, some hiking, mostly walking and running trails. The paths are mostly leveled flat. The beach trails have always been clean. Well kept. People who come always seem to fall in love with this place. The PCH parking area gets busy on the weekends; the best place to park would be on the Warner entrance. The trails here commence and can lead for up to 4 to 5 miles. Weekends arrive early, to get a parking spot. Does fill up fast. Not for beach parking. Missing? Bike access pet access and park for the kids. Score - 4.5

The trail was crowded on the weekend, and the wetland was full of trash, trash was everywhere, which was super sad to see. It was especially heartbreaking to watch ducks swimming and resting on the trash. At the trailhead, there’s a sign that says no dogs are allowed, but the trail was full of them (though I might be wrong about the rule). There weren’t a lot of birds, but we saw a gray heron nest for the first time and even spotted a burrowing owl in the wild for the first time! Sadly, we also witnessed a little kid trying to toss small rocks at the owl right in front of us, and the parents only softly told the kid to stop. I have mixed feelings about this park. It’s a beautiful place, but it definitely needs better maintenance and more respect from visitors. The parking lot is tiny, so we parked at the state beach and walked across the street.

Located near Huntington Beach, Bolsa Chica is a unique spot where nature and industry exist side by side. Interesting fact: Oil drilling began here in the 1920s under Standard Oil (now Chevron), and even though the area was declared an ecological reserve in 2000, oil operations still continue due to old contracts. You can still see around 100 oil wells, mostly in the north and east near Warner Ave & PCH -- seeing rows of working oil pumps up close is definitely a unique sight. It gets super sunny and windy out here. I came for a walk with friends and realized from old photos that my last visit with my husband was back in 2017! It's a great place to bring kids to learn about wetland wildlife -- there are simple signs along the trail with pictures and explanations. Note: Not stroller-friendly (gravel trails) and no dogs allowed.

We call it the Wetlands. It's an easy hike through beautiful nature. We've seen many birds, lizards, fish, rabbits, and even coyotes. Fortunately, the coyotes were on the other side of the fence. Just be aware when you're hiking. The trails are easy for kids to walk. You can see the ocean on the other side of PCH. Highly recommend watching the sunset. There are lots of benches if you want to relax and enjoy the view. We usually park in the lot off of Warner. It's free. It's not a large lot, but we haven't had any trouble finding a spot.

Huntington Beach, Ca. This is a great little hike, especially in the evening when it's not too hot. Lots of bird species to observe here, my favorites so far have been the burrowing owls and the herons, both blue and white. Only downside is the main run off channel which exposes a lot of human made trash at low tide, kind of sad.

It's January and what better way to get some fresh air and start chipping away at that holiday flubber, than a beautiful nature walk. This park is such a surprise at the end of a residential neighborhood. Lots of parking. It's not that crowded. A few friendly people walking their dogs, others getting in some steps. It's a nice easy walk with no strenuous hills. You also walk by some beautiful homes. The only drawback is no public restrooms, so be sure to take care of business before your stroll.

Bolsa Chica is a well known hotspot in the birding community. The reserve is an excellent place to practice your bird photography - the abundant bird species are easily seen from the mostly flat trails and boardwalks weaving through the numerous ponds with largely unobstructed views due to lack of trees and buildings. The reserve is 1300 acres of protected coastal estuary with a wide variety of habitats such as open water, mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh. The variety of bird species is impressive - especially the water fowl during the seasonal migrations. It's an essential environment for the birds along the Pacific Flyway. The trails and boardwalks are very well maintained. The trails are gravel with lots of info signs along the way. As an avid birder, it's a place I visit when I'm competing in a count event or looking for a particular species. A telephoto lens is best here as the trails are set back quite far from the pools which is great for the birds lol! And while the birding is stellar, it's not my fave location - it's very urban and noisy - tons of traffic in the area and tons of people. It's surrounded by housing and the chaos of Huntington Beach. Even early at sunrise the trails are full of walkers loudly on their phones, joggers, and lots of photographers lol. It's free to park and usually ample spaces. There are two entrances with parking - the north and south lots. I almost always use the south lot and entrance - it's easy to find - right off Hwy 1 and there are bathrooms available. The signs in the parking lots warn that it's a "high theft area" so be careful with your belongings.

