Looking for an easy and scenic hike near San Francisco? Check out Devil’s Slide Trail!
Located in Pacifica, just a 20-minute drive south from San Francisco, Devil’s Slide Trail is a family-friendly and easy California coastal hike.
Devil’s Slide Trail is a fully paved, 1.3-mile stretch of road, converted from a former segment of Highway 1. You can walk, run, or bike the trail, taking in views of the stunning cliffs and coastal waters below.
We hiked this trail on our recent road trip to San Francisco, and it was seriously one of prettiest spots I’ve ever seen. Here is everything you need to know to plan your visit to Devil’s Side Trail.
Devil’s Slide California Coastal Trail
Devil’s Slide is located between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay in San Mateo County. It is about 15 miles south of San Francisco and 30 miles North of Santa Cruz, accessible via Highway 1.
If you’ve ever driven Highway 1 in Northern California, you know how stunning this famous stretch of road overlooking the Pacific Ocean can be. Devil’s Slide Trail provides the opportunity to walk it, taking in the views at whatever pace you choose.
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 a baby or toddler!
Devil’s Slide Coastal 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
- 1.3 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
What to Expect at 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 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.
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.
There are two small parking lots located at either end of the trail, but 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.
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, which is where we parked, you’ll have a clear view of the Devils Slide Bunker, which is a quick walk if you want to check it out. The bunker was built during World War II; it was a military bunker strategically placed to look for aerial and naval threats on the Bay Area. It has changed a lot over the years and is now actually covered in graffiti, but the photo ops are kind of cool!
When To Visit
Devil’s Slide Trail is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. However, parking lots open daily at 8 a.m. and close at various times (between 5 and 8 p.m.) depending on the time of year. Be sure to check the County of San Mateo’s website for current hours.
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.
This is especially true if you come in the morning, which is what I recommend. Mornings are also the easiest time to secure a parking spot!
Directions to Devil’s Slide Trail
Devil’s Slide Trail is located off of Highway 1 just south of Pacifica, California. It is super easy to find and the parking areas are clearly marked.
Traveling from the North
From Highway 280, take Highway 1 South.
Traveling from the South
From 92 West, take Highway 1 North.
Final Thoughts: Visiting Devil’s Slide Trail
Even if hiking is not your thing, or if you typically choose more challenging trails off the beaten path, Devil’s Slide Trail is worth checking out for its sheer beauty alone! Add to that the fact it is convenient to reach and offers free parking, and this is a fun excursion everyone should experience!
If you are looking for a fun day trip from San Francisco or a stop on your California road trip itinerary, Devil’s Slide Trail is a must.
Read these articles for more help planning your trip to San Francisco:
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