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Gray Whale Cove Trail

Half Moon Bay, California

4.5/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

2.23 miles

Elevation Gain

367 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Xavier Salgado

This is an easy hike for the whole family, with an abundance of wildflowers in the spring and spectacular coastal views while being dog-friendly.

Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. The starting point is conveniently located near a parking lot that accesses Montara State Beach. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. Within minutes the trail will take you in the direction of the ocean, you'll have views of the beach below you as well as the WWII military triangulation station that sits on a promontory over to the north.

The level trail continues to wind along the edge of the mountain, parallel to highway 1, before arriving to a small resting point with two wooden benches that overlook Montara State Beach. This is a perfect spot to Whale watch as well as to relax and enjoy the coastal views ( this is also about the halfway point to the entire hike).

Going forward the trail crosses paths with the Old Pedro Mountain trail on the left ( stay straight ). The path will start to descend as it approaches an old dirt road. Just before reaching the dirt road turn to the right and walk through the cypress forest toward highway 1. Once you've reached this point you pretty much have two options, cross the road and walk down to Montara State Beach, or go back the same way you came from.

If you're a coffee enthusiast like myself you'll want to make sure to stop by P-Town cafe ( 152 Reina Del Mar Ave, Pacifica, CA. 94044) which is an old train car transformed into the coolest coffee shop you'll ever see. Great coffee, hot chocolate for children at only a dollar, and the most amazing bagel sandwiches.

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Features

Fitness
Running
Hiking
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Beach
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Scenic

Gray Whale Cove Trail Reviews

Fun walk down to the beach. Not many people there on a thursday afternoon. Parking was also easy on a weekday.

This is an easy hike with really nice views of the ocean. You basically go along hwy 1. I did the trail that goes down to the cove, but there is another that takes you to Montara.

Nice easy hike along HWY 1 with views of the ocean on the side. Could get some exercise in and finish in an hour before continuing along the nice drive down.

This was a prefect little day hike for me in order to get out of the city. Parking is very easy and there are two different trailheads: one at the north end of the parking lot that leads you to cross highway 1 to go to the cove beach...and the other to go to the trail that ends up at Montara Beach. I decided to cross the road at the end of the hike to go to Montara beach and I sat and watched some surfers. Pretty cool. So if you need a easy, but beautiful little day hike. Do this! Also cool to see all the old cars pass by on the 1.

There are beautiful views of the ocean the whole way. I sat and watched the water for a while and saw several pods of whales. Bring a hat or sunscreen, if the sun is out there is little shade.

Such a nice walk! You get a great view of the ocean the whole walk.

Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop

Gray Whale Cove Loop

Devil's Slide Bunker

McNee Ranch to Planet of the Apes

Montara Mountain Trail

Surf at Pacifica State Beach