Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve

This was a nice walk/hike. There are several trails to choose from so you can make your own trail. The weather was great and you get a nice breeze in this area. Would definitely come back.

If you're looking for calm and a way to beat stress, then this place will ease your mind. You'll have to block out the noise of airplanes from SNA and the traffic from Irvine Avenue and Jamboree Avenue to stay focused on the trail. Also, ditch your phone and just experience what this ecological destination has to offer in the OC. ☀️

If you’re looking for an easy to moderate walk, I highly recommend checking out the Nature Preserve. There are several trail options to choose from, including paved paths that are perfect for a scenic run. I’ve been coming here for years and love the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also a free parking lot available, but it tends to fill up quickly on weekends—so plan accordingly!

Peaceful, beautiful preserve where I was there to plein air paint with a group. There were so many painting opportunities that it was hard to choose a scene. The Muth center is there and has a great little store with souvenirs and painting to take home!

First time here and I was blown away by the wide open views and variety of trail options. I wasn’t expecting such a peaceful escape in the middle of the city. You’ll see everyone here—from first-time visitors and families with strollers to runners, joggers, and even pet parents. It’s definitely a spot for all kinds of outdoor lovers.

This place keeps getting worse every year. To start, in the last five years they have closed ALL water side trails to hikers. This was the best part about coming here. 90% of the interesting native plants and animals are down in the tidal zone. Closing all single track hiking trails only makes the other hot and dusty road trails that much more crowded. When I am hiking I want to see no cars, bikes, or other people, just nature. Closing the water side trails makes this place a joke. On top of this they cemented the once nice crushed granite parking lot and made the spaces tiny. This is why locals now park on the street, they don't want dented cars! Just too many people at this place now. They should just close this whole park down and fence it off for just the wildlife if they are not going to let people hike down at the waters edge. All you are going to see on the dusty dirt roads are cars, bikers, and hikers surrounded by dry brown fields. I posted some pictures of the lower waterside trails to show you what you are now missing!

There are two nature centers and a rest area with faded panels about wildlife. Plenty of walk out platforms. Two lane road and a bit of slanted gravel lakeside. Only thing is it isn’t a total loop. Had to cross via pch south side and jamboree north side with some diverted in residential streets.

Its a beautiful place. Great for everyone, especially children. A nice place to walk and spend quality time with family or friends.

went after a long hiatus and enjoyed ourselves. brought the new pup and he did great. plenty of parking and love the center where you can educate yourself. easy walking dirt trails. will be back.

1,000 acres of open space. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve surrounds the reserve and is 135 acres. Two plant communities are native here - grasslands and coastal sage scrub. Upper Newport Ecological Reserve is 752 acres. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is an ideal location for bird watching. Rare and endangered species found a home in the bay: Light Footed Clapper Rail, Brown Pelican, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Black Rail, Peregrine Falcon and California Least Tern. Upper Newport Bay is an oasis for birders, joggers, bicyclists, hikers, horseback riders, and educators. Camping is available at the "Dunes" resort. Bald Eagles are common visitors. Nests are high above the tree canopy. Safe and pristine environment for running, cycling, kayaking. Interpretive Center is east of lot.

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve spans about 135 acres and is located in Newport Beach near John Wayne Airport. It's a haven for walking, hiking, running, and all other kinds of activities. There is a free dedicated parking lot along with street parking. We came on a Saturday morning and saw tons of people already on their morning stroll or run. It's also a great place to bring dogs as there are lots of doggy bag stations and trash cans throughout. Some trails are paved and some are not so you can choose which ones you prefer. This area also included The Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center which has free admission, spans 10,000 square feet, and has a series of exhibits and interactive displays. If you come a little later in the day you might have trouble finding a parking spot, but if you go early enough you should be fine. This is a really cool spot to explore the outdoors.

