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Back Bay Loop
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
27 reviews for Back Bay Loop
27 reviews in English
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Review from Steve M.
Costa Mesa, CA
12/13/2011 5 Check-ins Here
I love to ride bikes and I hate cars. So everyday I ride 20 miles on the Back Bay trails and it is great. Doing a cardio workout like cycling on this trail is amazing breathing in the sea air beats gym funk any day. The views are great and there are lots of other trails and sight seeing spots that branch off from the main trail. The trail gets a bit crowded on weekends with some people who are oblivious so as a cyclist I really need to keep my eyes out for kids people walking dogs on ridiculously long leashes or taking up the whole trail on beach cruisers and not paying attention. but normally on a week day there is no place that I would rather work out.
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Review from Niño M.
So much fun riding here with my fixie. The only thing that sucked is when all the girls were staring at my bulging quads and 8 pack abs.
PS - stay in the bike lane or you'll get run over by the random school buses that take field trips here. lol -
Review from Tracey A.
San Anselmo, CA
10/6/2011
Remember how Gilligan, the Skipper, Ginger, and all the others set out for a 3-hour tour? Well, that was me, too, only the weather didn't start getting rough nor was the tiny ship tossed.
I never quite recall from one visit to the next just how long it takes to circumnavigate the Back Bay on foot. * News Flash: 3 hours, 10 minutes *. If you run it or bike it your time will decrease drastically; I apparently have a long, slow gait and the full loop runs 10 miles.
Doing the full loop will take you on a mostly lovely, very easy paved trail with a nearby view of wetlands, marine birds, and at some points, distant views of the parts you still need to get to if you ever want to get back home. It will also take you on a somewhat ugly little stretch behind the Newport Dunes where you will see camper vans and RVs, then out to the PCH and along Dover Drive and Irvine Avenue where cars will be your accompaniment. At all points there are sidewalks, bike lanes, or walking/biking paths to keep you apart from any traffic.
There's no need to do the whole loop and, if you're less rigid than I, you could easily just travel the more serene parts then turn back and retrace your footsteps. If you have children along, they'll appreciate this tactic.
All the info you need to get out there and walk this trail yourself is right here:
http://www.irvinecompa...
I can certainly think of worse ways to spend 3 + hours. -
Review from Mary J.
I've been training for marathon running for months, but primarily using the treadmill. I researched some places to run in the area and stumbled upon Back Bay Loop on yelp.
I like Back Bay Loop. I immediately fell in love with its tranquility and solace. This is a perfect place to go for a run if you want peace and quiet. I went running in the middle of the week with my husband and a few buddies an hour before sunset. Hardly anyone was there except the neighboring camper folk at the rv resort in the area.
One of the things that impressed me most was that the restrooms were super clean and well-kept. It made the germaphobe within rejoice.
Watching the sunset here was beautiful.
Tips: There is a parking fee, although the first 30 min are free.
Also a good place to walk dogs, ride bikes, and take the kids. There was a newish playground; technicolor and in the shape of pirate ships. So cute. Definitely taking my kids next time.
Back Bay Loop- great park for a little peace and and ocean breeze in the neighborhood. -
Review from christianna b.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Good place to go for walking, running, biking dog-walking and family walks.
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Review from j s.
Irvine, CA
7/14/2011
Great place for scenic bike ride. There is little to no cars near here, and there is plenty of parking to get in here.
This is very unlike the hills of LA. Have you ever tried running up Runion Canyon?
This is one of the beautiful treasures of Southern California. You don't have to be a triathlete to fit in. This is great for families. -
Review from Joe V.
Fullerton, CA
4/15/2011
I'm a 38-year-old male who moved to Costa Mesa recently. Searching for an outdoor trail to exercise, I went online and found Back Bay Loop/ Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve.
Beau-tee-fill.
Joggers, cyclists, dog walkers, hikers, baby strollers and even equestrians are here, but unlike the urban parks in L.A., I never feel crowded. It's a wonderful balance of being around people while at the same time, being alone in nature.