Excellent place to hike or walk that's very near the beach. Highly recommend Parking was easy and free, the lot was adjacent to the starting point. You'll cross a bridge and ahead see mother nature at its best. Water, sea life, plant life, small animals. and a variety of birds! Bring binoculars, a camera, and water. You'll find a sprinkle of photographers or painters in action soaking up all of nature's beauty. Our mission was to take a relaxing hike and we did. We totaled about 4 miles, Not bad.

Crazy I haven't been here till last week and I've been living in SoCal for a long time now. There's free parking here and the "hike" is flat and good for family and friends. Lots of birds and views of the ocean. There educational signs regarding the area you walk through. I'd come back here. I'd say it's a good 5-10k step hike.

Great wetland to see reserved wildlife and enjoy some nature walk within the city, can hear music from the beach away. Wild flowers, wild birds, wild collections and histories.

Explore HB like a local at the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve. This is one of the best spots in the area for an easily accessible nature walk. The trails are most popular in the mornings and early afternoons for joggers, dog walkers, and those in search of amazing coastal views. You can see a teaser of the reserve from PCH, but access points are tucked into nearby neighborhoods. When exploring the pathways you'll stumble on a number of rare birds (over 200 species have been spotted here), rabbits, and even some coyotes. If you're excited to learn more, the Bolsa Chica Conservatory offers guided tours, summer camps, and educational events. Sadly there's a good amount of trash and dog poop scattered throughout the reserve, which takes away from the serenity of it all. Be sure to bring your own dog bags, and be prepared to carry them with you throughout your walk since trash cans are only available at the exits. Warning: bring bug spray. The mosquitos here are out for blood, especially after a bit of rain.

This was a very beautiful place to take a walk. There's several spots to sit and enjoy the views. It's very flat and perfect for all levels! Parking is free but it's limited so I suggested getting there early if you're parking off PCH, though I heard there's several ways/lots to get here. It's a perfect way to spend a morning!

Thankful for spots like these when you just want to tune out the world. What a beautiful, serene walk I had yesterday morning at Bolsa Chica Reserve! Parking is easily accessible, and once you are ready, you simply follow the dirt path road. The path is nice and flat, and easy to take a nice stroll. As you walk, you are greeted with the beauty of nature. There are seats you can rest along the way, with stretches of water views. Along the way, I saw joggers, walkers and kids who seemed to be visiting from a camp. It seems like a path chosen by many to enjoy, and I can see why. Not sure if I would want to run along this path (can be get pretty narrow), but will love to return for morning walks, especially for the views

One of my favorite spots in HB for a walk or jog. There are multiple trails to make your walk as short or as long as you want. There are a good among of entrances into the wetlands so plenty of parking all around. You can get some pretty epic pictures all through out there are so many different landscapes, flowers, trees, animals and birds. There's a big array of bird species during all months of the year so the wetland attracts a lot of bird watchers or photographers. Overall a beautiful spot to take a stroll

My husband discovered this place at the beginning of the pandemic since it's not far from home & we've have been coming here pretty often as it's an easy, flat 4 mile walk for family & kids near Bolsa chica beach. You could even add more distance into the walk if you complete the entire trail. I like that there are different paths you can walk by including nice homes/neighborhoods, water, grassy areas, see plants, birds, & ducks, etc. Parking is free & there are other options for parking in the neighborhood.

Bosa Chica Ecological Reserve is such a beautiful spot for a peaceful stroll. The path is lined with pebbles and rocks, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. We spotted plenty of wildlife, including egrets, ruddy ducks (whose beaks are a striking Tiffany blue!), and lots of energetic birds soaring overhead. It was amazing to get such close-up views of the birds, and you'll definitely get a nice little workout while exploring the area too!

A nice place for an easy walk and to see lots of flora and fauna (especially birds and lizards)! It is also right across from the beach. There is free parking at the beginning of the path. Note that there is no shade or dogs allowed on the reserve. PCH is also right there, so you're not going to be fully immersed in nature, but it's a nice place for a sunset or to explore the wetlands!

Great little hike off PCH. Easy for kids and grandparents with plenty of food selections nearby.

beautiful views in HB! if visiting with your dog, be respectful and follow the signs - dogs are not allowed in certain areas since they are seen as predators to the wildlife. the main entrance on warner ave doesnt allow dogs but we were able to enter from the Brightwater trail and park in the nearby neighborhood. not so much of a hike as a walk with gorgeous coastal views but there are so many different options for trails. didnt get to see all of it as it was a hotter day, so definitely recommend getting up earlier in the warmer months, but excited to return and keep exploring!

