Overview
Along the Southern California coastline, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers visitors over 1300 acres of coastal habitat surrounding a saltwater estuary. There are mudflats, salt and freshwater marshes, coastal dunes and riparian habitats to explore. Hiking trails, guided tours and a nature center are highlights of this facinating gem located just minutes from some of the state's most popular beaches. More than 200 avian species including osprey, black skimmer, terns, white-faced ibis, American avocet and black-necked stilt have been identified at the reserve which is very popular with birders and photographers.
South Coast Region (Region 5)
Orange County
18000 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 (Approximately 35 miles from Los Angeles)
Hours: Open daily, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Directions: (South Parking Lot) Northbound on Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1) from Huntington Beach, proceed about 3.4 miles. Just past the intersection to Bolsa Chica State Beach, the entrance to Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is on the right. If approaching southbound from Seal Beach, it is not possible to turn directly into the entrance of the Reserve; visitors can continue a short distance further to a U-turn lane, then approach the entrance northbound, as above.
The North Parking Lot is adjacent to the Interpretive Center on Warner Avenue near the intersection with Pacific Coast Highway. If approaching northbound on Pacific Coast Highway, turn right at Warner Avenue, then right again into the lot. If approaching southbound, turn left at Warner Avenue, then right into the lot.
Bolsa Chica Interpretive Center: (714) 846-1114
South Coast Region San Diego Office: (858) 467-4201
Activities
Wildlife Viewing
Hiking Trails
Fishing
Activities:
This property features two parking lots: one on the north side of the Reserve, another further south across from Bolsa Chica State Beach. Each parking lot connects to a 4-mile network of public hiking trails, including scenic overlooks and educational interpretive panels.
The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Interpretive Center (operated by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy) features educational exhibits. It is located adjacent to the north parking lot on Warner Avenue. Public restrooms are also available adjacent to the Center.
Free docent-led tours of the Reserve are provided by three non-government organizations: Amigos de Bolsa Chica, Bolsa Chica Conservancy and Bolsa Chica Land Trust. Both the north and south parking lots feature a bulletin board which includes current tour information.
Dogs and bicycles are prohibited.
Accessibility
The Interpretive Center and adjacent restrooms are equipped with wheelchair-accessible ramps. Gravel and packed sand trails and wooden boardwalks over the waterways allow considerable wheelchair access.
Connectivity
There is reliable cellular phone service available on this property. There is no public Wi-Fi service available.
Area History
In the 1920s oil was discovered in Huntington Beach and drilling in the lowland areas of Bolsa Chica began in the 1940s. There is still active oil production on the reserve and some areas may be closed to public use. The initial 300 acres of Bolsa Chica acquired in 1973 were designated an ecological reserve by the Fish and Game Commission in 1978. In 2005 and 2006 approximately 1,000 acres were added to the reserve.