o a s t a l

C s Guide
H i k e

o c a
L ritesl
F a v o
INCLUDES TIPS
TO MAKE THE MOST
OF YOUR TIME ON
THE COAST!
 Adventure awaits along the idyllic coast of the San Francisco
Peninsula, where cool ocean fog blankets giant stands of
redwoods and whales spout offshore. It’s a place where you can
escape the hustle of urban life and enjoy a stretch of coast with
no traffic lights for over forty-five miles.

Since 1977, POST has been hard at work protecting our corner
of the Golden State so generations can enjoy the coast’s rugged
character and rich agricultural heritage. We’ve put together this
guide to help you explore our favorite coastal trails.

p ’ s i c o n s t o
l i c k t h e m a a s u r e s !
C c o a s t a l t r e SAN RAMON

e
ALAMEDA

r t h e s
discove SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

LIVERMO
HAYWARD
SO UTH SAN
FRANC ISCO

PACIFICA
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA
REDW OOD CITY
HALF
MOO N BAY MENLO
PARK
WOOD SIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTO LA MOUNTA IN
VALL EY VIEW
SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGO RIO LA
HONDA
CAMP BELL

SARATOGA
PESCAD ERO

LOS GATOS

BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCO TTS
FELTO N
VALL EY

DAVENP ORT

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS

WATSONVILLE

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
openspacetrust.org
MOSS LAND ING
Jean Lauer Trail
Enjoy views of the world-famous Mavericks surf break as well as the
tide pools of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. This trail is named
in memory of Jean Lauer, a former POST staffer and dedicated
conservationist.

LE N G TH 3 miles round-trip
D I FFI C ULTY Easy
P R E S E RV E Pillar Point Bluff County Park

ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

Trail Map TRACY

a l
SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO
HAYWARD

o c
L avorites
LIVERMORE

F
PACIFICA
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA

HALF
MOON BAY
REDWOOD CITY

MENLO
After your hike, enjoy a cold one at
PARK
WOODSIDE PALO
ALTO
MILPITAS the Moss Beach Distillery. But be
MOUNTAIN

careful, locals say it’s haunted!

PORTOLA
VALLEY VIEW
SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS

Back to top
MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS
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WATSONVILLE
 Bird Trail
This trail weaves through one of the most important sites for raptors
in the Bay Area. Keep an eye out for hawks and harriers and, if
you’re lucky, migrating whales off the coast (typically October
through December).

LE N G TH 2 miles round-trip
D I FFI C ULTY Easy
P R E S E RV E Wavecrest Preserve

ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

Trail Map TRACY

a l
SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO
HAYWARD

o c
L avorites
LIVERMORE

F
PACIFICA
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA

HALF
REDWOOD CITY Try the delicious sandwiches at the
MOON BAY MENLO

San Benito Deli in downtown Half

PARK
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA
VALLEY
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
SANTA
Moon Bay after you’ve worked up
CLARA

SAN
GREGORIO LA
CUPERTINO SAN JOSE an appetite.
HONDA
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS

Back to top
MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS
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WATSONVILLE
Cowell-Purisima Trail
Get a taste of everything the coast has to offer: productive farmland,
pristine beaches and stunning ocean views. Keep an eye out for
harbor seals, pelicans, hawks and wildflowers along the way

Availability/Hours: Weekends and holidays only

LE N G TH 7.2 miles round-trip

D I FFI C ULTY Moderate
P R E S E RV E Cowell-Purisima Trail
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

Trail Map TRACY

a l
SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO
HAYWARD

o c
L avorites
LIVERMORE

F
PACIFICA
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

Looking for a secluded beach?

EL GRANADA
REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY MENLO

WOODSIDE
PARK
PALO
ALTO
MILPITAS
Make a stop at the Cowell Ranch
PORTOLA
VALLEY
MOUNTAIN
VIEW
SANTA
State Beach, accessible from this
trail’s northern trailhead.
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS

Back to top
MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS
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WATSONVILLE
Sequoia-Audubon Trail
Discover the Pescadero Marsh, the largest freshwater marsh on the
Peninsula. Be sure to bring your binoculars as this coastal wetland is
home to more than 250 species of birds, including great blue herons,
double-crested cormorants and great egrets.

LE N G TH 1.5 miles round-trip

D I FFI C ULTY Easy
P R E S E RV E Pescadero Marsh State Natural Preserve
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

LIVERMORE

Trail Map
HAYWARD
SOUTH SAN

l
FRANCISCO

o c a
L avorites
PACIFICA
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT

F
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA
REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY MENLO
PARK
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VIEW
A trip to the marsh isn’t complete
VALLEY

without a stop at the Arcangeli

SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL Grocery Store in nearby downtown
SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS
Pescadero for fresh artichoke bread.

MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND Back to top

SCOTTS
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
WATSONVILLE

openspacetrust.org
SAN JUAN HOLLISTER
BAUTISTA
Año Nuevo Point Trail
Massive northern elephant seals congregate every year on the rugged
beaches of Año Nuevo. If you plan to visit during their mating season
(December through March), you’ll need a reservation to witness
these giants.

