Beginning at the Bolsa Chica Conservancy building, the route crosses the bay on a small pedestrian bridge, heading up along Warner Avenue on a dirt single track. This short section soon leaves the roadside and climbs up to the Bridgewater path that parallels a housing development, though as you proceed along the path, views over the whole of Bolsa Bay and the wetlands area open up. The ocean is also visible across bustling Pacific Coast Highway from here.

Unfortunately, this path never quite gets away from the sound of neighboring roads and highways, however one can take in the views from this high point of the route and appreciate that these wetlands have been protected and are currently being preserved rather than ending up like all of the developed space around it.

Descending toward the bay, the trail enters the ecological reserve proper, where the path parallels the waterways. Aquatic and migratory bird populations abound here, and you'll likely pass numerous walkers, families and nature photographers along this stretch. The final section of trail traces the mesa bluffs perched above the bay. This single track weaves between brush, sporadically coming out to benches and interpretive signs describing some of the wildlife visible in the waters below.

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy building is open daily from 9am to 4pm. Bathrooms and water are located at the building. There are no other amenities located anywhere along the hike.

There are a variety of other trails that branch off from this loop that hikers might consider exploring as well. Dogs and bicycles are not permitted on trails within the ecological reserve.