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    Devil's Slide Coastal Trail

    4.6 (147 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Devil's Slide Coastal Trail Photos

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    Karen R.

    One of the most enjoyable hikes and trails I've been on. It runs along the coast on the old highway. Very scenic the whole way, paved walking path, some moderate inclines nothing too crazy pretty much anybody should be able to do the hike. There are restrooms on each side of the hike at the start and trip back around to the finish. Basically a step up from a porta potty, there is hand sanitizer in there they were pretty clean could be a lot worse than what it was, kind of nice to find one there if you need it. The hike was extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend.

    One of many awesome views along the devils slide trail.
    Brian K.

    Nice easy stroll on a paved path. The views are spectacular and we even saw a humpback whale breaching out near one of the rocks that attract lots of birds. Make sure you bring warmer clothes because while it was 75 in the Peninsula, this walk dropped to 60° with a nice cool breeze. Definitely worth checking out this hike. Also, go check out the old WW2 observation bunker (can't miss it) near the beginning of the walk near the parking area. Really cool views.

    Clear day , amazing weather
    S V.

    Fantastic place for a hike with amazing views. The trail is easy on the legs but still a real visual treat. Parking is limited--there's a small lot right after the tunnel. It's great for everyone: little kids can run around, older people can enjoy a relaxed hike, and there are benches where you can sit and take in the beautiful scenery.

    Trail/views
    Annabelle R.

    I drove over from Pacifica State Beach to explore this trail over the weekend, the south parking lot is on your right side, directly after you drive through the tunnel. Once you park, if facing the water, the Devil's Slide bunker is to your left, up a small hill, and the trail is to your right, as well as a restroom at the start of the concrete pathway. The trail has slight elevation and clear bike lanes and pedestrian lanes. What keeps it interesting is being immersed in the magnificent landscape and walking (or running) alongside the curves of the mountain. There are informational boards to learn about the surrounding nature and wildlife and history of the trail, and a few benches and viewpoints along the way. The place wasn't crowded on a Saturday afternoon, it was quite peaceful actually, a nice hike/jog, even on a foggy day.

    Gabe Y.

    I love this historic trail with a good display of granite and sedimentary rock. Additionally, we were able to see a baby red-tailed hawk, ravens, snakes, whales, and multiple types of flora. As you travel down the coastal trail, the flora type changes with the amount of shade that is provided and I think that is so cool. Be warned that parking here is a bit of a nightmare with only 10-12 spots in one lot and around 15 in the other. The trail itself coming from south up to north was a bit more difficult than north up to south. It's not too strenuous but will get some heavy breathing. However, there are many rest stops and benched areas to catch your breath. It took about an hour to walk the trail and back Additionally, the bathrooms on either end are nicely maintained and even have a hand sanitizing station within. Overall, it's a great trail that I could recommend to most people to explore California.

    Joan W.

    The hike is about 2.5 miles down and back. It's nice because it's not too long or too short and goes along the ocean the majority of the way. There is a slight grade uphill going south to north so it gives you some workout but nothing too strenuous. The only problem is that it's a paved surface because it used to be the old freeway before they closed it due to numerous landslides. I prefer a dirt path but the views of the ocean are worth it and being paved makes it very easy for bikers. There are a couple of lookout points and at the southern parking lot end is the Devil's Slide bunker which is worth checkout out.

    Bhuwan S.

    Nice loop for hike with ocean vibes and bird..always feel cool and mindfulness when hiking walking or biking around..

    Lock up your bike
    Michelle M.

    Took me a very long time making it out here. So glad we did. Park on the Half Moon Bay side, they have a larger car lot. Granted it's still not ideal for the amount of people that would like to walk here. You can chance waking up early and find a space, or ride your bike. The trail isn't long at 1.3 miles. What is so magical is the opportunity to walk along where I used to drive such a scary drive. Now saved by the most state of the art tunnel under the mountain you can drive after your hike. The trail allows anyone to take their time, look at the plants, wildlife and the ocean! It's truly amazing. There are two pit toilets on both sides, one drinking fountain with a bottle refill feature, and bike racks. This was well thought out. Along the trail there are a couple of areas you can sit down and relax. Tips: Bring layers, you never know what the weather will be like. Bring your camera. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Enjoy!

    Restrooms
    Daniel W.

    At first, I thought this trail was all coastal with paved roads that have been closed down for vehicles, so easy pavement walking at an incline. But as you get into the trail, it almost requires some gloves, helmet, and a safety carabiner line for scaling the initial climb. Just kidding, you can really do it without all of thar gear but it is steep after the pavement strolling. Great views all around, plenty of greenery, plants, and tighter trails.