Gorgeous walk! I was able to do 4.5 miles and I couldn't stop taking pictures of this beautiful place!

What an awesome place to explore nature and all it's glory. The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve makes for an awesome walk where you can spot local habitat and different wildlife. Birdwatchers are sure to love this place as you can see ducks, seabirds and so much more. Even if you're not a birdwatcher and just want to see different wildlife or go for a nice walk; you'll be sure to enjoy this. This spot is huge as it's 1,300 acres. You can choose to take different paths to explore. I definitely recommend to take your time, unwind and just enjoy the beauty all around.

Free activity to enjoy with the kids! Parking at the free lot on Warner is a gamble. We went on a drizzly day and it was still full. If you wait, someone may leave in 20-30 mins but we ended up driving down the street to a free lot at the beach (behind the jack in a box). There's a small conservation center on site where they have some historical information and taxidermy of the wildlife. There were also some life snakes, lizards, and sea creatures in display. The restrooms here are way cleaner than the ones at the beach. The trails are fairly easy and have plenty of resting spots if you need to sit for a minute. My 5 and 8 year old did fine in the trail and we saw plenty of other small children. I do recommend a sun hat and tennis shoes as some parts are muddy. We saw several species of birds, some squirrels, and some insects like the Jerusalem cricket. Would definitely come back again for some exercise with a great view.

I absolutely love this place. It is majestic and peaceful by the beach. It serves for a nice walk along a bay starting on a pier and stretching miles on a sandy dirt path. I love trying to find fish on the pier, and I often see baby stingrays, clams, and ducks. Keep walking further and you can catch where the birds flock at nights or stop by during their migrations. If you are into photography or bird watching, it's a fantastic spot. Free parking! And it is usually not too crowded so parking is readily available. Lots of land that is undisturbed and preserved as much as being in the middle of a busy beach city as possible. So bring your family, or your camera/binoculars, or even come here for a run. It's a fun place for nature lovers.

The importance of natural preserves, even amidst drilling stations and infringing development is illustrated here along the coast between Huntington and Seal Beaches. A network of trails along levies allows for a peaceful walk or run. Bicycles are not allowed although some willfully choose to break the rules, including illegal fishing. Report that last matter immediately! The number is on the signs in the parking lot. I hadn't been here previously, parking is free though, and there's a portapotty for use in the lot. I noticed that being downwind of the beach across Highway One that the preserve isn't exempt from fumes and smoke from coal BBQ pits. Otherwise it's a wide space for birdwatchers and intersection. I'd recommend a good pair of binoculars and reusable water bottle to minimize your impact, I noticed not everyone disposed of their trash. One interesting thing is that the wastewater seems to be segregated from the surrounding bodies of water by a separate set of levies that double as trails, over four miles altogether. We also enjoyed watching the Stingrays, one of whom enjoyed a Crab lunch, and schools of fish representing several different species. The birds too are fun to observe and try not to stalk them or they'll definitely fly away. As noted, I phoned in a report that two bozos were not only trying to stay hidden from the parking area while they illegally fished, they also rode bicycles in.

Need more parking space. I have never had this kind of experience and never want to feel unsafe like this again. Read about how this male made me fear for my life. A rude old extra obese male (jerk) in a big car yelled at me and said I had to get out of the parking space because he said he was waiting for that spot but he was making a left turn signal and a car looked like it was leaving on the left side so I thought that guy was waiting for that spot. He just kept yelling at me and didn't want to hear my explanation. I feared for my life that if I didn't move he was getting aggressive since I know there is anti Asian violence in Huntington Beach and I look like I am. He could have been more friendly about it and I would not feel my life was being threatened. I let him have the parking spot but I am never going back here again. Make more parking spaces. I am not recommending this place and I will never come here again. Ever. I suggest others take heed in my words here if you do not want violence because I just came out here to enjoy some peace and quiet. Now I'm thinking I'll just get a park pass and go visit the parks instead. If I can rate a negative number I would.

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve has over 1300 acres of coastal habitat surrounding a saltwater estuary. The trail makes for a scenic walk through the habitat. You can easily get in 4 miles on this trail while enjoying the mudflats, salt marsh, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands, riparian, and freshwater marsh. There are said to be more than 200 bird species at the reserve. There is also free parking located off highway 1.