LE N G TH 4-mile loop
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

D I FFI C ULTY Moderate HAYWARD

LIVERMORE

SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO

P R E S E RV E
PACIFICA
Año Nuevo State Park UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA

Trail Map REDWOOD CITY

l
HALF

a
MOON BAY MENLO

o c
PARK

L avorites
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VALLEY VIEW

F
SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS POST-protected Pie Ranch is just

minutes from this trailhead. Stop at
their farmstand to try a delicious pie
MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS
made with seasonal, local ingredients.
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS

WATSONVILLE Back to top

SAN JUAN HOLLISTER
BAUTISTA

MOSS LANDING

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
openspacetrust.org
 Ohlone Bluff Trail
The Ohlone Bluff Trail is a particularly picturesque section of the
California Coastal Trail that cuts through the historic Wilder Dairy
Farm. Whales and dolphins are often visible from this trail in the
spring and late fall.
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

LIVERMORE
HAYWARD
SOUTH SAN

10 miles round-trip
FRANCISCO

PACIFICA LE N G TH
UNION CITY

Moderate
SAN MATEO

ONTARA
MOSS BEACH
D I FFI C ULTY FREMONT

EL GRANADA

Wilder Ranch State Park

REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY P R E S E RV E
MENLO
PARK
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VALLEY VIEW
SANTA

Trail Map
CLARA

l
SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

a
LA

c
GREGORIO

o
HONDA

L avorites
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

F
LOS GATOS

MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND
The Swanton Berry Farm is just
SCOTTS

up the coast, so stop by if you’re

FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS
in the area during berry season in
WATSONVILLE
spring and summer.
SAN JUAN HOLLISTER
BAUTISTA

MOSS LANDING

Back to top

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
openspacetrust.org
Bean Hollow Beach Trail
Bean Hollow is one of the few state beaches that allows dogs,
making this section of the California Coastal Trail a perfect hike for
the whole family. The tide pooling here is also world-class!

LE N G TH 2 miles round-trip
D I FFI C ULTY Easy
P R E S E RV E Bean Hollow State Beach
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

LIVERMORE
HAYWARD
SOUTH SAN

Trail Map FRANCISCO

a l
PACIFICA

o c
UNION CITY

L avorites
SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

F
EL GRANADA
REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY MENLO
PARK
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN

Warm up after your hike at Downtown

VALLEY VIEW
SANTA
CLARA

Local in Pescadero with a cup of hot

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE
GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

PESCADERO
SARATOGA
coffee and a dose of nostalgia.
LOS GATOS

MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

Back to top
BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
WATSONVILLE

openspacetrust.org SAN JUAN HOLLISTER

BAUTISTA

MOSS LANDING
Devils’ Slide Trail
This paved trail offers world-class views of the California coastline
and is a popular nesting site for many seabirds. It follows an old
section of Highway 1 that opened for recreational use in 2014.

LE N G TH 3 miles round-trip
D I FFI C ULTY Easy
P R E S E RV E Devil’s Slide Trail

Trail Map
SAN FRANCISCO
ALAMEDA

SAN LEANDRO
SAN RAMON

o c a l
L avorites
TRACY

F
LIVERMORE
HAYWARD
SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO

PACIFICA
UNION CITY

MONTARA
SAN MATEO
FREMONT After your hike, grab a beer at
Pacifica Brewery and enjoy their
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA
REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY MENLO
PARK
large outdoor patio.
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VALLEY VIEW
SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

PESCADERO
SARATOGA
Back to top
LOS GATOS

MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
BEN LOMOND

FELTON
SCOTTS
openspacetrust.org
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY
 Four Mile Beach
Weave through coastal bluffs to a secluded beach and a popular spot
for Santa Cruz surfers. On your way down to the beach, keep an eye
out for harbor seals and sea otters in the surf below.
ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

LIVERMORE
HAYWARD
SOUTH SAN

2.5 miles round-trip

FRANCISCO

PACIFICA LE N G TH
UNION CITY

Easy
SAN MATEO

ONTARA
MOSS BEACH
D I FFI C ULTY FREMONT

EL GRANADA

Wilder Ranch State Park

REDWOOD CITY
HALF
MOON BAY P R E S E RV E
MENLO
PARK
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VALLEY VIEW
SANTA

Trail Map
CLARA

l
SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

a
LA

c
GREGORIO

o
HONDA

L avorites
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

F
LOS GATOS

MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND

SCOTTS
Head to Whale City Bakery in
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY Davenport after your hike, known for

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS
their mouth-watering fresh pastries.
WATSONVILLE

SAN JUAN HOLLISTER

BAUTISTA

MOSS LANDING

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POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
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Mels’ Lane to Pistachio Beach
Mel’s Lane provides stunning views of Pigeon Point Lighthouse and
one of the most iconic stretches of the California coast. Lengthen
your hike by heading north to Pistachio Beach, then relax and soak in
some scenery.

LE N G TH 2.5 mile round-trip

ALAMEDA SAN RAMON

TRACY

SAN FRANCISCO SAN LEANDRO

D I FFI C ULTY Easy HAYWARD

LIVERMORE

SOUTH SAN
FRANCISCO

P R E S E RV E
PACIFICA
Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
UNION CITY

SAN MATEO
FREMONT
MONTARA
MOSS BEACH

EL GRANADA

Trail Map REDWOOD CITY

l
HALF

a
MOON BAY MENLO

o c
PARK

L avorites
WOODSIDE PALO MILPITAS
ALTO

PORTOLA MOUNTAIN
VALLEY VIEW

F
SANTA
CLARA

SAN CUPERTINO SAN JOSE

GREGORIO LA
HONDA
CAMPBELL

SARATOGA
PESCADERO

LOS GATOS
Want to extend your experience at
Pigeon Point? Make a reservation at
MORGAN HILL
BOULDER CREEK

BEN LOMOND
the local hostel and stay the night.
SCOTTS
FELTON
VALLEY

DAVENPORT GILROY

SANTA CRUZ
APTOS

WATSONVILLE Back to top

SAN JUAN HOLLISTER
BAUTISTA

MOSS LANDING

POST protects and cares for open space, farms and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.
openspacetrust.org
POST protects and cares for open space, farms,
and parkland in and around Silicon Valley.

openspacetrust.org

©2021 Peninsula Open Space Trust