Coastal Trail

Steps leading down to the ocean and the tidepools from Lot #2

NPS Photo/D. Wieder

Length: 1 mi (1.6 km) round-trip
Time: 30 minutes - 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy (Trail is listed as a Class 5 trail at both ends with a Class 3 trail in the middle sections.)
Elevation Change: 50 ft. (100 ft. if traveling to tidepools from Lot #2)
Location: Cabrillo Road, bluffs overlooking the Tidepools
Parking: Tidepool Lot #1 or Tidepool Lot #2
Closest Restroom: Pit Toilet at Tidepool Lot #1

Route: This dirt trail passes along the bluffs overlooking the Cabrillo Tidepools. This trail can be started from the entrances at Tidepool Lot #1 or #2. It is a 1/2 mile (0.8 km) trip from one lot to the other. Portions of the trail contain steps and there are a few steep slopes. A spur from this trail provides access to the tidepools during low tide events. To return to the trailhead, retrace your steps back the trail entrance you started from.

Directions: Once you are in the park, take the turnoff for Cabrillo Rd. and travel down the hill 1 mile (1.6 km) to reach Tidepool Lot #1. Additional parking is available 1/2 mile (0.8 km) further down the road at Tidepool Lot #2.
 

Safety: There are no water sources along this trail. Hikers should plan to bring water and sun protection, especially during the warm summer months. Beware of slippery terrain and waves when on the tidepool spur trail. As in any natural area, there are environmental hazards to watch out for, including toxic plants, animals (such as rattlesnakes), and fragile cliff faces.

Coasting Along Cabrillo

The Coastal Trail travels along the bluffs on the western side of Cabrillo, just above the tidepools. The path provides an amazing opportunity to take in views of the ocean, delicate bluffs, and the tidepools below (when exposed). The trail near Lot #1 branches in two directions. One portion heads down towards the tidepools while the main trail passes over a small hill and continues along the bluffs towards Lot #2. A spur trail just south of Lot #2 leads to a bluff with additional coastal views.

While much of the trail crosses barren badlands, there are ample opportunities to explore the area’s native plant life as well. At any point, you can look upslope to the east and see native Mediterranean Coastal Sage Scrub and Maritime Chaparral plants. This native vegetation was once abundant in southern California but development has left very little acreage remaining. You can also see a strand of rare Shaw’s Agave just south of Lot #2. You may see rangers and volunteers pulling invasive weeds in this area and working in other parts of the park. This work is invaluable in helping preserve the rare ecosystems found withing the park. For example, one recent project led to the resurgence of native sea dahlia!

There is an also opportunity to examine some World War II history during this hike. Near the top of the stairs towards Lot #2, you will come across Searchlight Shelter, No. 15, an underground structure from World War II. What you see from the trail is the sliding roof. Make sure you stay off the roof as it is very unstable!

Regardless of which parking lot you use to start the hike, you return the way you came to finish it.

Details

Duration

30-60 Minutes

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes

Please follow our pet rules to help protect your National Park and keep your pet safe!

• Pets are only allowed on the Coast Trail between Tidepool Lot #1 and #2. They must be transported to the trailhead by vehicle.
• Keep your pet on a 6-feet leash (or shorter), on the trail, and out of the actual tidepools.
• Clean up after your pet! Remove any pet waste and properly dispose of it outside of the park. 

All pets are prohibited in all other areas of the park. This includes emotional support, comfort, and therapy animals. Service animals specifically trained to perform a task are allowed in all areas. You may be asked what physical tasks the animal performs.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Tidepool Parking Lot #1 (Southern Lot)

After heading downhill from the hilltop area of Cabrillo National Monument, the first access point that you will find for the Coastal Trail is Tidepool Parking Lot #1. This is the southernmost parking lot for the tidepool area and provides access to the southern trailhead. Alternatively, you may begin the hike from the northern trailhead located at Tidepool Parking Lot #2, approximately 1/2 mile (0.8 km) further north along Cabrillo Road.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

You can hike the Coast Trail year-round!

If you are planning to hike the trail to visit the tidepools, please be aware that tidepool access varies with the tides. Best low tide viewing is when sea level drops below 0.7 feet (0.2 m) above sea level. The trail and tidepools are inacessible outside park hours of operation. Please make sure you plan tidepool visits during low tides that occur during normal hours. Learn more about visiting the tidepools found in Cabrillo's Rocky Intertidal Zone.

Time of Day

Day

The Coast Trail and tidepool area of Cabrillo National Monument closes daily at 4:30 PM. The road accessing the Coast Trail and tidepools may be closed intermitently on busy days due to congestion, and may be closed for the day earlier than 4:30 PM at certain times.

Accessibility Information

Service animals are allowed. There are steep steps at various locations along the route and portions of the trail have a moderate grade. Terrain on this trail is uneven, subject to erosion, and is not accessible for wheelchair or strollers.