Watching and listening to the migrating birds adds to the relaxation quotient. I've seen rabbits and geckos as well. It's alleged that coyotes and bobcats are also on the prowl.
Next to the wildlife, what I enjoy about Back Bay Loop is that a dirt trail parllels the asphalt trail. Few joggers I've seen take advantage of this and if their knees hold up into their 60s, more power to 'em. I prefer to run on dirt and appreciate the option here.
Since the secret is out, I feel okay reporting a couple of entry points. There's a dirt parking area on University across from the Central Orange Coast YMCA at 2300 University Drive. I park at Harbor Christian Church at 2401 Irvine Avenue, then use the crosswalk to cross Irvine and access the trail. -
Review from Cat H.
5/12/2011
I used to spice up my cardio with the route at Runyon Canyon in LA. Now that I'm in the OC, I like to spice up my workouts with a loop along the back bay.
It's really very well maintained, pretty, and people are generally friendly (minus the occasional biker who nearly runs me over.) I never feel uneasy about venturing out this way alone, either, bc the route is dotted with cyclists, runners, walkers, moms pushing strollers, the grandma I saw on a razor scooter yesterday, etc... The breeze coming off of the back bay is so nice, even on hot days. It's just a great way to get outdoors and exercise. -
Review from Michelle M.
Lake Forest, CA
8/22/2010 ROTD 4/4/2011
I've been pounding pavement (aka: running) since the 1st of this year. I've gone through 2 pairs of running shoes, gone over 300 miles, completed three 5k's, one 10k and am doing my first Half Marathon in October. Am I officially insane yet?! Yes, yes, I think so. But, hey....it's cheaper than therapy, and with the year I've had...well, we all know I need it!! ;)
The Back Bay Loop is about 10ish miles all the way around with plenty of hills and can be very challenging for a novice, like myself. What a hell of a run. I love, love, love it!!! My legs are going to be killing me tomorrow. What a great workout and a great prep for the Rock N Roll Half in October I'm doing!!! And the scenery couldn't be better!! Who knew this gem is tucked away in the OC in the middle of all this pavement around us.
Watch out for fellow runners, walkers, waddlers, bikers, dogs, poop from the dogs, horses, etc. People are usually awesome and make room for one another though. I'm usually the crazy runner that's smiling....I'll usually wave when we go by eachother....or give the peace sign....or do both at the same time. Wait, maybe I should stop doing the whole "yo yo, I'm a gangster...." peace sign and wave deal I have going on....no wonder I get strange looks. I don't want to look like I'm from the hood. But, yet again, I'm usually listening to hip hop on my iPod....no wonder I burst out in a funky dance move 5 miles into my runs. ;)
Remember to bring water. Go the restroom before your trek around the loop. Wear comfy clothes and good running shoes. Smile. Have a good time. Seek your clarity. And don't mind the crazy little girl who gives random peace sign/wave deals and sporadically yells "damn you hill......keep going, Michelle, keep going....." or bursts out in song halfway around "our bodies are rocking from side to side....hands up....baby tonight, DJ has us falling in love again...." But, you'll love my mad singing skills! :)
Happy running everyone!!!Listed in: Fun places to visit when…, My ROTD's....
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Review from Jeff L.
10/6/2010
10/5/10
In celebration of my 36th Bday, I decided to run a 36K (36K=22.4 Miles; 36 miler was a stretch for my experience). So I took off from my home near Irvine City Hall and headed out and back to Back Bay Loop on the Mountain to Sea Trail (MTST) on a beautiful overcast day.
The trail connects to BBL at Jamboree + University and is just a pleasant and beautiful route for runner/bikers. One can spot wild flowers and wildlife along the shoreline of the bay. there are many parts of the route when I was just a few a few feet from the water.
Near the south end of loop is a residential area (trailer homes) when it gets a little confusing. but the painted signs of MTST sort of points the way... It did disappear briefly on the western shore side residential but when in doubt, go straight... I had to ask someone but had I kept going straight, I would have found the next sign.
Western side of the shore is beautiful coming around PCH. I would recommend for those who want the abbreviated version of my run to park near this area and trek this portion.
