Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail | Huntington Beach, CA

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is an approximately 1,300 acre coastal estuary in the city of Huntington Beach, California. A three-mile trail system offers outdoor activity and immersion in nature. There are two entrances, each with parking and portable restrooms. An interpretive center operated by the Bolsa Chica Conservancy is located by the north parking lot.

In World War II, a portion of the wetlands was used by troops to watch for enemy attacks. The facility is now a protected wetland.

A large part of reserve is also one of the most biodiverse regions in California. Habitats include mudflats, coastal dunes, seabird nesting islands and freshwater marsh.

More than 200 avian species have been identified at Bolsa Chica so it offers great bird photography opportunities all year long. In fact, more than 75% of bird species that live in California have been spotted in these wetlands. We could see birds such as herons, ducks, hummingbirds, seagulls, pelicans and more.