Distance: 1.2 miles round trip
Summit Elevation: 0'
Elevation Gain: 142' (loss then gain)
Elevation Gain (in Empire State Buildings): 0.11
Round trip time: 30 minutes
Recommended water: 0 oz.
Parking/Fees: Free on PCH
Difficulty: Easy
Laguna Beach Tide Times and Charts
At 9th Ave and PCH in Laguna Beach, a long stairway descends to Thousand Steps Beach. For the record, I counted only 233 steps. It is long enough to discourage some people from dragging all their beach gear down and up so it is usually not as crowded as other local beaches. Parking can be a problem along the PCH, but I got a close spot early in the morning. A half mile south (left) of the stairs is a large sea cave that opens onto a private beach on the other side. To get into this cave, it is key to go at the lowest tide of the day, no higher than 2'. On my first visit, I was turned back by a tide with waves breaking at neck level. They would have slammed me against the jagged rocks had I made an attempt. Lifeguards will close the area if they think the tide is unsafe (and they are on duty). A couple of months ago, an 18 year old was swept off the rocks and drowned in the rip currents. It is definitely more dangerous than the sea cave at Dana Point.
The Thousand Steps Beach stairway, long but not even close to 1000 steps
Approaching the cave on slippery rocks
Entrance
I returned when the tide was down to 1.3' and had no trouble, though the rocks outside the cave were very slippery and covered with algae. Like most tidal pool areas, there were plenty of feisty crabs on and around the rocks. None were big enough for lunch. As I made my way into the cave, I surprised a couple, probably in their late 20s, doing a different kind of cave exploring. They were frantically trying to get their clothes back on. I apparently interrupted a romantic moment on the slime covered rocks of the sea cave. I offered a "Sorry, guys", then proceeded past them. The cave goes back about 150'. The other opening is on the right, while the deepest part goes straight back and remained in darkness as I groped my way through ankle deep water. After exploring the back of the cave, I made my way out the other side to a private beach area with a warning sign. There are two "secret pools" past the warning sign. After some photos, I scrambled back through the cave and jogged back to the stairway.
Standing in water near the back of the cave
Looking out from the back of the cave
Exit to the other side
Private beach and secret pool area
Early morning body boarders
Closure sign when the tide is high
What? No pics of the young couple? ;)
ReplyDeleteHJ
Hikin' Jim,
DeleteHa! No, it was an uncomfortable moment for everyone.
Thank you for the detailed instructions going to the cave. I will try to go there again. I attempted once but could not find it. Went to the right instead but there was still a nice scenery.
ReplyDeleteExplorer,
DeleteYup, just down the stairs and turn left and follow the shore line. Just go at low tide and you won't have a problem.
Thanks for info. The best. I was there yesterday about 3:PM everything was perfect except according to the lifeguard area was closed until March. Not enough SAND. Beach was open.
ReplyDeleteUnknown,
DeleteGlad you made it. It's one of the best sea caves around.
was it hard to find?
ReplyDeleteUnknown,
DeleteEasy to find. Just go down the steps, turn left and follow the cliffs. It's obvious where the cave opens. Just go at low tide to be safe.
Great info! Is life guard always on duty? Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteNo, lifeguards are usually on duty during peak times. I was there in the morning and there were no lifeguards.
Hi! Thinking about Going but do you know what time the lifeguards get there??
DeleteJessicachild,
DeleteThe beach hours are 6 am – 10 pm, but I don't know the lifeguard schedule.
When are there usually low tides?
ReplyDeleteI put a link near the top of the post called "Laguna Beach Tide Times and Charts" that shows current tides.
DeleteThat's a shame that part of it was private! It all looked so nice!
ReplyDeleteWayne,
DeleteThe owners of that little strip of beach have probably had a few rowdy crowds. Always a tension between public access and private beaches.
I've lived on 9th St. since '89. The beach sees much more use now than before social media and before the stoplight was put in about 10 yrs. ago. Still, as far as so. Cal. beaches go, one of the best, imo.
ReplyDeleteBob,
DeleteLife's been good if you have lived in Laguna since 89. I think Laguna has the best beaches, but many are somewhat hidden and parking makes it hard to reach some of them. I'm also a fan of Salt Creek beach in Dana Point.