Husband & I came here yesterday morning & it was such a beautiful day. There was no shade but thankfully, the weather was fresh & crisp after last week's rain with a cool breeze. There were a lot of people walking, biking, & couple of horseback riders. Luckily, we found parking right away on the side street. This was my third time hiking here but this time around was the most enjoyable one bc we got to walk 10 miles from upper bay to back bay which I felt accomplished. I love that there are different paths you can take & different trails you can walk on. The only downfall for me is there are no uphill & inclines so if you're looking for an easy flat trail & care more about the length & distance, this is the perfect spot for you. The scenery was also nice too with lots of greenery after the rain.

A great place for walking, hiking, biking, bird watching, kayaking and canoeing. We saw some great hawks while hiking. There are several signs along the trails offering information on the preserve, the flora and fauna found in the area. They have a wide, well maintained paved path and numerous meandering dirt trails. The Upper Newport Ecological Reserve boasts over 750 acres (the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve is over 130 acres). There are multiple parking areas and access points. Many of the trails offer great views of the bay. Everything seemed to be in bloom during our visit, likely from the wet spring. We came here every day hiking for several miles. There's not much shade, so bring sunscreen, a hat and some water for your hike.

We absolutely adore coming to the Upper Back Bay for a quick hike--it's like a nature spa day for our pugs! They dive into the great outdoors with such enthusiasm you'd think they were training for the Canine Olympics. Springtime is our favorite; when the flowers bloom, it's like Mother Nature herself is asking us to take photos and post them on social media. (And let's be honest, who doesn't need a new screensaver or some fancy wall art?) Oh, and we can't forget summer when the Cliff Swallows return. Watching them zip around the sky is like a nature show, and our pugs are thoroughly convinced they're the stars. So, if you see a couple of pugs striking a pose next to some wildflowers or barking at birds, that's probably us. Until our next adventure--happy trails!

Upper section of Newport Back Bay has all the hills (they're not intense though). I like to park in the neighborhood of Constellation & Santiago and walk right into the preserve. It's got a different feel than the back bay and you can see the back bay from here. It's definitely a great place to go after work and de-stress. I've seen snakes here, but I was far enough away and planes are always flying overhead which makes for a cool photo. Definitely one of the easier and fastest or more accessible places to "hike" with a nice view.

Beautiful hike with unique scenery. Free parking as well :) The nature center was closed by the time we got there but you can still see lots of swallows nests outside under the roof and check out the views from the roof and telescope. The views were very unique and unexpected. There was lots of waterfront views, bridges, and wildlife (mostly lizards, rabbits, and ducks) around.

Never knew about this place until my husband took me. What a cool little spot! From the moment we got there, a lady taught us to listen for a specific bird sound and told us what it's name was. The visitor center was really cool, has a neat video of the animals that live there, and tanks of other creatures like lizards and snakes. Their bathrooms are clean too. When we walked around down the path and near the water, saw some ducks and ground squirrels. I definitely want to come back!!

It is a beautiful, easy hike along the wetlands--lots of lizards and hawks. The pup loved it. As always, watch a few YouTube videos before heading out. It will help with parking advice and give you more info on trailheads, etc. Easy to moderate. Highly recommended. OH! Great nature center. And gift shop with clean restrooms that open early!

THE BALD EAGLES HAVE NESTED ! The word is out that the 2 resident Bald Eagles.....an 8 year old male and a 5 year old female have set up house so to speak. VERY EXCITING ! My wife and I have been riding our bikes around this nature preserve for a few years now and it was only early in 2023 that we first saw the male Bald Eagle. Then we found out there was also a younger immature ( under 5 years of age ) female running around. Finally we were able to take pics of the 2 together atop a huge pine tree early this year. AND NOW ! Well we haven't seen them since they went into nesting mode a few weeks ago. Today my wife I rode our e-Bikes to the nature preserve. It was a beautiful day but there was very little bird life around. We know where the Bald Eagle's nest is but it is not accessible by bicycles. In the next few days we will try to take pics of the Bald Eagles in their nest. STAY TUNED ! NOTE - Of course with 20 million views of my Yelp reviews and pics world wide in 2023 I can tell you what is great !

