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Devil's Slide Trail: Coastal Views on a Historic Highway

Hike or bike the historic Devil's Slide Trail for breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and a unique coastal experience on the former Highway 1.

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The Devil's Slide Trail, a 1.3-mile paved path between Pacifica and Montara, offers stunning ocean vistas and a unique hiking experience. Once a treacherous stretch of Highway 1 plagued by landslides, it's now a serene multi-use trail for walkers, bikers, and equestrians.

A brief summary to Devil's Slide Trail (South Parking Lot)

  • 5981 Devil's Slide Trail, Pacifica, California, 94044, US

Local tips

  • Parking is limited, especially on weekends; arrive early or consider public transportation.
  • Bring a windbreaker or jacket, as the coastal winds can be strong.
  • Keep an eye out for whales, seals, and nesting seabirds along the cliffs.
  • Visit the nearby Moss Beach Distillery for a post-hike meal with ocean views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Pacifica, take SamTrans Route 17 to the Devil's Slide Trail. The bus stops near the trailheads. Check SamTrans schedules for current fares and times. A free weekend shuttle from Linda Mar Beach in Pacifica also operates.

  • Walking

    If you are in the Gray Whale Cove State Beach area, the southern trailhead is located a short walk north along Highway 1. Exercise caution while walking along the highway.

  • Parking

    If driving, there are two small parking lots at each end of the trail. The lots open at 8:00 AM and close at various times depending on the season. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early. There is no parking on the road shoulder.

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Discover more about Devil's Slide Trail (South Parking Lot)

Devil's Slide Trail, located off Highway 1 between Pacifica and Montara, is a coastal trail with dramatic cliffside views and a fascinating history. This 1.3-mile paved path was once part of the infamous Highway 1, known as Devil's Slide, a stretch of road plagued by landslides and erosion. Frequent closures and accidents led to the construction of the Tom Lantos Tunnels, which diverted traffic and allowed the old highway to be converted into a recreational trail. Opened as a multi-use trail in 2014, Devil's Slide Trail has quickly become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, with opportunities to spot whales, seals, and various bird species. Interpretive panels along the way provide insights into the area's history, geology, and wildlife. The trail is relatively flat and easy to navigate, making it suitable for all fitness levels. It's a segment of the California Coastal Trail, which aims to create a 1,200-mile trail network from Oregon to Mexico. Devil's Slide Trail provides access to the rocky heights above the Pacific Ocean, offering a unique perspective on this dramatic coastline. Before becoming a highway, the area was the site of an ill-fated railway project in the early 1900s. The Ocean Shore Railroad aimed to connect San Francisco and Santa Cruz, but the 1906 earthquake and subsequent landslides disrupted construction. Remnants of the original railroad bed can still be seen at San Pedro Point. During World War II, the area was used as a military triangulation station and observation site.

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