    Restrooms
    Vinkin Ken T.

    A fairly easy hike with inclines and declines. You are basically walking on pavement where cars use to drive on years ago. There's a small parking lot so best to get there early especially on weekends. There are restrooms by the entrance and it was the only one that we came across to so use it before you start on your hike. There's a great view of the ocean with some benches. If you bike, there's a bike tire station by the restrooms. It can get very windy up there so dress accordingly.

    Mr G.

    It took a long time for us to get here for whatever reason or reasons. Considering it was a highway it seems pretty wild! Big native plants. Some dampness from the coastal overcast dripping at places. Steep cliffs of course. Great views. Amenities-pit WCs clean and not stinky at least on this morning. Parking-not enough...good thing we arrived early.

    Devi B.

    Love this place. As you may already know this used to be Hwy 1 and they built a tunnel and made this road open for hikers/bikers. Road is 1.3 mile long one way and we have parking on both ends called North parking lot where parking spots are less and South parking lot where parking lots are better compared to North and have restrooms at both ends. There is a separate lane for Bikers and the hike itself is calm n peaceful with not many people. Recommend during the Day before Noon where u wont have issues with parking and if its hot day prepare with water and cap as there is no shade and there r some spots where it might get windy so just FYI. I parked at North and hiked to south and came back and there are some steep road but its manageable so just go have some fun with nature Be sure to check out the tunnel too and explore pacifica as it is amazing

    Allie G.

    One of my favorite hikes in the Bay Area! We started all the way at the Taco Bell Cantina, so the hike was about 6.7 miles, out and back. Not only are the views stunning, but you really get a little bit of everything here - woods that look like a jungle, a dirt path overlooking a horse ranch, incredible wild flowers, and of course the beautiful coast. Once you get inside the state park, you get a paved road and clean bathrooms. The hike itself isn't very challenging, as it's mostly flat with maybe one or two hills. It's dog friendly and there's a separate lane for bikers, as well. The best views are all the way at the end, by the Devil's Slide Gun Turret, but honestly the whole hike was impressively scenic. Highly recommend!

    Near a major viewpoint of Devil's Slide Coastal Trail

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    A Nice walk with great views, on a clear day with no fog the water is beautiful and if your lucky you can catch a great sunset.

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    Page 2 of 4

    Devil's Slide Coastal Trail Reviews in Other Languages

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    Review Highlights - Devil's Slide Coastal Trail

    The highway used to be the main highway but they made a tunnel so now this coastal highway is a walking trail.

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    Mori Point - Mori Point

    Mori Point

    4.7(332 reviews)
    2.6 mi

    This has got to be one of my favorites trials/ hikes in Pacifica so far! The weather was beautiful…read morewhen we went and a majority of the trails are quite wide so it doesn't feel crowded. The trails vary in difficulty and steepness, but the views are beautiful all around. Parking is very limited and there was a bit of traffic due to the one lane road, but it was worth it. After your hike you can talk a walk or picnic on the beach and drive down to one of the nearby restaurants.

    Mori Point is absolutely amazing on a clear warm day...which is not that common in Pacifica. Hence…read morethe missing star... Not to mention the arduous task of dealing with parking when one does stumble upon that perfect day. I would still bring a light jacket if you think you will still be here around sunset. The coastal breeze brings a nice chill in the evening no matter how warm the day is. The hiking trail is not hard at all, perhaps a bit challenging for some older folks or someone very out of shape. "Located on a promontory just south of the city of Pacifica, the 110 acres of Mori Point are one of the newest additions to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. High up above the cold waves, the site boasts sweeping views from Point Reyes all the way to Pedro Point. It protrudes several hundred feet out into the Pacific and is plainly visible from any high point in the City of Pacifica." - https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/moripoint.htm I feel like a cheat; cut and paste...lol. Then again, I didn't know all this information about Mori Point. I didn't pay attention and actually thouth it was called Maori point and was somehow related to the Maori folks from the land of the long white cloud (aka New Zealand). "Restoration activities have helped the area recover from invasive species infestation and centuries of use by humans. In the 1700s, the Spanish mined a nearby limestone quarry to supply whitewash for San Francisco's Presidio buildings. An Italian immigrant, Stefano Mori, purchased 19 acres of farmland here in 1888. Mori built a guesthouse/restaurant, the Mori Point Inn, which developed a notorious reputation during the Prohibition days and was operated by the family until the 1940s. Mori Point was a site of gravel and sand extraction during World War II; quarrying and later off-road vehicle use left the landscape scarred. In 2000, with the help of the Pacifica Land Trust, the Coastal Conservancy, and concerned community members, Mori Point was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and added to the Golden Gate National Parks." - https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/mori-point History "For nearly a century, Mori Point served as a haven for settlers, travelers, boot-leggers and diners. Today, after a generation of development battles, this spectacular place serves as a haven for walkers and wildlife and is a link to national parklands on Sweeney Ridge and Milagra Ridge along the San Mateo coast." - https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/moripoint.htm " * The terrain here is varied; walks around Mori Point range from a level and easy 0.5-mile stroll to a steep and challenging 1.5-mile hike. * Beautiful wildflower blooms are at their peak in the springtime, with the most flowers usually present in April and May. * Parking is available on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way. * Walk to the tip of the promontory for stunning views; it's quite windy on the bluffs so dress accordingly. * Stroll down to Laguna Salada and listen for the croaking of the red-legged frog. * Walk barefoot on the black sands of Sharp Park Beach. * During WWII, workers used a pulley system of long cables attached to cement anchors to pull buckets of sand ashore. Several of these crumbling blocks remain on the western hillside." ~ "Tips and Highlights" - https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/mori-point Wish I had read this before. Some good tips and helpful information

