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Devil's Slide Trail

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
 4.5 (13)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Bay Area
  4. …Pacifica
  5. Pedro Point Headlands
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“This former section of Highway 1 is now a popular multi-use trail with amazing views. ”

Miguel Vieira
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Map Key

2.5

Miles

4.1

KM

Out and Back

456' 139 m

High

261' 79 m

Low

269' 82 m

Up

269' 82 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Overview

This section of Highway 1 was replaced by a tunnel in 2013 and re-opened as a multi-use trail a year later. What was once a busy highway is now a quiet, easy hike atop the coastal bluffs that has become popular with locals and tourists alike.

Description

There are parking lots at both the north and south end of the trail, each with toilets and water fountains. This description starts at the north parking lot.

From the parking lot, take a wide, paved trail west toward the ocean, through the coastal hills. You'll soon be rewarded with dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean - on a clear day you can the Farallon Islands and Point Reyes.

Once the trail is above the ocean bluffs, look for pelicans and cormorants flying along the coast and seals and whales out in the water.

There are several interpretive signs and benches along the way to help you appreciate the views.

Stop at any time or continue to the south parking lot to return the way you came.

Flora & Fauna

In the coastal scrub along the trail, look for coyote brush, ceanothus, California sagebrush, and pampas grass.

Contacts

Land Manager: San Mateo County Department of Parks

Shared By:

Miguel Vieira
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 13 votes

#2

in Pedro Point Headlands

#1178

Overall
  4.5 from 13 votes
5 Star
62%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
15%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Pedro Point Headlands

#180

in California

#1,178

Overall
16 Views Last Month
7,575 Since Feb 17, 2017
Easy/Intermediate Easy/Intermediate
43%
29%
29%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

Views and the general feel of a hazy day along Devil's Slide Trail.
May 25, 2019 near Montara, CA
The trail is named for a feature of geology: the shale and sandstone are slipping into the Pacific. Sturdy barriers protect the road without inhibiting views.
May 25, 2019 near Montara, CA
Start of the trail on southern end.
Jan 1, 2021 near Montara, CA
Even beneath overcast skies, appreciating the sharp contrast between rock and sea demands more time than cars will ever provide.
May 25, 2019 near Montara, CA
Enjoy the sounds of the surf and sweeping views from the Devil's Slide Trail.
Feb 17, 2017 near Montara, CA
Typical of the "trail," which is as well-paved, maintained, and generously wide as any two-lane highway … minus the cars.
May 25, 2019 near Montara, CA

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Nov 20, 2022
Andre M
11h 30m
Sep 1, 2022
Fanny Suárez
May 11, 2022
Max W
Oct 28, 2021
Kimberly Taylor
Sep 6, 2021
Private User
Jul 3, 2021
Tilman Giese
May 23, 2021
bach r
Nov 27, 2020
Greg Grothaus
Out and back. Gorgeous. Very busy. 2.6mi — 1h 00m

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