I always love walking here. It's just a simple pathway and there's so many people who walk their dogs here, ride bikes, or just walk with friends or by themselves. We even saw a bald eagle on our way back to the parking lot. Go here early and you'll easily find a parking spot.

I come here all the time and have been at all hours of the day! Love that there are both paved and dirt trails and a variety of ways to go so you never get bored. Parking is free in the lot and there are plenty of trash cans and poop bags along the various paths. Lately I've been seeing coyotes here, so proceed with caution if you have pets. There are a ton of locals and regulars here so if you start coming often you'll see a lot of the same folks. Great for walking and very light hiking!

This is a clean, safe place to walk,run, or ride your bike. Many families come here, and people walking their dogs. I haven't done the entire loop yet This is usually part of my walk from Santa Ana or Irvine. It's nice to see the nature while walking here.

Lovely biking, hiking and horse friendly trails. Came by midmorning for a little loop of the reserve. It was fairly busy with cyclists and pedestrians, but individuals are good about communicating when they are passing and sharing the paved pathways. As we made the return walk to our car, we saw a number of horses training off in the unpaved, shaded parts. Overall, it was a lovely nature retreat in the center of urban Costa Mesa.

Beautiful Beautiful Reserve. Hidden away in the urban setting. Walking trails with the wetland birds. Take a peek of the Reserve via my video #socalweekendwalkarounds https://youtu.be/2ADKSKt_Sks

Beautiful place to walk along the marsh. Mostly flat trail. There's is a paved path as well

This is probably one of my favourite places to enjoy a run. Away from the crowds, (which is nice --- especially during the COVID-19 pandemic), it's a great close-to-home place to unwind & burn off some of those pesky calories after overindulging in the decadent treats I love so much. Although it's not the most challenging hike, the "Newport Bay Nature Preserve" does provide an easy-to-moderate leisurely walk, jog, or run on dirt paths in a serene & beautiful setting. As you travel up-&-down the gentle rolling inclines enjoying refreshing coastal breezes from the nearby Pacific Ocean, the Preserve offers a feast for the senses with varieties of wildflowers & other natural landscape, the beautiful background soundtrack of various bird species, & fleeting glimpses of resident rabbits, ducks, squirrels, marine views, & an occasional horseback rider (on the paved roads). If you need a break from your run, the on-site Nature Center offers educational exhibits, clean lavatories, & an observation deck featuring beautiful views of marine marshland & more. Most fellow joggers/walkers are courteous & respectful of one another's personal space, & many do wear face-coverings/masks. Convenient street & lot parking are both available, as well. Overall, a pleasant place to enjoy valuable quiet time outdoors. If you're seeking a serene & quiet space to unwind, recharge, &/or burn off some calories in a peaceful setting, consider visiting the "Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve."

Beautiful trail overlooking the water. This place is serene and makes for great photos. There is no shade so it's best to go on a cooler day. Stroller friendly path makes it a win for me! My kids also got to see a couple of horses on the way and they were super happy! You are sharing the trail with cyclists. There is street parking and a little parking lot. Free parking.

I lived in OC for over ten years and I only found out about Newport Bay in the last few months before I moved. This is a hidden gem! It's not hidden really, just hidden from me somehow all these years because of my stupidity. I would hike this place over Crystal Cove any day of the week. Why? 1) Free parking compared to $15 at Crystal Cove. 2) The hike here is also much more pleasant as you hike along the various waterways amongst many wild birds I could never name. The hike at Crystal Cove was STEEP and not suitable for the elderly or young children. 3) You can hike on the trail or the paved road. I took my mother on the paved road as she is older and can easily trip on the uneven trails. 4) There's this gift shop/nature center where they explain all the wildlife that thrive in the area. You can also use the restroom here. Case closed. Upper newport bay is a must for anyone looking for a great hike in the OC.

