Vision for the California Coastal Trail: To complete a continuous trail along the California Coast that provides safe coastal access for all.
The California Coastal Trail (CCT) is a continuous interconnected public trail system running the length of the California coastline. It is designed to foster appreciation and stewardship of the scenic and natural resources of the coast and serves to implement aspects of Coastal Act policies promoting non-motorized transportation. The CCT system is located on a variety of terrains, including the beach, bluff edge, hillsides providing scenic vantage points, and sometimes within the highway right-of-way. It takes many forms, including informal footpaths, paved sidewalks, and separated bicycle paths. When no other alternative exists, it sometimes connects along the shoulder of the road. While primarily for pedestrians, the CCT also accommodates a variety of additional user groups, such as bicyclists, wheelchair users, equestrians, and others as opportunities allow. The CCT is a braided trail system, meaning it consists of one or more parallel alignments. The CCT system is designed to achieve the following goals and objectives:
Along the 1230 miles of California coastline, about 70% of the CCT has been constructed. This translates to about 875 miles of trail, but given the many parallel strands, when complete, the mileage will greatly exceed 1230 miles.
Several hundred signs have been installed to mark many of the completed segments. To find these trails, take a walk in your favorite coastal park and look for this logo:
You can also check out the interactive California Coastal Trail Map to look for your next coastal walk. Or check out the regional Coastal Access guidebook series, Experience the California Coast, as well as the statewide California Coastal Access Guide, linked below, depicting the current coastal trail segments:
The Gualala Bluff Trail runs for about 0.4 miles above the Gualala River and the Pacific Ocean. Trail walkers may be able to spot wildlife including migrating whales, harbor seals, otters and ospreys. The Gualala Bluff Trail is managed by the nonprofit group Redwood Coast Land Conservancy.
Visitors to Half Moon Bay enjoy the ocean views from the 8-mile long multi-modal blufftop Coastside Trail. Pathways provide access to the beach.
Visitors to Twin Lakes State Beach can enjoy the 0.4-mile trail walk with views of the beach and Pacific Ocean. Beach access is via both a paved path and a stairway.
The Pt. Buchon Trail, 3-miles in length, is managed by the property owner, Pacific Gas and Electric. This bluff top trail begins at the southern end of Montaña de Oro State Park, and also includes access down to Coon Creek Beach.
The trailhead for this 3.7-mile long trail starts near Avila Beach at Port San Luis Harbor and traverses the promontory high above Avila Bay and provides distant views of the Nipomo Dunes and the open ocean. The restored Point San Luis Lighthouse is a popular stop along the way. Due to the sensitive nature of the area, hikes are managed by docents trained by the landowner Pacific Gas and Electric and walks are free!
Seaward of Highway 101, Caltrans operates a 3.5-mile long multi-modal trail which offers visitors spectacular views of the Ventura Coastline in a protected, separated path. Beach pathways provide access to the beach.
The Santa Monica Strand is a popular walking and biking trail that includes multiple segments of the California Coastal Trail. Combined, these segments run for approximately 22-miles along the Los Angeles County coastline from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. The paved trail allows visitors to enjoy the sand, surf and shoreline.