    Photos
    Mori Point - Mori Point

    Mori Point

    Mori Point - Mori Point Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    Mori Point Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    Mori Point - Mori Point

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    Mori Point

    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge

    4.3(191 reviews)
    3.8 mi

    There are a few entrances, but I think the most popular one is on Sneath Lane. This trail is paved…read moreand pretty steady and not too difficult for about a mile but then gets a bit steeper for the next mile to the top. On the way up you can see views of the San Andreas Reservoir Lake. After the rain you can hear the water flowing and see some little streams and wild mushrooms. To the ridge is a little under 2 miles. I like the fact there is a small bathroom which I find quite rare on trails like this. To the left is the San Francisco Discovery Site which has a plaque with some information. Apparently, this was the place the Spanish settlers first saw the San Francisco Bay. To the right the trail goes along the ridge to the remains of the old Nike missile site. The views are stellar, and one can see for miles on end, Marin, the city, Pacifica Mount Diablo, etc. I love watching all the planes coming in and out from nearby SFO. From Sneath the hike is about 5 miles and 2 hrs. I've also gone the Mori Trail route which is nice because it's not paved but this trail is steeper. It's worth checking out the funky Shelldance Orchid Gardens which is located at the trailhead but they are only open on the weekends.

    This is a nice enough spot to go for a hike. It was easy to find my way to the Sneath Lane Trail…read moreParking using google maps, a small lot within a residential neighborhood, that fits about 10-15 vehicles. It was foggy, cold, and incredibly windy during my visit last week, and of course, there's an incline as the trail wraps around the mountain. But it wasn't too bad, the actual climb up didn't feel as difficult as it looked from a distance, starting with the sneath lane trail then connecting to other trails higher up. In fact, there are many options for different trails to take. The Baquiano Trail had a dirt pathway while the Notch Trail toward the Nike Missile Control Site was paved. Near the SF Bay Discovery Site, there's a small restroom building (it was pretty clean for a park facility, on a Thursday afternoon). The gorgeous foliage lining the various paths was captivating, along with lovely views of the hills, lake (san andreas reservoir), and sunlit scenery in the distance. Too foggy to enjoy the views the higher you get though, just a giant cloud of fog everywhere. I barely made it three miles out before turning back. It was just far too windy and foggy to wanna be out there very long (I'm sure hot days would be even worse with zero shade to be found). Plus my legs definitely had a workout from the uphill trek. Luckily the jog back down was a breeze. And I did slow down to appreciate the vegetation and vast array of plant species, once again, before leaving.

    Photos
    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Plants and flowers along the trail

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    Plants and flowers along the trail

    Pacifica's Secret Waterfall - View from the beach, hard to get close because lots of debris.

    Pacifica's Secret Waterfall

    4.4(10 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    For an impressive waterfall it's pretty mid. But the area around has some trails with nice views of…read morethe ocean and beyond. Yelpers have mentioned the trail to the waterfall starts where Westline Dr. and Skyline Dr. meet. From here it's fairly intuitive on where to go. I felt the trail down to the falls seemed too steep to attempt so I opted out. I'm not sure if it was better a few years ago but when I went it felt dangerous and easy to lose footing. I wouldn't recommend this part for someone hiking alone, with kids, or with inexperienced hikers. The trail continues in the other direction along Westline Avenue with views of the ocean. If you continue you can see the top of the waterfall from here. You have to walk a little off the main trail in the ice plant but it's worth it if you want to see the falls. Another way is you can see this waterfall is by walking from Esplanade Beach. From the top of the stairs there the waterfall is about .6 miles. It's so much easier to get to this way and it's a nice beach walk. From here you can't see the waterfall as clear because there is a lot of debris in the way. In this sense it's almost a better view from above. The waterfall comes out of a storm drain which isn't as nice and only flows after a big rain. I wouldn't come out of my way to see this waterfall. But I think it's worth coming to see if you are already at Esplanade Beach or live in the neighborhood and are walking the trail alongside Westline Dr. From the start point to the beach and back it's about a 3.4 mile hike.

    Very cute little water fall. Emphasize on the little. It is a nice beach to picnic at, chill, read…read morea book, etc. Pro Tip: Walk all the way to the left side of the beach & away from the hotels, during low tide you can find sea animals! Please pack in and pack out. Protect our beaches

    Photos
    Pacifica's Secret Waterfall
    Pacifica's Secret Waterfall - View of the treacherous trail

    View of the treacherous trail

    Pacifica's Secret Waterfall - View from on top of the hill.

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    View from on top of the hill.

    San Pedro Valley Park - San Pedro Valley Park

    San Pedro Valley Park

    4.4(108 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    I thought Pacific was just beaches but San Pedro Valley Park lies 2 miles inland away from all the…read morebeach action. I like it for its hiking trails. There are many different trails, the longest all-encompassing loop in the park is around 10 miles but you can go even further all the way up to Montara Mountain and beyond. I like the like Brooks Fall Loop (2.4 miles) and the Hazelnut and Weiler Ranch Loop (4.6 miles). Brooks Falls is fairly easy with a view of a waterfall in the distance. Keep in mind it only flows after a heavy rain and is rather far away looking through the canyon so you can't hear it flow. Someone with a nice camera lens might be able to get a good close up but otherwise in photos it looks very far away. For a waterfall hike where you can get up close, I'd go to Marin. Parking is $6 and it's cash in an envelope like it's year 2000. I don't understand why they don't have credit card machines because I've been to some other San Mateo parks that have them. The weekends there is a person where you can pay credit card. Lots of manzanita trees, iris, and yellow flower daisies.

    Deer Factor…read more ±1,050-acre park located in Pacifica's "Back of the Valley" neighborhood and is situated at the base of the area's impressive Montara Mountain, which peaks at ±1,900' above sea level. I can't believe I've never reviewed this place, as I used to visit at least several times a month when I lived here in P-Town. But, as they say, better late than never. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ The Good: *Multiple restrooms *Paid parking lot (see The Ugly below) as well as free street parking outside the park along Oddstad Rd. *Visitor Center *Campsites for Youth Camps *Beach Volleyball court *Horses OK on marked trails *Always lots of deer and wild bunnies at this park, especially in the lower bowl area by the VC. *Approx nine-miles of trails, with options ranging from flat (Weiler Ranch Trail) to hilly (Montara Mountain Trail) and everything in-between, including some loops. *The uphill on the trails we did (±4.5-miles) weren't very steep but nice and gradual, including the Montara Mountain Trail. *Ocean views and the entire Pacifica area *You can take the Montara Mountain Trail into McNee State Park, but beware you're looking at an elevation gain of ±1,800' so be prepared. The Meh: *No dogs *Most of the trails were in pretty good shape, but a few of them were a little rough-and-ready--so wear good ankle supports! The Ugly: *There's a waterfall (Brooks Falls)along Brooks Creek Trail but unless it's rained recently, it won't even be a trickle. *Parking lot requires a paymentof $6, which is whatever I'm happy to contribute, but it's cash only in the envelope kinda deal. Not everyone carries cash these days and it's time to switch to a system that accepts CCs. Conclusion:

    Photos
    San Pedro Valley Park - San Pedro Valley Park

    San Pedro Valley Park

    San Pedro Valley Park - San Pedro Valley Park

    San Pedro Valley Park

    San Pedro Valley Park - San Pedro Valley Park

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    San Pedro Valley Park

    Rockaway Beach

    Rockaway Beach

    4.5(138 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Beautiful small beach right in front of a small motel and hotels. Lovely place to visit.read more

