Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport Beach: Scenic Views, Birdwatching, and Nature Walks/Rides

If you’re looking for a scenic ride with incredible views, the Back Bay Loop Trail in Newport Beach is a gem you shouldn’t miss. As an avid biker, I often ride this scenic trail. It’s become one of my favorite spots to visit when I need a break from the hustle and bustle.

back bay in newport beach

The Back Bay Loop Trail is about 10 miles long, wrapping around the Upper Newport Bay. What I love most about this trail is how it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and a well-maintained paved path. It’s also great for walking or jogging.

Back bay loop trail and san diego creek trail sign
I usually come from San Diego Creek Trail to Back Bay Loop Trail.

I usually start my ride from Irvine and take the Peters Canyon Trail which turns into a San Diego Creek Trail to all the way to the Back Bay Loop Trail. I recently got an electric bike and have been enjoying this great trail without huffing and puffing and just enjoying the beautiful scenery. The trail is well-signed so just follow the signs.

beautiful back bay in newport beach
I turn left from San Diego Creek Trail and take the Back Bay Loop Trail.
back bay trail sign in newport beach
Bike a short distance on the sidewalk to the Back Bay Trail Loop. You’ll see a Vista Point soon.
vista point at back bay loop trail
Here is a Vista Point to read about the Back Bay and take pictures
sign at vista point
sign at the vista point at back bay loop
informative sign at the vista point

One of the highlights of biking the Back Bay Loop is the wildlife. The area is a natural haven for birds, and it’s not unusual to spot egrets, herons, and even the occasional osprey.

vista point before back bay trail
Vista Point before Back Bay trail
views of the vista point
Views of the Vista Point

The marshy areas and the shimmering waters of the bay create a picturesque backdrop, perfect for those Instagram or TikTok worthy shots! The trail is open year round and dogs are welcomed but need to be on a leash.

wetlands in back bay trail in newport beach
wetlands in back bay trail in newport beach

As the trail curves along the bay, there are several spots to stop and relax. I usually take the trail all the way to Newport Dunes. The trail continues on the side of the RV park in Newport Dunes. You can do a bigger loop if you continue there and bike on the sidewalk or on the bike path on the road through the neighborhoods. You can end up in Bayview Trail which will connect you back to the Back Bay Loop.

back bay loop trail sign
Here is the start of the Back Bay Loop Trail. It’s a short downhill so be careful
paved back bay loop trail
It’s relatively flat and paved trail
nice and paved back bay loop trail
You share the road with cars but cars are coming only one way
ecological reserve sign at back bay loop trail
It’s an ecological reserve, don’t go into the wetlands
upper newport bay ecological reserve
Stop and enjoy the Upper Newport Bay Ecological Reserve here
bridge at the upper newport bay ecological reserve
Bridge at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological reserve
bridge view at the upper newport bay ecological reserve
Bridge view at the Upper Newport Bay Ecological reserve
back bay trail loop

Facilities along the Back Bay Loop trail include restrooms, porta-potties, and water fountains. You can find restrooms at Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center and Newport Dunes Resort and Marina. You can park at both places and enjoy picnic tables by these parking lots. However, you can also find free street parking all along the trail.

back bay loop trail continues on the road
Back bay loop trail continues on the road
Newport Dunes waterfront resort sign
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
entrance to the newport dunes waterfront resort
Entrance to the Newport Dunes Waterfront resort. If you want to continue the path, don’t turn into the resort. The bike trail continues next to the RV campground.
newport dunes beach
Newport Dunes Beach
bridge at the newport dunes
Bridge at the Newport Dunes. Boats don’t pass the bridge to the other side.

For those interested in extending their adventure, the trail connects with other paths which are for hikers only.

Check out my video here where I bike the Back Bay Loop Trail:

Other Activities I Enjoy on the Back Bay

I love paddleboarding at Newport Dunes. It’s so peaceful because boats aren’t allowed past the bridge, which means there’s no wake to knock me off my balance. It’s also a great spot to let the kids splash around safely in the water. However, I often take my paddleboard all the way to the back bay, soaking up the serene scenery as I glide along. Besides paddleboarding, I love hiking the little trails that branch off from the main paved trail. These paths let me get right up close to the water, offering a more intimate connection with the bay.

my son paddleboarding in newport dunes
Newport Dunes is a great place to paddleboard
paddleboarding in newport dunes
My kids enjoying paddleboarding in Newport Dunes

Other things to do on the Back Bay:

Sightseeing and Nature Watching

  • Birdwatching: The Upper Newport Bay is a haven for bird enthusiasts. You can spot numerous species especially during the winter months. Bring your binoculars or a camera with a bigger zoom for a closer look at these birds.
  • Photography Opportunities: The trail offers stunning views of the bay, cliffs, and wetlands. You can capture the reflections on the water, the wildlife, or the sun setting over the hills.
  • Flora and Fauna: Aside from birds, the area is rich in other wildlife and diverse plant species. Keep an eye out for rabbits, squirrels, and the occasional coyote, as well as coastal vegetation that thrives in this environment.
back bay loop trail continues over the bridge to bayview trail
If you turned right and went the other way from San Diego Creek Trail then the Back Bay Loop trail continues over the bridge to Bayview trail where you can see the other side of the Back Bay
back bay loop trail continues over the bridge to bayview trail
If you went over the bridge then this is the beginning of Bayview trail
bayview trail in back bay
Bayview trail
bayview trail that goes over the bridge
Bayview trail that goes over the bridge
bayview trail to Muth center

Recreational Activities

  • Picnicking: There are several picnic areas along the trail where you can stop, rest, and enjoy a meal with a view.
  • Hiking and Walking: If you want to take a break from biking, there are numerous access points to shorter walking trails that lead to different parts of the bay. These trails offer a more intimate experience of the local environment.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: At Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort, you can access the water for kayaking or paddleboarding. This gives you a unique perspective of the bay and its surroundings from the water.
map sign at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
Map sign at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center
walking Trail to Muth center
Walking Trail to Muth center
bench at the Peter and Mary Muth center
Bench at the Peter and Mary Muth center
bayview biking trail in newport

Educational and Cultural Insights

  • Interpretive Centers: Visit the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center located near the trail. It offers educational exhibits about the ecology of the bay, conservation efforts, and the history of the area.
  • Community Events: The trail is often a venue for community events like clean-up days, nature walks, and educational tours, which can enrich your understanding of the area and its significance.
almost to the end of bayview trail
Almost to the end of the Bayview trail
end to the bayview trail
End to the Bayview trail
starting or ending point to the bayview trail in back bay
If you came the other way from the RV campground and going through the neighborhoods then this is your starting point to the Bayview trail

Leisure and Relaxation

  • Scenic Rest Stops: There are benches and lookout points along the trail where you can stop, rest, and enjoy the serene views of the bay.
  • Connect with Nature: The Back Bay Loop provides a peaceful escape where you can reconnect with nature, meditate, or practice mindfulness.
me on the beach
About the author

Hi, I'm Kat, the adventurous spirit behind TasteCaliforniaTravel, your guide to the hidden wonders of California. Having called California home for the last 15 years, I am thrilled to take you along on my journey and share the adventures that this incredible state has to offer.

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