Oceanside Trail

 

 

A scenic view from the Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The trail winds down the hillside, offering hikers breathtaking vistas of the coastline.

NPS Photo/A. Gossard

Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Trail Overview

The Oceanside Trail significantly enhances recreational opportunities at Cabrillo National Monument by adding a new trail to the park's network, increasing it by over 20%. This trail offers a car-free mode of access to the tidepool area, allowing visitors to hike with ocean views and reach the tidepools without walking along the narrow road shoulder.

Trail Classification:

• Western Side: Class 5
• Eastern Side: Class 3

Getting Started

The trailhead begins at the top of the Whale Watch & Kelp Forest Overlook trail, south of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The trail descends the bluffs and connects to the Coastal Trail and the parking lot adjacent to the tidepool area.

Highlights of the Trail

• Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic ocean views and scenic overlooks.
• Historic Sites: Pass by remnants of coastal defense structures, adding a historical dimension to your hike.
• Natural Habitats: Hike through rare undeveloped coastal scrub environments that are home to diverse plant and animal life.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Due to the steep gradient of the hill, the trail is not wheelchair accessible. For accessible options, visitors can check the park's Mobility Services page. The new trail is considered strenuous and includes stair steps, steep areas, uneven surfaces, and switchbacks. The narrow trail has sections with a steep running slope greater than 15%.

Practical Information

• Trail Length: Approx. 2.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: Significant, with steep sections
• Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Facilities:

• No restrooms or water along the trail
• Benches available for resting and enjoying the views
• Pets and bikes are not allowed
• Environmental hazards include toxic plants, animals, and fragile cliff faces

Tips for Hikers:

• Bring water, especially during warm summer months.
• Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a strenuous hike.
• Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive habitats.

Scenic Views and Natural Resources

The Oceanside Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore rare coastal scrub habitats, home to unique plant and animal species. Here are some common plants and wildlife you might encounter.

 

A view along the Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument, showcasing the trail winding through the lush Coastal Sage Scrub habitat. In the foreground, a prominent Mohave Yucca plant stands tall against the vibrant green vegetation and clear blue sky.

NPS Photo/A. Gossard

View Looking up the Oceanside Trail

Common Plants and Wildlife Along the Oceanside Trail

The Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument offers a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. As you hike through this unique environment, you will encounter a variety of native plants and animals that thrive in the Coastal Sage Scrub habitat.

Common Plants

The Coastal Sage Scrub habitat is home to a diverse array of plant species, each contributing to the unique ecosystem along the trail:

• Black Sage: Known for its dark, aromatic leaves, Black Sage is a common sight along the trail.
• Sagebrush: This hardy plant thrives in the arid conditions of the coastal environment.
• Lichens and Mosses: These organisms often cover rocks and tree bark, adding a lush, green appearance to the landscape.
• Prickly Pear: A type of cactus that produces bright yellow flowers and edible fruits.
• Buckwheat: Look for its clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers.
• Indian Paintbrush: Notable for its vibrant red bracts that resemble a paintbrush dipped in color.
• Laurel Sumac: Recognizable by its reddish stems and large, leathery leaves.
• Lemonade Berry: This plant has glossy leaves and produces red berries that were historically used to make a tart drink.
• Wild Cucumber: This vine produces spiny, green fruits.
• Mohave Yucca: A striking plant with tall spikes of white flowers.

Wildlife

The trail is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, offering ample opportunities for observation and photography:

• California Quail: These ground-dwelling birds are often seen scurrying along the trail.
• American Kestrel: Look for this small falcon perched high, scanning for prey.
• Mourning Dove: Known for their soft cooing calls.
• Hummingbirds: These tiny birds can be seen darting among flowers, especially in the spring.
• Warblers: Small, colorful songbirds that are part of the spring migratory influx.
• Cottontail Rabbits: Frequently spotted nibbling on vegetation.
• Ground Squirrels: Often seen darting across the trail.
• Lizards: Various species basking in the sun on rocks.
• Snakes: Including non-venomous varieties and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.
• Foxes: Occasionally seen or heard during early morning or late evening hikes.

Seasonal Highlights

The Point Loma peninsula is an important stopover for many birds using the Pacific Flyway. In the spring, be on the lookout for migratory birds such as hummingbirds, warblers, wrentits, and bushtits. These birds add vibrant life and color to the trail during their seasonal migrations.

During the summer, hikers should be cautious of rattlesnakes, which are more active in warmer weather. This precaution adds an element of adventure and awareness to the hiking experience.

Hundreds of different native plants and animals call the Coastal Sage Scrub their home, making the Oceanside Trail a fascinating and dynamic environment to explore. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a casual hiker, the trail offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and observe the intricate relationships within this unique coastal ecosystem.

 

Environmental Impact and Conservation

Construction of the Oceanside Trail considered the potential impact on rare plant species and sensitive wildlife. The trail corridor was surveyed and slightly re-routed to avoid habitats of concern. The park consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and addressed impacts on 0.49 acres of habitat by implementing 0.51 acres of habitat restoration in other areas of the park.

