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Pillar Point Harbor to Bluff Top Coastal Park

Half Moon Bay California Hikes

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Although Coastside Trail travels along five named beaches, the roving eye sees the gray sand strand as one long and clean beach. This is open and fairly flat countryside, where the slender beach graduates into mostly low bluffs, farm fields, and finally the west faces of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spring is ideal for admiring California poppies, brilliant yellow beach primroses, and pale yellow bush lupines. Weekdays are best for avoiding the throngs of families (some with dogs) that play on these virtually rockless beaches. Horseback riders and mountain bikers also enjoy this sandy expanse. Expect to share the scene with white-crowned sparrows singing from coyote brush and seagulls galore screeching above the surf zone.

Although Coastside Trail travels along five named beaches, the roving eye sees the gray sand strand as one long and clean beach. This is open and fairly flat countryside, where the slender beach graduates into mostly low bluffs, farm fields, and finally the west faces of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Spring is ideal for admiring California poppies, brilliant yellow beach primroses, and pale yellow bush lupines. Weekdays are best for avoiding the throngs of families (some with dogs) that play on these virtually rockless beaches. Horseback riders and mountain bikers also enjoy this sandy expanse. Expect to share the scene with white-crowned sparrows singing from coyote brush and seagulls galore screeching above the surf zone.

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Published by The Mountaineers Books. All Rights Reserved.

Trail Statistics & Information

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Half Moon Bay
Length: 9 total miles
Elevation Gain: 200 feet
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Skill Level: Easy
Duration: 3 to 5 hours
Season: Year-round
Top Elevation: 75 feet
Other Uses: Horses, mountain bikers
Local Contacts: Half Moon Bay State Parks and Recreation
Local Maps: USGS Montara Mountain, San Gregorio
Topo Map: Pillar Point Harbor to Bluff Top Coastal Park Topographic Map
Guide Book: 100 Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area Guide Book
Driving Directions: View Guide
Trail Directions: View Guide
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About This Trail Guide

100 Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
100 Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
by Marc J. Soares (The Mountaineers Books)
Hidden within and around the congested Bay Area is a diverse array of often surprisingly remote hiki…
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