From 88e7c8b68406f09c06af721b1c3f8d9867aa6025 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Philip Jennings Date: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 17:35:03 -0700 Subject: [PATCH] itinerary: detail Crystal Cove option --- days/2026-09-26.md | 25 ++++++++++++++++++++----- 1 file changed, 20 insertions(+), 5 deletions(-) diff --git a/days/2026-09-26.md b/days/2026-09-26.md index 9e1fba8..38da054 100644 --- a/days/2026-09-26.md +++ b/days/2026-09-26.md @@ -24,15 +24,30 @@ These options do not repeat the group's Malibu, El Matador, Point Dume, Santa Monica or Venice day. Schedules use DTLA as the starting-point baseline and assume an LAX return target of **4:30–5:00 PM**; adjust them once LK's hotel is known. The Hertz booking must be changed and confirmed first. Drive times below are routing baselines—allow additional time for Saturday traffic. -### Option A — Crystal Cove and Laguna Beach · recommended +### Option A — [Crystal Cove](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644) and Laguna Beach · recommended Best balance of ocean, hiking and manageable driving. Approximately 104 miles total from DTLA via Crystal Cove to LAX; about 2 hours 45 minutes of baseline driving. +**Crystal Cove hiking choices:** + +- **Recommended if hiking is the priority:** Moro Canyon → East Cut Across → Moro Ridge → BFI loop · 4.9 miles / 7.9 km · about 2 hours · 1,053 ft / 321 m cumulative gain and loss. The steep climb reaches a ridge with Pacific views before descending to the canyon +- **Easy alternative:** Moro Canyon out-and-back · 3 miles / 4.8 km · about 1 hour · broad coastal-sage canyon with oak and sycamore near seasonal Moro Creek +- This is a dry, open canyon—not a narrow slot canyon like Annie's Canyon. Carry water and stay on marked trails + +**Laguna Beach afterward:** + +- Start at Crescent Bay Point Park for the headland view +- Walk the coastal path through Heisler Park toward Main Beach +- Have lunch downtown; if time remains, continue to Treasure Island Park for another bluff walk +- Tide pools are worthwhile only when the tide is low and the rocks are safe. The predicted low on 2026-09-26 is **3:39 PM PDT**, later than the conservative airport schedule + +**Working timing:** + - **6:30 AM** Leave Los Angeles -- **8:00–11:00 AM** [Crystal Cove State Park](https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=644): Moro Canyon or a shorter ridge-and-coast walk, then the beach and tide pools if conditions permit -- **11:15 AM–1:00 PM** Laguna Beach viewpoints and lunch -- **1:15 PM** Leave for LAX -- **3:30–4:30 PM** Return the car; meet the group afterward +- **8:00–10:30 AM** Crystal Cove hike +- **11:00 AM–1:30 PM** Crescent Bay, Heisler Park, Main Beach and lunch +- **1:30 PM** Leave for LAX +- **3:45–4:45 PM** Return the car; meet the group afterward ### Option B — Palos Verdes coast · least driving