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.

Pillar Point Marsh and Shoreline in Princeton-by-the-Sea

Pillar Point Marsh and Shoreline in Princeton-by-the-Sea
0.5 mile. One way. Easy.
From Highway One, take Capistrano Road to Pillar Point Harbor. Continue
past the harbor entrance to Prospect Way and turn left. Turn right on Broadway, then immediately left on Harvard. Continue to the end of Harvard. Turn right on West Point Ave. Go 0.5 mile to the Pillar Point Marsh parking lot.
Information: Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, (650) 728-3584.

Although tiny, Pillar Point Marsh is a paradise for lucky bird watchers, who have sighted here for nearly twenty percent of all North American bird species. Look for great blue herons, snowy egrets and red-winged blackbirds. This unique marsh is fed by both fresh water and salt water.

For unmatched views of Pillar Point Harbor and the Coastside, be sure to follow the trail around the point to the breakwater and the tidepools on the far side. California sea lions bask on the jagged offshore rocks. Surfers catch the famous Mavericks Wave just west of Pillar Point.

Coastside Trail in Half Moon Bay

Coastside Trail in Half Moon Bay

5 miles. One way. Easy.
Park at Pillar Point Harbor on Mirada Road off Highway One in Miramar, or at Roosevelt Beach, Dunes Beach, Venice Beach, Francis Beach, or Bluff Top Coastal Park.
Information: Half Moon Bay Parks and Recreation, (650) 726-8297

To enjoy the Coastside at its best, take the Coastside Trail, which follows the scenic ocean bluffs between Pillar Point Harbor and Poplar Avenue in Half Moon Bay. From the trail, paths lead to sandy State Beaches.

Golden orange California poppies, bright yellow beach primroses and pale yellow bush lupines line the trail. White-crowned sparrows sing from the top of nearly every coyote bush. Brush rabbits nibble along the trail's edge. You may even see a long-legged, long-eared jack rabbit bound across your path.

Frenchman's Creek Bridge and the John Hernandez Bridge over Pilarcitos Creek off the best bird watching.

The Coastside Trail is especially popular with families.

Mills Creek Ranch Road in Burleigh Murray State Park.

1 mile. One way. Easy.
Take Highway One south of Half Moon Bay for about 1 mile. Turn left (east) on Higgins Purisima Road. Notice the historic James Johnston House on your right. Continue for 1.6 miles to the marked parking on the left side of the road.

Information: Half Moon Bay State Beach, (650) 726-8819

To step into the Coastside's agricultural past, visit tranquil Burleigh Murray State Park. At the end of Mills Creek Ranch Road is a barn like none you have ever seen before. Built into the side of a hill, the long, two-story dairy barn curves along the slope on a stone foundation. This century-old barn, which combines English and Italian architectural features, may be the only one of its kind in California. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is currently undergoing restoration.

Past the barn, Mills Creek Ranch Road dwindles into a verdant creekside trail, which continues for about one mile.

Mills Creek, which flows year-round, is lines with red alder, flowering currant and twinberry. The ancient pillar-like blue gum eucalyptus trees are especially impressive.

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.

Cowell Ranch State Beach

Highway One, Half Moon Bay, CA 650-726-8819 Cowell Ranch Beach is one of the jewels along the Half Moon Bay coastside. Since it requires a bit of a walk to reach it does not get as much use as many of the other beaches in the area. I don't use the beach but instead enjoy mountain biking the recently opened Cowell-Purisima coastal trail extension which consists of a smooth gravel covered wide pathway with several bridges extending three miles south to another parking area. This trail is mostly level except for one section which travels down to the Purisima Creek Bridge. The kind of place only the locals know about, this scenic state park is just south of Half Moon Bay and features a sandy beach and a seal preserve, plus trails for hiking and horseback riding.

Waterfront Coastside Trail in Half Moon Bay

Mirada Road off Highway One, Half Moon Bay, CA (650)726-8297 Description: Easy and scenic hiking trail along the Pacific coast that measures six miles round trip.