Last updated: November 20, 2021
Place
Coastal Trail (North Trailhead)
NPS Photo/D. Wieder
Quick Facts
Amenities
5 listed
Beach/Water Access, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
The coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a short one-mile round trip hike ranging from easy to moderate difficulty due to a few steep slopes. You can find this trail on the west side of the peninsula, which leads to the tidepool access area. This trail can be started from the entrances at Lot 1 or Lot 2 off of Gatchell Rd. Take Cabrillo Rd. from the main entrance of the park to Gatchell and park at either lot.
The Coastal Trail is a mixture of Class 3 and Class 5 trails as indicated below.
Parking Lot 2 - Spur Trail - Class 3
Starircase on Spur Trail - Class 3
Spur Trail to Tidepool Entrance - Class 3
Parking Lot 1 - Staircase to Tidepools - Class 5
On this trail you’ll find wide, easy paths with an amazing coastal view. The easy paths lead to steep stairs. Keep in mind this trail is constantly impacted by erosion and some of the stairs are uneven and rugged. It is not possible to take strollers etc. on this trail.
This end of the trail is not wheelchair accessible. The majority of this trail is dirt and inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The southern entrance to the Coastal Trail does offer a short distance that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
This trail provides scenic ocean views, the chance to see whales migrating in the winter months, various marine life, and a look at the native vegetation. Please stay on the trail as we have dangerous cliffs, sensitve vegetation and the possibility of rattlesnakes off trail. Some of the sensitive vegeation may look dead, especially in the summer, but they are just dormant, waiting for the winter and spring rains.
The Spur trail is also accessible from this trailhead. The Spur trail is another access to some of the tidepools. Watch your footing as you descent the steps on the Spur trail. Also, watch your footing if you go down to where the water is covering some of the rocks. These rocks are quite slippery, so make sure you have good footwear.
Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a 6 foot or shorter leash. Please do not go off trail with your pets. They are also not allowed in the tidepools. Please pick up after your pets.
Restrooms are available at the southern trailhead.
Learn More
Read about the Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument
The Coastal Trail is a mixture of Class 3 and Class 5 trails as indicated below.
Parking Lot 2 - Spur Trail - Class 3
Starircase on Spur Trail - Class 3
Spur Trail to Tidepool Entrance - Class 3
Parking Lot 1 - Staircase to Tidepools - Class 5
On this trail you’ll find wide, easy paths with an amazing coastal view. The easy paths lead to steep stairs. Keep in mind this trail is constantly impacted by erosion and some of the stairs are uneven and rugged. It is not possible to take strollers etc. on this trail.
This end of the trail is not wheelchair accessible. The majority of this trail is dirt and inaccessible for wheelchairs and strollers. The southern entrance to the Coastal Trail does offer a short distance that is accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
This trail provides scenic ocean views, the chance to see whales migrating in the winter months, various marine life, and a look at the native vegetation. Please stay on the trail as we have dangerous cliffs, sensitve vegetation and the possibility of rattlesnakes off trail. Some of the sensitive vegeation may look dead, especially in the summer, but they are just dormant, waiting for the winter and spring rains.
The Spur trail is also accessible from this trailhead. The Spur trail is another access to some of the tidepools. Watch your footing as you descent the steps on the Spur trail. Also, watch your footing if you go down to where the water is covering some of the rocks. These rocks are quite slippery, so make sure you have good footwear.
Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a 6 foot or shorter leash. Please do not go off trail with your pets. They are also not allowed in the tidepools. Please pick up after your pets.
Restrooms are available at the southern trailhead.
Learn More
Read about the Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument