Mavericks Cliffs Trail

Mavericks Cliffs Trail
A short hike along the Mavericks cliffs at one of the most famous surfing spots in the world.

Overview: This hike is an easy walk along the cliffs overlooking Mavericks surf spot, famous for its (often deadly) surf competitions. You will have nice views of the water below from the cliffs with very little elevation change after the first small climb.

If you are up for it, you can continue along the harbor towards the rock pier where you may see seals and other marine life in the water and in small pools between the rocks.

Tips: It can be cold here when the fog is out--dress in layers.

Points of Interest:

Parking:
There is a parking lot near the trail head. To find the trailhead cross the street, turn left and walk a little ways along the road. The trail should be on your right.

Mavericks
AFter the initial climb you will have a nice view of the famous Mavericks surf spot below, and should be able to see a lighthouse on the cliff to your left.

During the Mavericks competition this spot is packed with spectators watching the best surfers in the world battle some of the largest (and most deadly) waves in the world.

The trail continues to the right.

Junction
The trail splits here, but both trails meet up soon after. Follow one trail on your way out and return along the other trail for a chance of scenery. The trail to the left has better views from the cliffs.
Soon after the two trails meet up again they will split. Again, these two trails meet up very soon, so you can pick which ever way you prefer.

Pier
Once you reach the trailhead you can take a short trip down to the rock pier and the water. You will often see boats in the harbor and may even see seals near the pier or some marine life in the small tide pools.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach

0.5 mile loop hike. Moderate. Check tide tables for low tides.
Take California Avenue off Highway One in Moss Beach.
Interpretive Center and docent tours.
Information: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, (650) 728-3584.

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is THE place to marvel at the diversity of Coastside geology and aquatic life. At low tide the exposed tidepools and the concentric rings of offshore rocks beckon you to explore. In quiet pools, look for hermit crabs, purple shore crabs, and starfish. One of the more common algae is the brown, thirty-foot-long feather boa kelp. If you look up quickly, you may catch a harbor seal watching you.

From the sheltered sandy cove at the south end of the Reserve, take the trail to the bluff tops to return to the parking lot. Walk through the tangled garden of an old estate and through a century-old forest of wind-sculpted Monterey cypress trees. In the spring, California gray whales migrate north offshore. In the summer and fall, brown pelicans skim the wave tops.

Francis Beach

Kelly Avenue, Highway One, Half Moon Bay, CA 650-726-8819 Francis Beach, located in Half Moon Bay, California, has a lot to offer. It has miles of wide, sandy beaches, picnic tables, and a campground with 52 individual sites. Another enjoyable aspect of this place is the 2.4 miles of the "Coastal Trail" which runs along the eastern boundary of this state beach. There is plenty of handicap parking and the bathrooms are accessible. The Coastal Trail is paved and flat. There are also 4 accessible camping sites. For wheelchair users, Francis Beach has a beach wheelchair. It is free to use for up to 2 hours. It was my first time being in a beach wheelchair and, since this was also the first time since I became disabled that I have been on the beach and close to the crashing waves, it was a very special time. Weather can be foggy, especially during the summer. It was quite windy when I was there in the spring. So plan on bringing extra warm clothing and checking the weather report ahead of time. Francis Beach in San Mateo is an exposed beach break that has pretty consitent surf and can work at any time of the year. Works best in offshore winds from the east. Most of the surf here comes from groundswells and the best swell direction is from the west. Waves at the beach break both left and right. Best around high tide. A fairly popluar wave that can sometimes get crowded Watch out for rips and sharks.