This is a very safe trail to walk with friends or by yourself. On weekends you will see a lot of families, people walking pets, runners and cyclists. It's very well kept and there is a lot of ground to cover. I want to say that the loop is about 13 miles if you can do the whole thing but there are also other parts I've never ventured to that I think go as far as UCI so my mileage may be off. The scenery is beautiful and every time you turn a corner you get to see something from a different vantage point. It makes exercising bearable.

Love this place, has minimal shade but it feels good to go out and get some much needed fresh air from time to time. Parking is ample, there a quite a few cyclist and people with dogs. This is good for hiking, walking, running or cycling. There are no restrooms available but plenty of resting areas, try to not drink too much water while you're there and you'll be solid! Or you can go to the gift shop and use theirs ‍

Love coming here to run/walk/hike. There's plenty of parking spots, a variety of trails, dog friendly, bike friendly, family friendly. They have a nice view of the Back Bay as well.

This is a perfect spot if you like short trails with almost no inclines. There are multiple entrances you can park by: entering through Irvine Ave by the ymca or park newport. If you want to avoid lots of bike riders, I suggest parking and entering through the ymca entrance or the regular parking lot, right by it. I like taking the bridge trail that leads you to jamboree and fletcher jones dealership. Really pretty views, people are respectful of your space and of course cute doggies all around !

Great running spot! There are not many spots in the area that have free parking for a quick 30 minute run, so I was a happy camper when I discovered this gem in my neighborhood! The road is paved the entire way. Great for biking or running with a nice view. The path usually isn't too crowded either which is always a concern of mine when it comes to running. There are a couple hills along the trail that are a bit steep. Overall, I love this running spot and would highly recommend!

Wow! What a beautiful park. This place is what california would be if we didn't have all this infrastructure. Definitely gives you a nutrient vibe even though you are surrounded by civilization. Plenty of trails here for all types of walkers, hikers, and runners. Come here early in the morning for a nice crisp start to your morning. The views here are incredible.

Can not bbq or take your own grill it's not convenient for family picnics but has a nice view

Nice, peaceful spot for a walk or run. Well maintained trails, there's a bathroom and I easily found parking at 8:30am on a Saturday.

This is my first time visiting the back bay of Newport Beach and the kids and I loved it. It is just a quick path to explore and with little kids, they always get tired, and making a small loopback isn't bad whatsoever. If you plan to go hiking and walking around the dirt paths, remember it is a dirt path. We brought scooters thinking it was friendly but it wasn't. As the parent, I ended up carrying my kid's scooter. On this trail you have to supervise your kids because as you know kids get excited and they want to climb and explore not-so-safe spots. Trust me, there were lots of "Get down, it isn't safe!" Overall we had a good time. I can't wait to go back and explore with other family members.

I've been here before and everytime I come here, the nature reserve still wows me. During Covid times, we trails here are quite busy. What you'll see here: Horse Dung Walkers/Runners/Bikers A terrific panoramic view of untouched Newport Airplanes taking off every 10 minutes Some dogs here and there with dog walkers Of all the trails we've been on so far, most people here are in masks. So good job people! Parking here is free on the street or inside the lot. A super duper clean public bathroom is available until 4pm next door to the conservatory. Most trails are dirt path. The level of the hike is pre-beginner. Very simple short trails that are easy for people of all ages. There are warning signs about bees but nothing to worry about. Come here around sunset, it's gorgeous here around that time!

Great views, clean trails, clearly marked signage Love it and will be back my next visit- as a mountain girl I love it more than the crowded walks by the ocean - Newports best feature

Enjoy beautiful views and a cool breeze on your walk. There are two paths: dirt park which can weave through the plants and go near the water or the paved asphalt that surrounds the nature preserve. It's a great place to walk with the kiddos as they get to learn about the plant and animal life on the information plaques along the dirt path.

