Emerald Canyon

Coordinates: 33°33′04″N 117°48′28″W / 33.55111°N 117.80778°W / 33.55111; -117.80778
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Emerald Canyon
Emerald Canyon is located in California
Emerald Canyon
Location of Emerald Canyon in California
Location
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
Physical characteristics
SourceSan Joaquin Hills
 • coordinates33°35′34″N 117°46′49″W / 33.59278°N 117.78028°W / 33.59278; -117.78028[1]
 • elevation955 ft (291 m)
MouthPacific Ocean
 • location
Emerald Bay, Laguna Beach
 • coordinates
33°33′04″N 117°48′28″W / 33.55111°N 117.80778°W / 33.55111; -117.80778[1]
 • elevation
0 ft (0 m)
Length3.46 mi (5.57 km)

Emerald Canyon is a canyon and watercourse in Laguna Beach, Orange County, California, which drains a section of the San Joaquin Hills 1.5 miles (2.4 km) northwest of central Laguna Beach. Emerald Canyon Creek, about 3 miles (4.8 km) long, originates at the summit of the range near SR 73 (the San Joaquin Hills Toll Road) and flows southwest under the Pacific Coast Highway into Emerald Bay.[2]

The canyon is located inside Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, and has trails for hiking and mountain biking. However, it is only accessible from the north (uphill) end, as the lower part terminates in private property. A point of interest in the canyon is the 20-foot (6.1 m) high Emerald Canyon Falls, which only flows after periods of heavy rain.[3]

Emerald Canyon has been historically known as Mayate Canyon and Nigger Canyon.[1]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c "Emerald Canyon". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. 1981-01-19. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  2. ^ USGS Topo Maps for United States (Map). Cartography by United States Geological Survey. ACME Mapper. Retrieved 2016-12-05.
  3. ^ Schad, Jerry (2006-05-18). "Emerald Canyon in Orange County's Laguna Coast Wilderness Park attracts hikers and mountain bikers". San Diego Reader. Retrieved 2016-12-05.