    I didn't ride a bus to Rockaway Beach but the sun was out. Ok... the Ramones weren't singing about…read morethis Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, CA. But I am. The beach is off Highway1. The beach parking and access is on Old County Road. It's free beach access and parking. The lot can fill up quick on the weekends. More public street parking is in the shopping district, but look out and be aware of the spots only for certain businesses or have time limits. the signs noting time lim There's a walking trail that connects the beaches, it's between the lot and beach. A rocky outcropping is between the two sandy beach sides. Don't go walking on those rocks. Pacifica beaches are notorious for its powerful sneaker waves. No I don't mean a reference to a shoe but actual powerful ocean waves that are strong enough to knock you off your feet and pull you into the ocean. Be cautious and never turn your back to the ocean. The beach has no life guards. To get to the north part of the beach, don't you dare walk on the outcropping for a shortcut. Use the beach trail that meanders through the shopping and restaurant area trying get you to the other side of the beach. The bluff on the north beach side has a bunch of walking trails. If you're not familiar with the area, I recommend sticking to the marked trails. And don't get too close to the edge of the cliff. It's not worth the elusive perfect selfie.

    Photos
    Rockaway Beach
    Rockaway Beach
    Rockaway Beach

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    Gray Whale Cove State Beach - Gray Whale Cove State Beach

    Gray Whale Cove State Beach

    4.6(116 reviews)
    1.4 mi

    This is one of my favorite places to go with my dogs. We always have a great time here, and the…read morescenery is absolutely beautiful. it really makes the whole experience special. My dogs love running around, and it's a great way for all of us to enjoy some outdoor time together. One thing to be aware of is the parking situation. It's located to the left of the highway, and you have to carefully cross the road to get down to the beach area. It can feel like a bit of a danger zone, but so far, it's worked out. Most cars are good about stopping and letting you pass, but you definitely have to stay alert and be cautious. The upside is that parking is free, which is a nice bonus. It's usually easy to find a spot on weekdays, but weekends can get pretty busy, so go early if you can. There's also a short hiking trail just above the parking lot, and it offers gorgeous views that make it worth checking out. Between the beach, the views, and the fun for the dogs or kids, this place is a real gem.

    I love the stairs to get down (although you could take the sandy way down too) and all the "secret"…read moreareas you can uncover on the far side of the beach near the bunker, like the mini waterfall. Tons of little coves and rocky areas to set up picnic stuff or leave items while hanging out. The whole beach and large space near the entrance are available for reservation. A get together there would be so fun!! Huge parking lot -- you can start hiking a few different trails from it, and they do look beautiful based on the photos from other Yelpers. Never busy on weekdays btw. I sadly saw so much trash strewn about around the beach entrance and under the stairs in the form of beer cans, chip bags, and even a Target bag. You know where you parked your car? Yeah, there are actually trash cans, big ones, right there in that parking lot.. like 500ft from where you threw your trash away. Don't be an inconsiderate asshole. I love eating and drinking at the beach, responsibly, but pack up what you bring in. Classless people.

    Photos
    Gray Whale Cove State Beach - The shoreline

    The shoreline

    Gray Whale Cove State Beach - Colors in the sky + the flock

    Colors in the sky + the flock

    Gray Whale Cove State Beach - Is this place even real?! Like damn...

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    Is this place even real?! Like damn...

    Mussel Rock Park

    Mussel Rock Park

    4.3(98 reviews)
    5.8 mi

    Wow - finding places like this really inspire me to find new trails and hikes in the Bay Area…read more The views along the coastal bluffs were just so breathtaking . The trails are family friendly - mild incline, wide and safe. That being said , we had a blast climbing down the rocky cliff to go down to the small beach . I'm not an expert on tides and sea life - but when we went there were just shelves and shelves of mussels that people were picking into buckets . We also saw tons of juicy sea anemones . Another stranger showed us all the crabs he had fished out ! Super fun spot for a lovely beautiful easy (but possibly chilly) walk or adventure on the mini beach ! Dog friendly !

    This is less of a park and more of hiking/waking trails but there are a few picnic benches in the…read moreparking lot that overlook the ocean. There's a decent amount of parking in the lot, much better space than nearby Thornton Beach and parking along the street coming in. I like this hike because it's not too long or not too short. The ocean is always in the background and it's a nice ocean walk without having to get sand in your shoes from the beach. I think there is a technical way to get down to the beach, but you have to climb down numerous rocks, and it didn't seem the safest. The southernmost end where you are at the actual Mussel Rock seemed a bit easier and there was a cool looking beach cave, but this would only be possible to get there in low tide. The walk is a little over 2 miles. If I wanted to go for a walk along a beach or go on a serious hike there are better places in Pacifica for that but I like it here to just get out for a walk and see the ocean.

    Photos
    Mussel Rock Park
    Mussel Rock Park - 1/20/25

    1/20/25

    Mussel Rock Park - Some joker sweets wanted to sniff

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    Some joker sweets wanted to sniff

    Devil's Slide Coastal Trail - hiking - Updated September 2026

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