The BBL and MTST are well maintained and mostly uninterrupted (by traffic) trails ideal for running & biking. We are lucky to have this resource.
BTW, porta potties can be found along the way.... if you dare.Listed in: Running the 50
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Review from Debbie S.
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
9/7/2011
This is a beautiful area for a bike ride. It is about 10 miles if you do the whole loop and don't get lost. There are markings on the sidewalks and signs to try and keep you on track, but with all of the scenery to take in, it is easy to miss one. There are a couple of hills, but for the most part this is an easy ride. Great family ride.
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Review from Mel M.
Costa Mesa, CA
8/17/2009 3 Check-ins Here
Random interjection of thoughts while bicycling the loop:
Must bring water next time.
Its pretty here, who knew?
Get out of my damn way dog walkers.
I think I can, I think I can.....
I need a padded seat my butt hurts.
Where is this cafe? Is it hiding?
4 miles in and you've destroyed me.
Officially.
Holy fucking hills my legs hurt.
You've made me your bitch.
I'm hungry. -
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
(I am re-posting my reviews... My account was hacked into and SOMEONE thought that it would be cute to delete some of my reviews.... Yelp HQ retrieved them)
Jul 21, 2008 / 5 Stars
I have ridden this path in the past with friends but never finished the entire Back Bay trail until yesterday afternoon. My friend and I decided to make a late breakfast and go for a ride. We rode our bikes down to Tustin Ave. where we rode to a path that runs along side a road. It is definitely a nice path... Tons of people were riding bikes, running or walking their dogs... The view of Back Bay is amazing and I have always wondered what that big boat in the middle of the water is doing there.. Anyhow we were told that the path is a 10 mile path.
The nice thing about this path is the little rest stop that has those portable toilets however we didn't see a water fountain so bring some water with you. We ended up riding along side the Upper Newport Bay area where we ended up riding along side PCH... We completed our mission of riding the entire path. We rode further so we definitely did more than 10 miles. If you finish the path and need to get back into Costa Mesa you can take Dover street and ride into Costa Mesa.. There is an insane hill that killed me and today my legs are aching... In short this ride makes for a good ride..... -
Review from Meredith W.
Costa Mesa, CA
6/2/2010
Costa mesa is sandwiched in between two riverbeds. The santa ana riverbed that meets Huntington beach, and the back bay area that meets Irvine.
The back bay is yet another area in Costa Mesa that can make you forget you live in a maze of concrete and stucco, its beautiful - and a great biking spot!
The loop has plenty of hills and can be a little challenging at parts, so for leisurely or exploratory bike ride, this loop will get your heart pumping, but its well worth it. It hugs Newport back bay and the scenery is amazing. There are parts where you can go dip your feet in the water (if your brave)
Be careful for runners - don't take the curves too fast and you will be fine. There is a nature center you can stop at too.Listed in: Nature OC, Bicycle Riding in Costa Mesa
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Review from michelle k.
Costa Mesa, CA
9/30/2010
This Bikers View --- I bike this trail A LOT and see all kinds of unacceptable behavior from non-bikers, and occasional bike riders. I reviewed this one and Upper Newport Bay the same because it's part of my entire ride...........
Joggers/Walkers/Nature Tourists, KEEP THE FREAKING IPOD EARBUDS OUT OF BOTH EARS!!!!! Leave it in 1 and you'll hear us say 'ON YOUR LEFT' also YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO STAY ON THE RIGHT of the bike lane or sidewalk..... YOU can walk in the grass or on the side of the road, WE CAN'T! Also, to those of you compelled to walk 3, 4 or 5 across in the freaking bike lane, YOU WILL GET HIT!
People wrote about 'aggressive bikers' - we aren't aggressive, we are fed up with the skaters/walkers/joggers/dog walkers/kids and other pedestrians not paying attention to where they are going.
Walking along and looking up, over and around at the sights and then wandering to the left and not even stopping to look for bikers is rude and potentially dangerous! Or even better yet are the idiots walking along in the bike lane and then just STOPPING! Letting your kids wonder around and not teaching them to look both ways is just IDIOTIC!