We wanted a little walk to give us a Disneyland break so we met up with some friends at Bolsa Chica Reserve. We started at the Nature Center, which was nice. While the exhibit area was small (about the size of a portable classroom), the staff was friendly and gave us tips about what to look for on our hike. The parking lot for the nature center is pretty small, parking can be tough! The hikes are easy, pretty much flat, and the paths are well marked. There are a lot of birds and other wildlife to see- we saw lots of insects and rabbits on the path and we got to see herons nesting in the trees as well! Definitely a nice place to get away and enjoy some nature!

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a birders gem! The Good: the hiking trails, the birds, nature, the beach. The hiking trails are easily accessed and traversed by all age groups. It takes you up to the bluffs and down through the channel in a giant loop. Depending on the time of year, there's a variety of blooming flora all around. The Bad: I have access to areas most don't, so it's a different view when your in the actual reserve looking out at all the hikers. Bathrooms are few and far between. The Ugly: The dog walkers who think they don't need their dog on a leash as well as not staying on the assigned trails for the dogs. Dogs are predators. Predators scare the wildlife. I myself am a dog lover but I'm also a human with respect.

I have been coming to this location for over 2 decades. from running in college to high school and also just running in general. this place is a wonderful place to enjoy a few miles of relaxation, walking, some hiking, mostly running the trails. The trails are flat and with many wonderful fellow runner along the way The beach trails have always been clean. Well kept. People who come always seem to fall in love with this place. The PCH parking area gets busy on the weekends; the best place to park would be on the Warner entrance. The trails here commence and can lead for up to 4 to 5 miles plus

If you're a birdwatcher, this place is ideal. There are hundreds to thousands of birds that use this area for nursing or breeding and it is beautiful year round. The water is also home to many baby fish and baby sharks. The trails go on for miles and are very beginner friendly with well worn trails without sharp inclines or a lot of rugged rocks.

So thrilled to report stingray sightings today from the bridge everyone else mentions! There are large schools of fish right now, and it's fun to see the big ones belly flopping out of the water. Don't drink too much water, though, because there's no public restrooms and a lot to see.

First time coming here in many years - so glad that I did - weather was crisp brisk and cool. There are 2 parking lots (free) one off Warner and PCH by the Jack in the box and subway - you'll see little blue shacks and a blue bridge The other off PCH and by the bolsa Chica state beach - there is a sign that turns into the parking lot The area opens at 6am - arrive at 6am and 2-4 cars in the parking lot - I ended up parking lot off PCH and Bolsa Beach area - looks to have about 30-40 parking spots and there are 2 Porta potties in the lot Once parked you can take the bridge down or toward the dirt road and start your adventure. I opted for the bridge and though I was not certain of my direction I did see people every so often on the pathways. It was quite the walk water, greenery, various species of birds in the air or in the water diving for food or just swimming along. There are dirt and gravel trails and mostly flat but some inclines for higher vantage and view points. Many signs of dogs not allowed but I did see a few people bring their dogs. Trails are quite wide for 2 way traffic and good for the morning run jog. Felt pretty safe on my own as there wasn't large bushes or hedges that can block your view and pending which area you are wondering it may lead to behind the housing area or closer to the road and the beach is across the way. I was quite thrilled to see little manta sting rays in the shallow water - definitely a place I come back to and at the start of the morning as after 7 something just a bit more groups of people jogging and photographers were seen. What a wonderful place to explore solo, in groups, friends and etc. and then food is not to far away pending cravings :) also super kid friendly as there are many signs to learn about the ecological and wildlife that can be potentially seen .

An OK nature spot for a walk. Granted, I went on a chilly day, and that may have affected my overall experience. For a nature preserve, the nature aspect was lacking. The preserve is a stone's throw away from the PCH, so you could hear cars constantly. Oil rigs were also in plain view, as well as a neighborhood of houses. Pros include that it is a long, but easy walk. Very accessible. The water was pretty, but if you are looking for a nice nature spot, there are much more scenic places in the area to go.

Visited for the first time recently and had a pleasant time! The parking lot on Warner is very small - perhaps 15 spaces? (thus the 4 stars) The restrooms were clean. The trail is easy. We were able to see a rattlesnake and pelican! Would recommend visiting atleast once.

