Devil's Slide Trail (South Parking Lot), San Francisco Peninsula Travel Guide

Devil's Slide Trail is a unique recreational path transformed from a former segment of Highway 1, notorious for its instability and frequent closures due to landslides. The original Ocean Shore Railroad was planned to run through this area in the early 1900s, but the 1906 earthquake and landslides halted construction. The highway was finally completed in 1937 but continued to be a challenge, often closed for repairs. In 2013, the Tom Lantos Tunnels were built to bypass the area, and in 2014, the old highway was converted into the Devil's Slide Trail.The trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with opportunities to spot whales, seals, dolphins, and various bird species. Interpretive signs along the way detail the area's history, geology, and wildlife. The path is paved and relatively flat, making it accessible for people of all ages and abilities.Visitors can also explore the remnants of a World War II military triangulation station, which served as a lookout point for ships before the invention of radar. Although covered in graffiti, the bunker provides a unique photo opportunity against the backdrop of the cliffs and ocean. The trail is part of the California Coastal Trail, a 1,200-mile network that will eventually span the entire California coastline.