One of the most beautiful gems in OC! I love bringing my puppy here for long walks on the weekends. The trails are well maintained and safe (...just keep an eye out for snakes and coyotes, but thats the case on most of the trails in OC). A beautiful getaway from the City vibes

What an amazing place to take a easy stroll or bike ride, leashed dog friendly. There are clean bathrooms. There are both paved and sandy paths. You might be lucky and see equestrians and horses along your way! I also visited during Earth day and it was very educational and provided great source of knowledge and fun for kids and adults! Recent visits had abundant wild flowers and greenery perfect for photo ops. Worth seeing!

Such a beautiful place to walk/hike/ride your bike. They have many trails, you won't be bored! There is also an awesome nature center as well with a leopard shark, various fish, tarantula, snakes, turtle, and more! Went on a Saturday afternoon and it wasn't very busy.

This center is hidden! Park in the open lot off of Irvine Blvd and University. Take the trail towards the water. It's a quick walk down to the building which is built to look part of the environment. It's not a big building but has a cute Childrens center with a few animals, Arts and craft, puzzles, play area etc. The center has a few exhibits and fish tanks and a small theater. The hiking trails look gorgeous but too hot for me to actually hike today! It's worth a visit especially on the family Sunday craft hours.

Our first time at the Newport Bay Preserve. We enjoyed hiking and riding our bikes during our visit. The area is very relaxing and very clean. Looking forward to our next visit.

There are many beautiful places in Orange County, but there is only one Upper Newport Bay. Where else has all of this: Bike trails (be careful: the Mountains to the Sea Trail is open to motorized vehicles) Equestrian trails Hiking and nature trails Kayaking and canoeing Stand Up Paddleboarding Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center Technically, these are not part of the Nature Preserve itself, but the following attractions are on the Back Bay: Back Bay Bistro Newport Beach Vineyards & Winery Camp James (I don't know what Camp James is, but it's depicted on Google Maps) The smallest beach I've ever seen El Monte RV Rentals Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort OK, so the planes taking off from SNA can be a nuisance, but I think the wildlife must be used to it by now. And you will see wildlife. Did you know that there are as many as thirteen different habitats represented at UNB? Nearly 200 species of birds, including some endangered ones, make UNB their home. How do I know all of this? http://newportbay.org/ I highly recommend checking out UNB for yourself. If you plan on hiking, keep in mind that some of the trails can get muddy. Bring water! Wear sunscreen! How many times do I have to remind you? Dogs are welcome, but they must be on leash. Don't tempt the coyotes!

One of Yelp's triple-listings; you can see more reviews under "Upper Newport Wilderness Preserve" and "Back Bay Loop Trail". A great location for birdwatchers, joggers or a vigorous walk. Also a good spot for people who need a place to walk their dog. There isn't much to see here. There are paved paths for bikers and runners and some dirt trails for "hikers" that go along the top of the ridge as well as down to the wetlands. Everything is mostly flat. There is no shade - it's all wetlands or desert chaparral. You are always aware you are in the city with business buildings and residential areas in view plus it's in the flight path of John Wayne airport. I was here on a Sunday afternoon and there weren't many people. I saw rabbits, lizards and a variety of birds including an enormous hawk. I was surprised to find a interpretive center here (near the parking lot) complete with restrooms and an on-duty ranger who was very helpful in answering questions and providing a map. This would be a great place for a grade school field trip. I found it a rather dull place to walk though.

Upper Newport Bay offers everyone gorgeous scenic views and easy dirt and asphalt paths to walk, run, or bike (bikes generally use the asphalt path). The scenery is breathtaking, especially during sunset. The adjacent parking lot is spacious and free. The trails are also dog-friendly. However, there are no restrooms, water fountains, or many shaded areas, so plan accordingly. Edit: I attached some photos I took there. In order to conduct a photo session (legally) there, your photographer must carry liability insurance and have an OC Parks photo permit.

