Newport Back Bay Loop Bike Ride (10.5 mi)

Overview

The Back Bay Loop is the friendliest ride in coastal Orange County. It circles Upper Newport Bay, one of Southern California's most important estuaries, with herons, egrets and bluffs for company. It is flat, well signed, short enough to add to any ride from Irvine or Costa Mesa, and the three-mile stretch of Back Bay Drive along the water has no traffic lights. It is equally good as a recovery spin, a family ride or a warm-up for a longer coastal day.

The route in plain words

The Newport Bay Conservancy describes the classic clockwise loop: start at Jamboree Road by San Diego Creek, roll to Vista Point at Eastbluff Drive, then ride Back Bay Drive south along the water to Newport Dunes. Signed bike paths lead through the Dunes to Pacific Coast Highway. Cross the PCH bridge, turn right on Dover Drive (with optional detours to Castaways Park), then right on Irvine Avenue. Just past Santiago Drive, paved paths take you past the Muth Interpretive Center and back via Bayview Drive to Jamboree.

The Mountains to Sea Trail, which runs 22 miles from Weir Canyon above Irvine Regional Park, joins the loop at Jamboree Road and continues to Shellmaker Road, so you can arrive by bike from inland Orange County.

Distance and elevation

The Newport Bay Conservancy and Visit Newport Beach both list the loop at 10.5 miles. It is mostly flat, with a short climb or two leaving the bay. Back Bay Drive itself is about 3 miles, from Shellmaker Road to Eastbluff Drive. Two laps make a satisfying 21-mile ride.

Best time to ride

Any time of year works. Weekday mornings are calmest. Weekend mornings bring many walkers, runners and birders on Back Bay Drive, so it is better for easy riding than training. Afternoons often bring an onshore breeze up the bay.

Water and coffee stops

Newport Dunes has facilities along the route, and the Muth Interpretive Center area is a good place to pause. Coffee and food are easy to find on PCH by the bridge and along Irvine Avenue and Westcliff. Bayview Park makes a scenic last stop.

Safety notes

Back Bay Drive is shared with pedestrians, dogs and birdwatchers, and cars travel only north on it; ride at a sociable pace there and save hard efforts for elsewhere. The rest of the loop crosses signaled intersections on PCH, Dover Drive, Irvine Avenue and Jamboree Road, so stay alert at turns. Watch for sand and loose gravel on the paths near the Dunes.

Which bike and setup

Any bike works: road, gravel, hybrid or e-bike. For road bikes, 28 to 32 mm tires make the patched paths more comfortable. This is also a perfect first ride after a new bike fit, because you can stop and adjust easily.

Before you go

Just bought a new bike or getting back into riding? The Back Bay is a great first test. If something feels off, come see us in Santa Ana for a bike fit or a quick check. Call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: Orange County
Start: Jamboree Rd at San Diego Creek, or the Muth Interpretive Center lot (Irvine Ave and University Dr)
Distance: 10.5 miles (loop)
Climbing: Mostly flat, with a short climb or two leaving the bay
Surface: Paved road, bike paths and city streets
Difficulty: Easy

Pair it with

Combine it with PCH to Laguna Beach for a classic coastal morning, or ride in from Irvine via the San Diego Creek path and add Turtle Rock. The Mountains to Sea Trail also joins the loop at Jamboree Road.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Back Bay Loop in Newport Beach?

10.5 miles around Upper Newport Bay, according to the Newport Bay Conservancy and Visit Newport Beach.

Which direction should I ride the Back Bay Loop?

The Conservancy describes it clockwise from Jamboree Road at San Diego Creek. Note that cars travel only north on Back Bay Drive.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More Orange County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.