Pillar Point Bluff 2015-08-06

Hiking by the Pacific Coast is a fine choice for any day and absolutely perfect on a summer morning. The coast is typically 10-15 degrees cooler than inland. We went to the Pillar Point area on Moss Beach to take advantage of that weather. Parking is available at the end of West Point Ave, accessible from Capistrano Rd or Cypress Ave from Hwy 1, about 6 miles north of Half Moon Bay - although I parked off street at the end of Princeton Ave / W Point Ave.

We started our walk in the beach overlooking Pillar Point Harbor. A short walk got us to the trail that goes towards Maverick's Beach from the West Shoreline Access parking lot. The walk to the beach is about three-quarters of a mile. Depending upon the tide, you may be able to walk on the beach, wading in the water. 

Maverick's Beach is an impressive spot. With huge cliffs on one side and the majestic ocean on the other with dangerous rocks, the location was absolutely astounding. Maverick's Beach is a destination for big-wave surfers and the famous invite-only surfing contest. 

We headed back to the parking lot at the end of W Point Ave. Crossing over the street, there is a short paved road that leads you to the trails on top of the cliffs and to Pillar Point Bluff. Once you reach the top, you will have the option of walking a trail that hugs the precipice and the ocean or others that are slightly inland.

Whatever you choose to do, the views of the ocean, the beach, and the rocks from the top of the cliff are simply breathtaking. I would advise caution when walking here, especially with your dog. Be sure-footed and stay at a safe distance from the edge.

After a short while, the trail goes more inland and eventually ends at the intersection of Ocean Blvd and Bernal Ave. There is a second entrance to this area from Bernal Ave which has more information about the Pillar Point Bluff area. The trails that run on top are named in honor of Jean Lauer, who had helped preserve these lands and made it accessible to everyone.

On our return, we walked for a while and overlooked the Half Moon Bay Airport and Hwy 1 beyond. There is a parking lot on Airport Road that also provides access to the Pillar Point Bluff area.

We wrapped up our hike by walking a short distance on W Point Ave to where I'd parked my car, a road that borders the Pillar Point Salt Marsh area on one side.

It was a classic summer morning with temperatures in the mid-60s. Fog and low visibility provided the perfect setting for our 5+ mile hike covering Pillar Point Harbor, Maverick's Beach, and the trails in the Pillar Point Bluff area. 


More pictures from our hike today.
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