Great place for a hike. Friends and I enjoyed a beautiful spring day. We easily found parking around noon on a Sunday. We hiked over 4 miles, everything is in bloom right now, birds were out, we even saw a rattlesnake. There were other groups out enjoying the beautiful day- but everyone was very respectful about allowing space for passing. This is a gentle walk- and can be enjoyed by all ages and most fitness levels.

If you have young kids: This is a peaceful place for a walk and get the kids fresh air. My 3 year old enjoyed it for the bird sightings and a little climbing. However, it is NOT stroller friendly unfortunately. A jogger stroller could probably manage the gravel walkway alright... just stay on the middle walkway and do not try to take the path along the road because there are several sandy pits and only a couple more flowers as things to see (aka not worth it). It was noisy from traffic too. I also have a baby and wished I had just worn him in a carrier. I also don't think my 3 year old could have done as well if I hadn't given him a lift several times on the stroller (which was a lot of work to push). So, all in all, I'm not sure it's worth taking kids under 4 here unless you wear the baby, give piggy back rides, and have a ton of time to go at a very slow pace for a 2 or 3yr old. Hope this info helps another momma out!

If you are a fan of birds or other wildlife this is a great place to explore. The wildlife here is beautiful and will have you relaxed and chill. A great place for a read or a meditation.

A birdwatchers paradise! Right by the PCH, parking can be limited esp if you come after like 9:30/10 on a weekend but there's a beach across the street you can park at. The bridge at the beginning offers nice views of the water. The reserve was very paved, wide and nice to walk. There's like a main road with man built reserves that lead to a dead end and loop back and then side roads in the hill area that lead somewhere down PCH lol. If you wanted an easy walk that was long, this would be the place to go. It doesn't get very hot as a result of the sea breeze. Spring march is a perfect time to go because you can see a lot of birds nest in the palm trees! One of the most surprising was that the hummingbirds have a bright red neck/belly. There is a decent amount of people, but enough space you can distance. There seems to be regular birdwatchers that are always on the hunt to take photos. The porta potties.. are another story of ehhh, but we don't talk about it. Just go before coming and bring some snacks that you clean up after yourself with! Overall I appreciate the conservation efforts to provide a safe space for the birds !

Outsiders like me do not expect non-development along the coast between Malibu and Camp Pendleton. But that's exactly what you get at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. It does not wow you; it does not intend to wow you. Its intent is to slow you down from the madness of LA and the pretentiousness of OC. Free parking on Warner if you can get it. Then walk across the footbridge, and you're in a quiet wonderland of marsh, mesa, birds, and wide-open views. Several miles of trails, mostly flat. Although you're always within eyeshot of civilization and earshot of the PCH, a sense of peace comes over you. Sometimes, I think this is what God intends for us, so He can speak to us in the middle of this peace without us being distracted by traffic and malls and smartphones. Bolsa Chica is good for strolling, jogging, bird watching, exploring, studying flora. A place of understated beauty preserved for all time.

Beautiful salt water marsh that serves as a home to many species of birds. Also saw some cool slugs? Nice walking paths for a stroll outside and opportunities to volunteer. Make sure to carpool as the parking lot is small.

Beautiful and chilly urban hike. A little getaway from the city rush. My husband and I found parking quite easily and we were able to start our "hike" throughout the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve without trouble. Bring a jacket or sweater, it gets cold! But there view is beautiful and the sunset pics are to die for. Fairly flat hike but come with shoes you don't mind getting dirty. There are muddy patches and various watery parts of the trail. Overall a good one, lots of indigenous plants to see and very calming. Would come here again.

A beautiful spot to take a relaxing walk while birdwatching. You'll see numerous photographers spotted throughout taking advantage of the scenery. Benches are placed throughout the park, but you won't find any trashcans or restrooms. Make sure you take out what you bring in. A porta pottie and a trash dumpster are available in the parking lot. You'll see people walking their dogs, even though dogs are not allowed. There is a small parking lot, but on a busy day you may have to wait or circle. Not too long though, people seem to leave just as fast as they come in. Take advantage of this location near the beach. A great location to relax, exercise, or take great pictures.

If you're looking for a place to ease into building a hiking habit, or are trying to get your kids active and outdoors without taking on too much of an excursion... I'd start off with the walk here at Bolsa Chica! There are not steep inclines, but it is big enough to get some serious steps in, and you're just as surrounded with some pretty awesome aspects of nature! There are also a lot of stop points to read about the work that they are doing in the area as well as the various wildlife that you can stumble across! There are two entrances to begin your hike, we typically park in the lot that is off of Warner, but the other lot is right off of PCH. Typically the lot is packed on the weekends, so plan your trip accordingly!

