Last updated on December 19th, 2023 at 11:55 pm
Located in Pacifica, Devil’s Slide Trail is a family-friendly and easy California coastal hike. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to Devil’s Side Trail.
Devil’s Slide California Coastal Trail
If you’ve ever driven Highway 1, you know how stunning this famous stretch of road overlooking the Pacific Ocean can be. Imagine being able to walk it, or even ride your bike, taking in the views at a leisurely pace. Devil’s Slide Trail provides the opportunity.
We hiked this trail on our recent road trip to San Francisco, and it was seriously one of prettiest spots ever.
To be honest, it is more of a walk than a hike, since the road is fully paved and the walkways are wide and open. It is a great activity if you are visiting San Francisco with teens, but also good for younger kids. In fact, you can even push a stroller if traveling with little kids.
Devil’s Slide Trail gets its name from the jagged cliffs prone to rock slides. In fact, the trail used to be part of Highway 1, but the road was rerouted through a tunnel in 2013 due to frequent closures. Now you can hike, bike, or even walk your dog on the old 1.3 mile stretch and take in sweeping views of the Pacific along the way.
Devil’s Slide At-A-Glance
- Beautiful coastal hike
- 3 miles each way (does not loop)
- Paved trail
- 250 feet of elevation
- Parking located at each end of the trail
- Parking is free
- Restrooms available
- Benches and scenic vistas along the way
About Devil’s Slide Trail
Northern California’s Pacific coast is one of the most scenic spots in the world, and a walk along this breathtaking stretch of coastline is a treat.
Devil’s Slide is located between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County, about 15 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles North of Santa Cruz, accessible via Highway 1.
Devil’s Slide Trail is a wide, paved path that stretches for 1.3 miles along steep bluffs that overlook the ocean. It’s an easy hike, but there are definitely steep inclines along the way. Since the trail was actually part of the highway in its former life, it does not loop, so the full distance if you hike to the end and then back to your car is 2.6 miles.
There are two small parking lots located at either end of the trail, but be forewarned, they fill up quickly! Plan to get there early on weekends and in the summer months, if you want to find a spot.
There is also a free shuttle from Pacifica which runs on the weekends. Public transportation is also available to Devil’s Slide Trail via SamTrans Route 17 on Highway 1. For more information on this service, visit SamTrans Schedules & Maps.
Interpretive signs line the route, so you can learn about the area’s history, geology and ecology along the way. Kids will find this very interesting! There are also plenty of benches if you want to sit down and enjoy the views.
And it’s the views that really make this hike spectacular! The ocean and rocky bluffs are amazing, and on a clear day you can see Point Reyes. Keep an eye out as well for wildlife, including birds above, and seals and whales down in the water.
Restrooms are located on each end of Devil’s Slide Trail, along with maps and a spot to fill your water bottle.
At the southern trailhead, you’ll have a clear view of the Devils Slide Bunker, which is a quick walk if you want to check it out.
When To Visit
Devil’s Slide Trail is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, parking lots open daily at 8:00am and close at various times (between 4:00 and 8:00pm) depending on the time of year.
Any time of year is a wonderful time to experience this beautiful California coastal hiking trail. However, fog and wind at certain times can make it chilly, so be sure to bring a jacket.
Directions to Devil’s Slide Trail
Devil’s Slide Trail is located off of Highway 1 just south of Pacifica, California.
Traveling from the North
From Highway 280, take Highway 1 South.
Traveling from the South
From 92 West, take Highway 1 North.
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