 

Military History

Point Loma has played a crucial role in military defense, serving as a strategic location for the U.S. Government for over a century. In 1852, the area was designated as a military reserve, and during World Wars I and II, the Army established an intricate coastal defense system on Point Loma. The Oceanside Trail features wayside signs that highlight this rich military history, including:

• 1919 Searchlight Power Station: Part of the coastal defense system, this station housed massive searchlights used to illuminate the harbor entrance.
• Observation Bunkers: Scattered along the trail, these bunkers provided critical vantage points for monitoring and defense.
• Cannons and Mortars: Remnants of the artillery that once protected the harbor during the wars.
• Submarine Net: Stretching from the tip of Zuniga Jetty to Point Loma, a submarine net could be raised to block enemy underwater craft from entering the harbor.

Modern-day military installations can also be observed along the trail. Historic Ballast Point, now home to nuclear-powered submarines, underscores Point Loma's continuing military importance. Cabrillo’s statue stands on the bluff about 300 feet above, marking the halfway point of the trail.

 

Common Questions About The Oceanside Trail

Why was this trail constructed? This trail significantly increases recreational opportunities by providing an entirely new trail that increases the park’s trail network by over 20% while also offering a car-free mode of access to the tidepool area. Visitors can now hike with an ocean view and walk to the tidepool area without needing to walk the narrow road shoulder. The trailhead starts at the top of the Whale Watch & Kelp Forest Overlook trail, south of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The trail leads down the bluffs and connects to the Coastal Trail and parking lot adjacent to the tide pools area. In addition to overlooking the ocean, this trail will pass by historic coastal defense structures, and give visitors the opportunity to hike in extremely rare undeveloped coastal scrub environments that are home to diverse plant and animal life.

What is the name of the trail? The trail is called the Oceanside Trail.

Where is the funding coming from? Funding for the trail comes in cooperation from a grant from the National Park Foundation, GRoW @ Annenberg, and generous contributions to Cabrillo National Monument Foundation. National Park Service entrance fees will be used in addition to the donor funds. If you are interested in learning more about this project, visit our partner's website at Cabrillo National Monument Foundation cnmf.org/trail

Can I ride my bike or use a stroller on the trail? Bikes and strollers are not permitted on the trail due to its narrow and steep nature.

Will the new trail be wheelchair accessible? No, the trail is not wheelchair accessible. Please refer to the park's Mobility Services page for accessible options.

Are pets allowed on the new Trail? No. Pets are not allowed on this trail. Pers are only allowed in a small portion of the park on the Coastal Trail. More information on pet regulations is available here Pet Restrictions. Service Animals are permitted on a leash anywhere in the park. Emotional support, therapy, and companion animals are not service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). More information on Service Animals is available here Service Animals in National Parks

How can I return to the Lighthouse area once I hike down? There is no ground transportation or shuttle service at the bottom of the trail. Visitors enjoying the trail down are expected to return the same way they came down. Park rangers can only provide transportation in emergency rescue situations. Plan on taking twice as long to hike up as it took to hike down.

Is there cell phone service or wifi on the trail? No, cell service is not available on the trail or when down in the coastal area. Cell phone service is normally available at the upper trailhead. The trail is very close to the border with Mexico, so many visitors receive international roaming messages on their phones. There is generally no cell phone service at the bottom of the trail or at the tidepool area.

What hours of the day will the trail be open? The trail will be open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. The coastal area of the park is open from 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM daily. The rest of the park is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Rangers cannot provide transportation for visitors.

What is the cost of this project? The final cost of this project is expected to be about $400,000 for materials, planning, and labor.

Were tribes consulted? Yes. Tribal Historic Preservation offices for Indigenous groups in the area were consulted to make sure the trail would not damage any cultural resources.

I have a concern. How do I share my concerns with park management?
The public can submit their comments on this project in the following ways:

• Online: [e-mail]
• Phone: You can leave a detailed message or request someone calls you back: 619-523-4285.

Will any natural or cultural resources be negatively impacted by the trail? Through the Trail Management Plan, approved in 2019, we explored the potential effects on natural and cultural resources during the construction process. Cultural resources such as military historic structures and cultural landscapes may be affected by increased visitation. To address and minimize the potential effects, we are engaged in ongoing consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and subject matter experts.

For natural resources, construction could affect rare plant species and some sensitive wildlife. The trail corridor was recently surveyed for species of concern and slightly re-routed to avoid habitat for a rare plant. The park consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the potential impacts to 0.49 acres of habitat. The NPS implemented 0.51 acres of restoration in other areas of the park to create habitat to replace the habitat displaced by the new trail.

What will happen to vegetation that is removed for trail construction? There is an ongoing plant salvage operation to re-locate them to other areas of the park. We are collecting seed from plants that are not likely to survive being transplanted to ensure genetic stock of the park’s plants are maintained.