I don't mind sharing those trails with people who are respectful of the others utilizing them, USE 1 ear bud, don't try texting and biking/jogging/walking/skating, etc...come on - when you are going 8 to 10MPH and someone veers into your path THINK about who will be the one ending up with stitches and broken bones? It's a lot easier for non-bikers to move than for a bike to stop! I wear a helmet, bike gloves, have straps on my pedals, 1 bud in my ear, have a rear view mirror and a bell...... when you hear the bell or 'on your left' do everyone a favor and MOVE to the right.
There are California VC Sections that bikers MUST follow: http://www.dmv.ca.gov/...
V C Section 21211 Obstruction of Bikeways or Bicycle Paths or Trails
Obstruction of Bikeways or Bicycle Paths or Trails 21211. (a) No person may stop, stand, sit, or loiter upon any class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public or private bicycle path or trail, if the stopping, standing, sitting, or loitering impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist. (b) No person may place or park any bicycle, vehicle, or any other object upon any bikeway or bicycle path or trail, as specified in subdivision (a), which impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise in compliance with the law.
This is an amazing place to ride, it's beautiful and full of awesome nature sites..... it's also a very dangerous place to ride due to all of the above situations. -
Review from Sonja L.
Irvine, CA
11/28/2008
It is always amazing to me that this place is SO close to UC Irvine, and to the urban landscape of Irvine, yet I rarely see anyone here. I suppose that's part of the charm. I've been to the eco reserve a few times now and once I pump up the tires on my bike, I'll be heading out for a Sunday morning bike ride soon!
The loop is long, and it takes a long time to even drive it, so I imagine it will take a couple of hours to bike it and even longer to walk it. So take plenty of water and a good pair of binoculars , and/or telephoto lens and prepare to feel a sense of zen.
There are probably millions of birds here, in addition to plenty of types of plants. It's a different kind of beauty than the beach or the mountains, but you'll love it as soon as you get here. And did I mention that this is only a few minutes drive from UCI?Listed in: Irvine, Free, free, free!, Parks and beaches!
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Review from Ashley F.
8/8/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is a great place for a walk or run. It can get pretty dang hot back there though so go early or late. I find it odd that cars are allowed to drive along the road (in one direction) that is filled with cyclist and foot traffic. Luckily most of the car traffic seems to be aware and drives slowly.
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Review from Donald B.
Laguna Hills, CA
8/31/2009
The Back Bay loop is may different things to many different people. Since it is free, there are no brochures promoting it, yet it is more fantastic than many places that you pay to go to.
1. It is a great running place with little to no auto traffic to pollute the air. There is an "Around the Bay in May" race which is probably around 7 to 8 k that has many participants.
2. it is a great bike path with no cars nearby and lovely scenery and you can ride way around the Bay in a circle.
You can ride for 20 to thirty miles and feel you are in a wilderness and not pass the same place twice and not be in traffic. You are sort of in canyons, depressions below street and housing levels.
3. It is a great skate route.
BUT Most Importantly
4. It is a great stop for birds on a huge migratory route. There is a great year round population of exotic water birds and intertidal birds, great blue herons, cormorants, greater and lesser terns, skimmers, etc.etc.etc.
I have hosted some international class bird watchers who pay big bucks to go round the world to see birds, and they say they can see more here than in most places and you can get fairly close to them.
This is basically a hidden treasure in a highly populated area where you can wander alone with nature and feel like you are not in a highly populated area.
It costs nothing to do this and so no one is promoting it, but is is a wonderful place to take children, elderly visitors and anyone else who wishes to see amazing sites in nature. -
Review from Davis T.
Irvine, CA
7/25/2011
Nice bike trail. I don't know why anyone would take a car. You are right next to the Back Bay and can see nice bluffs also. A great trail to continue on after the Mountain to Sea Trail.
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Review from Monique D.
Orange County, CA
9/27/2010
I cycled here just yesterday for the first time ever, and overall, I liked it. It's a nice scenic ride overlooking the peaceful bay. I did a 30-mile ride through 4 beaches a couple of weeks ago, so this 10-mile loop (went around twice) was a lot better to manage for me. LOL!