I absolutely love the Upper Newport Bay. If it wasn't for my current job I would have never known about this place. I know, I know... I need to wander and venture out more! I love love love it! Great for fairly easy hiking, jogging, running, drills on the dirt or paved hill, walking your dog, horseback riding, sitting on the bench looking at the beautiful bay, sooo many things I feel like if I kept listing them I would just be rambling. The back bay loop is I believe 10 miles. A few of my awesome co-workers run it after work. I mean, I would go, but I could probably only make it through the 2nd mile. You can also kayak as well! The only con is on the Jamboree side I have run into a few mean cyclists. Seem to have been in their way somehow, although I am pretty sure we had the right of way. Other than that it is almost too good to be true!

When you've lived out in rural areas and there's nothing but tumbleweeds around, you'll find a new appreciation where there's a scenic view of river, bay, wetlands, or trees. Newport Backbay has been a training ground for athletes, joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, marathon runners. No one is complaining when you're strolling out here, feeling the breeze, enjoying sunset views. The total loop is 10 miles which is one of my favorite spots to build up my mileage for running and biking. This is not a "hiking" trail but more for a place for exercising so don't expect to be going up high inclines or climbing mountains. There are restrooms at the Mary Muth Interpretative Center.

Dirt trail that takes you up above a view of fields, water, and city. Free parking. Easy to get to. Bikes, babies, pups, and gal pals share the trails. Great hike without the hassle that sometimes comes along with hiking at actual state or national parks. A solid stop in the O.C.

This is a great place to hike on a small trail while enjoying nature and the fresh air. The views are amazing and the fresh air is unmatched. Great little nature center for the little ones as well, free of charge. Parking was super easy and free as well. Bring a snack and enjoy the scenery from the roof of the nature center.

GORGEOUS... at any time of day, during any season. I love this place when I just need to get away. The trails are easy to do, the bike paths are paved, the parking g is decent.

Wear your "older" running shoes because the dirt paths/ gravel Discolored my lime green nikes. There's the main paved area, but to the side are paths/ areas to off track -- much more fun & "nature-ish" for meeting the ducks, bunnies, & winged insects. I ran the gravel areas to save my crepitus knees. Lots of running clubbers, super smiley & wave-y. Lots of shirtless runners-- wow ... So that's how "they" are suppose to look after forty! For the men-- enough buxom blondes not breaking a sweat but looking perky speed walking. Since I stayed on the dirt, my knees allowed a 10 mile run, the cyclists didn't try to run me over & everyone/ dog shared the paths just fine. Everyone seems to know the etiquette here, so I'll be back for another 90 min run. Worth the petrol. Hills are rolling, so you don't "notice" the hillslug pain until after crossing the wooden bridge that always seems seasoned with horse dung. I wore my earphone in one ear so that I can hear the symphony of the birds, insects, & water. Upper bay was beautiful @ 0630-- moon still " out" on my left & golden sun beams emerging through the clouds on my right. No sunglasses needed or wear orange lens. Hat/ sun visor needed towards the end of the run. No outhouses, so work out faster! I've cycled through here & I usually slow down a little due to pedestrian traffic & it's pretty. Now I can add that I ran here too. Nice jaunt.

This was a nice preserve with a fairly easy walking trail. I never could find the restroom. Perhaps their location could be posted.

Nice & Easy Flat dirt or pavement trail along overview the Newport Bay. Its very relaxing just watching & listening the wave and jumping fishes. Watch out for bikers. Visitor center - clean and nice. Closed on Monday & Major holiday. Open Tue & Sunday 10 am to 4 pm Trail Hours - Nov 1st to Feb 28 - 7 am to 6 pm. March 1st to Oct 31st - 7 to 9 pm Bathroom - Visitor center Parking - Big public parking and street parking Water Fountain - inside Visitor center Biker yield to hiker/ jogger & horseback rider Hiker yield to horseback rider

Beautiful spot, especially on a cooler day. The pictures of this place definitely do not do it justice.