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Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach

Moss Beach, California

4.5/5
based on 6 reviews

Details

Distance

0.79 miles

Elevation Gain

105 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Michael Gabbert

Located just 30 minutes outside of San Francisco, take a short, ½ mile hike to gorgeous cypress tree tunnels along the Pacific Ocean.

The Cypress Tree Tunnels are a quick jaunt from San Francisco (22 miles) and make for a great half-day trip. Getting here depends on traffic, but 30 minutes from the center of the city is doable. Parking is relatively easy. You can either park at the south end of the area at the Cypress Cove entrance (off of Cypress Ave & Beach Way) or north end at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Parking area. Each allows for a quick walk up to the Cypress Tunnels.

From the Cypress Cove entrance you’ll walk about 100 yards before you encounter the cypress tunnels. There are two sides of cypress trees, creating a horseshoe-like trail of cypress overhangs. In total the horseshoe trail is about a ½ mile walk through the overhangs. At the north end of the area is an outlook over the bluffs. Here you can see the coast far into the distance and on most days a herd of seals sunbathing on the beach below. There are plenty of signs warning you about the sheer cliffs along bluffs so don’t get too close.

Depending on the time of the day and current weather, the cypress tunnels can give display a number of different views. Exploring these during a period of fog can elicit an eerie almost spooky feeling whereas exploring these during sunset can give you a feeling of tranquility with the colors and light beams shining through the cypress trees. While the hike and path are particularly short, it packs a punch for the number photo opportunities and fascinating nature of the area.

After exploring, hit up Moss Beach Distillery for an adult beverage or two. Also, depending on your the amount of time you'd like to spend, you could extend your journey onto Pillar Point Bluffs and to Mavericks Beach as well. Both are within walking distance.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Running
Hiking
Bathrooms
Beach
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Groups
Scenic

Cypress Tree Tunnels at Moss Beach Reviews

We applied dog only filters to find an area and this came up. Sadly when we drove all the way there signs are posted everywhere NO DOGS BEYOND THIS POINT. Super annoyed

It’s a short and easy hike! Make sure to bring your camera !

Amazingggggg, nice sunset, super cold, if you died at night no one would know... just kidding. :)

We had a lovely walk here in the early morning. Beautiful forest. The kids really enjoyed adding to the collection of forts people have built with sticks and bark throughout the tunnels. We will be back!

Walk through the grove right during the golden hour before the sun sets. It's breathtaking. It's gorgeous rest of the time too :)

Beautiful little walk through an enchanted grove

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Pillar Point Bluff Loop

Catch the Sunset at Maverick's Beach

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Paddle Half Moon Bay Jetty

Montara Mountain North & Middle Peaks Loop