We opted just to head back and try our luck south of Seymore bridge, again nice views, we even saw a couple whales, this would be a great walk if you could take the bridge! 'Poor' : Already have an account? ? 'Poor' (registerFormPasswordLength >= 8) Half Moon Bay State Beach is also home of the world-famous Mavericks, a surfing spot near Pillar Point that's visible from the trail. You can also check out our full guide for Half Moon Bay State Beach, which is strung all along this bit of Coastal Trail. Mavericks is probably best known for its huge winter waves and the big wave competition that was held there for many years. From April to November, hiking permits for Ao Nuevo Point Trail are issued at entrance gate on first come, first-serve basis. In addition to skirting beachfront shores and coastal bluffs, youll zip under giant cypress trees and across bridges that extend over rippling creeks and lush riparian habitats. Below, weve assembled everything you need to know about biking the trail plus some notable stops along the way. : 'All Activities'">Hiking Trails, 0) There is a toilet by the parking lot and about 0.3 miles in. (searchForm.distance == defaultSearch.distance) Bean Hollow Beach Trail between Bean Hollow State Beach and Pebble Beach. Find the best places to stay, play&eatwithyourdog. The northern section of the trail is very steep, I found it easier to tackle that section first in the counter-clockwise direction, rather than risk sliding down it. The bridge is out over Pilarcitos creek, there is a "detour" but it routes you out to Hwy 1 and back down Venice rd. : Yes. 'Very Good' : The trail system in this area is extensive and you can certainly go further than the 3.3 mile Montara Mountain Loop. Yet, its not just visitors. Locally, the multi-use path follows the former Ocean Shore Railroad route welcoming bikers, hikers, equestrians, and those with wheelchairs. Blissfully removed from (nearly all) roads and traffic, the family-friendly trail guides cyclists through lush wildlife habitats, past secluded beaches, and along dramatic coastal bluffs with sweeping views of the Pacific. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 24 scenic trails in the Half )">Up to 20 Miles (Default). x + y : '')">, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(['currency=CAD']).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? When I arrived Friday morning it was cold so I went into the restrooms at the park and changed into jeans and long sleeve shirt, fortunately having anticipated it might be cold enough for these. Some nice views, but a bit boring on way back. Two bicyclists hoist their bikes over the fence of the closed Medio bridge in Miramar on July 29. Tall fences and large signs let pedestrians and bicyclists know that the Medio bridge on the Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is closed until further notice. ? You walk along a small river for the duration. You will encounter countless birds, sea life, and wildlife along the way. It features the best-of what the park has to offer and is a good long distance with elevation. Spectacular views! This area contains both beach and coastal scrub ecosystems. WebLooking for the best hiking trails in Half Moon Bay? ['map=on'] : []).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? : The pedway along the bluff is very dog-friendly, but they cant go on the beach. Dont have an account? Very nice flat hike, not a lot of shade but a great view. But one of the nicest Coastal Trail sections is the uninterrupted chunk of it south of Pillar Point Harbor and Surfers Beach. Join TrailLink (a non-profit) to view more than 40,000 miles of trail maps and more! The ancient pillar-like blue gum eucalyptus trees are especially impressive. The hike offers lovely views of Ross Cove beach and the Pillar Point harbor. Around you, plants-yellow lizard tail, blue sea rocket and yellow sand verbena- stabilize the active dunes. Distance: 6.2 miles round tripElevation: negligibleParking: Street parking at Surfers beach, and state beach parking lots at Dunes, Venice and Francis beaches.Dog-Friendly? GOOD FOR: HIKING, BIKING, HORSES. Surfers catch the famous Mavericks waves just west of Pillar Point. Hiking Trails, 0) x + y : '')"> ('Up to ' + searchForm.distance + ' Miles') Pescadero Marsh is on the Pacific Flyway. So Ive hiked the area extensively and have curated a list of Half Moon Bay hiking trails that serve a wide range of distance and hiking ability. Option to go down to the beach once you get on the main trail - which you should. One of the more common algae is the brown, thirty-foot-long feather boa kelp. (view on Google Maps) If this small lot is full, you can also park at Gray Whale Cove (featured above) and follow the Gray Whale Cove Trail for a mile until it meets theNorth Peak AccessTrail. Either way, proper footwear is a must and hiking poles would be nice. : '' (registerFormPasswordLength >= 12) On Feb 18 or Mar 26, join Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) for a guided afternoon walk at Pillar Point Bluff. (view on Google Maps). Half Moon Bay State Beach Photos (853) Directions Print/PDF map Length 6.0 kmElevation gain 65 mRoute type Out & Back Experience this 6.0-km out-and-back (registerFormPasswordLength >= 6) The best bird watchingtimes are in late fall and early spring. x + y : '')">, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(['currency=INR']).