Wonderful place to walk around, or bike in some areas. Pet friendly and relatively flat. It is sad to see so much trash gather in the water, but nonetheless a great place for a relaxing walk.

Nice reserve wedged in between PCH/Beach and a residential neighborhood. Many endangered species are part of the habitat. Generally quiet for a nice walk and good photo opportunities. No shade but you do get a cool breeze.

Nestled in the midst of an active oil and gas production field, a military ordinance facility, and an urban beach area with heavy human impact is the Bolsa Chica ecological reserve. With nearly 1,300 acres of mudflats, marshes, estuary, and tidal flats, the reserve is home to dozens of species, some endemic, and visited by hundreds more that migrate to and through this area during the year. Four miles of walking paths crisscross the reserve providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature viewing. Seasonally, more than 200 bird species visit this relatively small stretch of water, heavily influenced by the tides. About a decade ago, the inlet to the wetlands was dredged and reopened, allowing tide waters to once again flow into the area. This brought new life to the area, and it is not uncommon to see marine mammals like dolphins and sea lions, numerous fish, sharks, and rays, and even green sea turtles grazing in eel grass beds on the inland side of PCH. Many small mammals, reptiles, and invertebrates can also be seen along the walking paths. Seasonal blooms of wildflowers and native plants like coreopsis, sage, marshmallow, and buckwheat are plentiful. Whether you're an OC jogging stroller mom, or a serious birder with 2600 mm telephoto hardware, this spot is a welcome respite from the endless storefronts and houses that line PCH. Visiting here, one can imagine what Cabrillo saw when he saw these coastal areas for the first time. Those days are gone, but places like this preserve a small piece of that time for future generations.

This review is for the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail which was a 3 mile loop that takes a little bit over a hour. Temperatures are cooler here because it's close to the beach. The trail was a mix of dirt and paved roads; You could walk longer than 3 miles if you want. Overall, plenty of decent views in the area. In addition, it's free parking in the small lot on Warner Ave.

Came to visit as a reminder of a field trip taken in my youth. Although there is a small facility on site my visit was self directed and no staff interacted with me. I walked the trail and saw a few others and even some men fishing . There was signage along the trails .As far as wild life I spied a hawk and a brown pelican . Inside the facility there was some sea life in an aquarium . All in all I wrapped up the visit in 30 minutes. It was not quite how I remembered .It is good that this area is still set aside for wild life.Parking was free and easy.

If you type in "Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve" into google maps, it will take you to the parking lot on PCH. That parking lot seems a bit busier in my opinion. They have a second lot on warner (turn onto warner from PCH) and I think that one is less busy. We got there around 7:30am and was able to snag a spot as someone was leaving. When we finished at 9:15, there were plenty of spots. It was particularly hot today so most folks probably came early and left early. The trail opens at 6am. There is a map but it's not really descriptive/helpful. We didn't really use it and just followed the path and walked around for 3.18 miles. They have some really nice views of the ocean if you climb on one of the sand hills. There was also an amazing breeze considering there is a massive heatwave this weekend. You can also see lots of wildlife (saw lots of birds). The trail is super duper easy. It's flat and clean. Does smell like ocean/pond though lol. I saw signs for no dogs/bikes too. If you go around toward the back it parallels some people's houses. Really fun to go to on a hot day. Did I mention I love the breeze? :)

Really cool place to birdwatch. There are a lot of different birds here, if you love identifying birds this preserve is for you. If you like shady places to sit, this is not the place to be. This place is strictly bring your own shade. & make sure you have enough water while you're at it!

BF and I came for a mid-day walk to get some fresh air. We took Yelp's suggestion to park at the northern lot on Warner and PCH and immediately were able to find a spot. The lot is very small, about 10 cars, but has a lot of in and out traffic since the trails are so short. There were portable toilets at this lot, but you should definitely use the restroom before you leave your house as these looked like they hadn't been cleaned in days. The trails themselves are pretty straightforward and flat making them ideal for families, casual walkers, or trail runners. We did go on a holiday weekend, so the trails were moderately crowded, but we were able to maintain appropriate distance from others and nearly all other groups were wearing masks. Since the main trails run parallel to PCH, this walk didn't totally feel like an escape from the city, but it did provide a safe and relaxing afternoon excursion.