Tuesday Trails, Route, and Races: Newport Back Bay Loop

This week I'm taking you back to a route I used to run a regular basis. Typically Saturday mornings but an occasional weekday after or before work. In the mad mad world we live its nice to have a spot like the Back Bay in Newport Beach to get away from the concrete jungle we live in. If you are in the area or want to take a drive for a weekend run this is a great choice. The area is huge and part of a nature reserve located in Newport Beach very close to the beach and right off of Pacific Coast Highway. On any given day you will see runners, cyclist, and hikers in the area. The loop that goes around the entire reserve is about 10  miles long which makes for a great place for a long run without hitting red lights or other reasons to stop. This loop as you would expect is called the Back Bay Loop. Its made up of almost entirely of paved route dedicated to runners, walkers etc so no need to deal with cars. There are some exception where for a short periods you are on a streets but its very manageable and not very much lights . Most of the route is flat with a few small hills. Depending on whether you prefer crowds or not this may be for you. At times there can be a number of people on this route which is nice to have company and even run into other runners. If you prefer to be out there on your own that may be difficult here unless you are out there very early.  What you can't bet out there is the views of the bay through the entire run. Take that in as you are out there and make your run that much more enjoyable. There are many areas to park and start your run. Bayview park, Back Bay Lookout (along the street), and Upper Castaways Park to name a few. That's up to you. Next time you are in the Newport area stop by and give this route a run and see what you think. Here is the map to the Back Bay  loop: Back Bay Loop Map