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? : ''">, = 100) Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of Finally, Francis Beach is a popular destination for its oceanfront grills and picnic tables, informative visitor center, and campsites for both tents and RVs. ? The lot has 1 ADA parking stall and a single stall ADA restroom. He lives in San Francisco with his wife and son. Youll skirt sheer, ice plant-blanketed bluffs dotted with benches. According to Access Northern California (. Distance: 1.8 milesElevation: negligibleParking: There are three parking lots at Pescadero Beach and another on Pescadero Creek Road. (view on Google Maps). Pillar Point Bluff offers hikers, joggers, bicyclists, and dog-walkers a chance to take in the breathtaking sights and sounds of the Pacific Ocean. Plant lovers should keep an eye out for the rareHickman's Potentilla, which only grows in one other place in the world, and Montara Manzanita, a species that's unique to the mountain. A pocket beach brings to mind secluded privacy, which you'll certainly discover at Cowell Ranch State Beach. : Yes. The Visit Half Moon Bay web site is jointly funded and maintained by the Half Moon Bay Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, the Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District, and the Half Moon Bay Downtown Association. Take Highway One south of Half Moon Bay for about 1 mile. One hint: our magnificent Coastside weather is changeable, always carry a jacket on the trails. Within minutes of pedaling out of the parking area, youll be skirting peaceful harbor waters filled with colorful fishing boats, zipping past cheerful patio diners at Sams Chowder House, and enjoying front-row views of surfers shredding waves at the aptly named Surfers Beach. Distance: 3.3 milesElevation: 734 feetParking: There is a very small lot at the trailhead with more parking at Montara beach or the Gray Whale Cove lots. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 1) An easy and almost flat trail along the coast. Your dog will thank you for it! It is an easy section with lots of wild life. The ride can be extended to the south as far as the country club if you don't mind getting off road. Within the preserve, the CCT doubles as The Bird Trail which provides interpretive panels on the natural history of this important habitat. This is a nice hike if you want some quiet time to yourself. Email address too long (max 255 characters), = 100) A bustling gathering spot since 2000, Half Moon Brewing Co. draws locals and visitors alike with killer views, brews, and grub., With docks of colorful fishing boats and charming waterfront eateries, the cozy seaside hamlet of Pillar Point Harbor offers a taste of New England along the California coast, If Downtown Half Moon Bay's historic Main Street could talk, it would share its long and captivating history with every sightseer and passerby. If you have time after, be sure to walk down to Cowell beach. ? Dog-Friendly? The varied floral blue of forget-me-knots, hedge nettles and periwinkles greet you at the trailhead. Notice the historic James Johnston House on your right. ? ' 11.5 MILES, 1 WAY, EASY. {{#unverified}} Its a lovely, quiet spot with a cool swing overlooking the bluff. Between April and August, they come ashore to molt. Park at either end. MODERATE. Big, panoramic ocean views are a given, but you may be surprised by the diversity of landscapes youll encounter along the trail. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 16) In winter, surfers can ride waves up to 80 feet high here.You can park at the Half Moon Bay State Beach Visitor Center for a fee and pick up the trail here. The Coastal Trail will hopefully one day be contiguous between Canada and Mexico. location.name : location.region.name || ''">United States, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? Start with our full list of all California State Parks. The trail is very easy to ride, mostly paved and level to slight elevation. Help defend and expand trails nationwide. It passes near houses for a short distance and then the remainder is through dense coastal scrub, well away from the houses. This section of the Coastal Trail starts just south of the Poplar parking lot. Look for great blue herons, snowy egrets and red-winged blackbirds. Today, we saw hawks, bush rabbits, seals, ravens, pelicans, and other birds out on the trail. Copyright 2001 - document.write(new Date().getFullYear())Half Moon Bay Business Improvement District. Docent-led tours every Saturday at 10:00 AM and every Sunday at 1:00 PM, weather permitting. Bike Rides. (registerFormPasswordLength >= 1) Trails lead you along dramatic ocean bluffs, through wetlands teeming with wildlife, and under serene redwoods. Take Highway One south of Half Moon Bay for 18 miles. Get there early on summer weekends. 'Very Good' : ? ' With even more seaside splendor than legendary Highway 1, a bike ride along the California Coastal Trail provides a safe and scenic way to explore the Half Moon Bay coast. Higgins Purisima, and Cowell purusima are closed. : Yes. : Yes. Outdoor team building activities, A sunset over the ocean while youre walking on the beach with your sweetheart is high on the list of those searching for romantic experiences. From the earliest settlers of, Spending time on the water or at the beach is a wonderful way to enjoy a personal escape, but its also an incredible experience for groups. It is around 3.5 miles one way or 7 miles round trip. Outdoor team building activities, Step back in time at the Long Branch Saloon and Farms Northern California Retreat Center. Become a member and wear your FREE T-Shirt with pride. passwordStrength__meter--5' : ? ' Its in sight of the Ritz Carleton Hotel. Activities, search[item] != defaultSearch[item]).map(item => persistentDataParamMap[item] + '=' + encodeURIComponent(search[item])).concat(isMapMode ? x + y : '')" [text]="location.kind == 'state' ? Already confirmed? Near the site of the famous Mavericks big-wave surf competition, this working harbor provides an ideal starting point for your ride. Your donation will help us to continue connecting more people to trails around the country. The McNee Ranch property is part of the Montara State Beach Park. The park is located in the hills above El Granada. ['map=on'] : []).join('&')].reduce((x, y) => y ? The 220-acre bluff top includes a section of the California Coastal Trail and offers views of Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point Harbor, agricultural lands and the world famous Mavericks surf break. The Coastal Trail is approximately 11.5 miles from when done in its entirety from start to finish. Its a great spot for bird-watching and seeing the wildlife that feeds on the creek. Brush rabbits nibble along the trail's edge. To step into the Coastside's agricultural past, visit tranquil Burleigh Murray State Park. Please check your email to confirm your account. 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