There are a lot of other bikers, walkers, runners, dog walkers, even troller-walkers! I feel bad for those babies sitting there enduring the 95-degree heat. Ick! I didn't appreciate passing by big, fat, bald, burned-face dudes with no shirt on, bearing their hairyass guts... *brrr*
The path itself is cool. I thoroughly enjoyed a couple of downhill paths going down on super speed; but also be prepared for some challenging uphill riding. The uphill riding parts are mostly on the street, something I'm not very fond of.
I like the fact that they have these little signs on the ground indicating if you're still on the right track in terms of staying on the Newport Back Bay Loop. HOWEVER, those signs aren't everywhere, so we sort of got lost half way, ended up on Jamboree for some reason. Haha. Maybe I wasn't paying attention or whatever, but if you're mindless like me, be prepared to find your way back on the loop without straying too far away from the loop. Bring your phone so you can use your map/GPS. LOL! We eventually found our way back to University / Irvine where we started.
Overall, I recommend this trail for anyone who just wants a relaxing leisure scenic ride (or semi-train for a bike-a-thon like myself). I'll definitely come back, probably in the afternoon when it's not so scorching hot. -
Review from Terra M.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/8/2011
12 mile loop. Smooth pavement run with very few inclines, and the inclines are gradual. There is also some dirt next to the pavement to run. It is a scenic place as you feel as though you're running around a lake in the wilderness miles away from civilization. It's popular with bikers, runners, and several running groups. Try not to take up too much of the pavement so that you allow room for bikers as well. I take the 73, and take Campus/Irvine, to the dirt parking lot at University and Irvine. If you have a group, specify where to meet because there are a lot of running groups meeting here. Beautiful area to run!
Listed in: OC/LA- Running And Fitness
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Review from Amna K.
Irvine, CA
5/9/2011
After the 5th or 6 mile,, it is kind of confusing to find your way and you have to cross light and stuff to finish the 10 mile loop. But I do like the view and the atmosphere. There are a lot of people running, biking, walking and horse riding....
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Review from David R.
Costa Mesa, CA
8/20/2010
One of the best places to walk, run and or ride in all of the OC!
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Review from michele l.
Orange, CA
4/1/2010 1 photo
my favorite place to run in orange county =) its about 10 - 11 miles to complete the loop. its great here because theres always the sea breeze that rolls in to keep you slightly cooler on the hot days. the trail is well maintained.. a good range of elevation with small hills to climb up and down.. theres a section where you are actually running on a sidewalk of a main street. but honestly.. its not for that bad and not that long.
on this trail there are a lot of bicyclists and runners.. but everyone is pretty much good about passing.. so i wouldnt worry about the traffic.
theres plenty of parking here.. cause you can park anywhere along the trail..
oh and bring water! -
Review from Seth W.
Culver City, CA
12/21/2009
Pretty good ride, if you do the whole thing its about 10 miles and a decent work out. Its just hard to find open areas like this in Southern California these days, let alone right in the middle of Newport. I took advantage of it all the time when I was there and now that I'm gone I see how neat it is (now that im in LA...).
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Review from Daniel w.
Tustin, CA
9/9/2009
I'm not sure if the basin is in Costa Mesa (maybe part of it is...). I was under the impression it was in Newport. Anyways, I've only been on this twice and both times I had a great time (cycling). I have yet to do the whole loop, but look forward to it. It can be a little crowded at times.. with people walking themselves, their dogs or walking with their little kids riding their little bikes into the middle of the road, necessitating you to stay alert. It's really picturesque and peaceful.. all in all.
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Review from Nick T.
Newport Beach, CA
9/9/2009
This really is about as good as it gets for a beautiful run/bike/horse trail in the middle of Newport Beach.
One suggestion, if you are going to bike the entire loop, start on the north side and head inland first. That way you only have one big hill to deal with instead of the long gradual slog uphill going the other way. The big hill is going up Dover from PCH and then it is mostly downhill from there with a few small rises. Going the other way you will feel like you are constantly going uphill with no relief.
