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.

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.

New Captain Petes Salmon Fishing

122 Avenue Granada Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 (650) 726-6224 http://www.newcaptainpete.com/ More than 20 years of experience has helped to make the New Captain Pete the premier charter on the Northern California coast. Captain Dennis Baxter started his sportfishing career in 1982 as a deckhand aboard the Ginnie C II out of Sausalito. He received his captain's license in 1985 and skippered several Bay Area charter boats after that. In 1988, he purchased the New Captain Pete and operated out of Berkeley before relocating to Pillar Point Harbor near Half Moon Bay - the ideal location for salmon fishing on the beautiful San Mateo County coast! The New Captain Pete is 53 feet long, capable of cruising at 15 knots, and can carry up to 38 anglers. On-board instruments include a Furuno FVC561 fish finder, a Furuno 36 mile radar, and an Echotec GPS. All trips aboard the New Captain Pete include an experienced and courteous deckhand to assist with your tackle, provide fishing tips, and clean your fish. The onboard amenities include a heated cabin and separate heads for men and women. The New Captain Pete is also available for nature trips, parties, and cruises. For more information, please email us at info@newcaptainpete.com, or call us at (650) 726-6224 or (650) 726-7133.