Newport Beach Back Bay Loop Trail Hiking and Biking

The Back Bay area of Newport Beach describes the inland area, which connects Upper Newport Bay with Newport Harbor. This is the place for you if you seek a peaceful retreat with a chance to observe nature without straying too far from the city.

A paved trail runs along the south side of the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve. With 752-acre acres of marshlands and massive bluffs, this is one of the few estuaries left in Southern California. It’s the place where fresh and saltwater meet.

Newport Beach Back Bay Loop Trail

The Newport Beach Back Bay Loop trail is just under three miles long from the vista viewpoint on East Bluff Drive to Newport Dunes Resort. The loop is the last section of the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, a national recreational trail. Running from the rugged mountains near Irvine Regional Park to Newport Beach, California.

Back Bay Loop by Car

Newport Beach Back Bay Loop is a place for hikers, runners, cyclists, nature lovers, and cars. While the trail is best enjoyed on foot, it’s possible to drive this section. The road is only from west to east, starting at Jamboree Road and Back Bay Drive. The Speed limit is 15 mph. There are several turnouts where you can stop and enjoy the view. At the midway point, there is a parking lot and restroom facilities.

Upper Newport Bay Kayaking

Back Bay is the home of nearly 200 birds and serves as a sanctuary for migrating flocks. The back bay is also a critical fishery habitat. If water is your passion, you can rent a kayak or SUP from the Newport Aquatic Center. Kayaking is an exciting way to enjoy the beauty of nature of the Upper Bay Ecological Preserve.

Muth Interpretive Center

You will find the Muth Interpretive Center on the northeast side of Upper Newport Bay. This 10,000-square-foot educational facility is built into a bluff side, which affords total views of Newport Bay. The center is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. You can reach the Muth Interpretive Center via the Bay View Trail or dive along Irvine Avenue.

Newport Dunes Newport Back Bay

In the lower part of the Back Bay is Newport Dunes, which features an RV campground, summer waterpark, boat rentals, and boat launch. Cottages are available if you don’t own an RV, and the boat launch is suitable for all-size watercraft, from jet skis to ocean-going fishing boats.

The Back Bay Bistro at the Newport Dunes Resort offers elegant dining for all ages with a waterfront view. Parking is free, and they provide guest slips for boaters.

Newport Aquatic Center

The Newport Aquatic Center is located at White Cliffs Drive on the Northern side of the bay. Here, you can rent one and two-person kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. The Newport Bay Conservancy offers 2-hour guided kayak tours with a Naturalist every Saturday and Sunday that depart from the Aquatic Center. Book a Kayak tour here.

Pearson’s Port Fresh Fish Barge

So if you’ve worked up an appetite with all of this fun on the Back Bay Loop, we recommend stopping by Pearson’s Port. If fresh fish is on your dinner menu, check out Pearson’s Port, a floating shack that sells fresh fish, live crab, and lobster at the Newport Beach Back Bay entrance.

Parking Newport Beach Back Bay Loop

There are several parking areas near the trail. The first one is at Eastbluff-Jamboree. The earlier you arrive, the closer you can park at the trail entrance.

The second area is at Big Canyon in the center of the loop. You must drive along one way, Back Bay Drive to reach these parking lots. Finally, you can park along both sides of Back Bay Drive adjacent to Newport Dunes. All three parking areas are free.

Kern River Camping Trip