Pillar Point Bluff - Moss Beach, California

Rachel W.

My friend and I explored these coastal trails with a tour guided by POST (peninsula open space trust). We had a wonderful morning hike! There is a dirt lot that fills up quickly, but street parking is readily available. One restroom is at the start of the trail. There are additional starting points for this area, as marked on the map. We enjoyed refreshing views and ocean breezes. The location of where Mavericks surf competition has been held is visible, as is Frenchman’s Reef. We are reminded also of the original inhabitants of this land, the Ohlone tribe. The trails we hiked are well marked and maintained. Poison oak is abundant in the Bay Area, so be cautious to remain on trail. Also be aware of poison hemlock and ticks. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and spectacular Pacific Ocean views!

Jayanta D.

Beautiful hike along the ocean. It's easy to walk into a hidden beach. We saw a lot of mushrooms, on a beautiful sunny day.

Wook C.

Amazing hiking trail that happens on the Pillar Point "plateau". When you park, you'll immediately be greeted with a ramp up trail (towards the South). This initial ramp will get you on top of the plateau where the entire trail lies. It's elevated so views are simply awesome.

Highly recommend walking towards Ross' Cove and the Air Force Station (the giant golf ball) trail and back as the main trail loop isn't as long.

Keep in mind that on a sunny day, it can get scorchy as there are almost no trees. But fortunately, it is more cloudy than not in HMB and you'll be just fine.

It's about a 2.5 mile hike if you include the Ross' Cove trail.

David F.

Ti's a pleasant trail with good view of the airport from the car park and a short hike to the good restaurants to the north.

I was here end January 2020 with mild wintry weather. The view of the Pacific from this place is breathtaking and was told that the occasionally elephant seals roost here but it depends on the location along the trail and the time.

David M.

It was quite a view. I highly recommend this for the scenery and walking dogs. We met some nice people in the area, and really enjoyed the ocean. I wonder what would happen if they installed a quantum computer around here. I recommend wearing good shoes for these trails. Semper Fi.

Violet M.

Amazing views of El Granada, Princeton, Pillar Point Harbor and the pacific coast! We parked on the north side (Ocean Blvd and Bernal Ave) and tried to make our way to the beach but due to heavy rains the north trail was not safe.

It worked out anyway because the views from the Pillar Point Bluff trail were amazing especially when we went on the smaller trails closer to the ocean.

We found a difficult trail toward Ross Cove beach and headed north to enjoy endless tide pools and even spotted some seals relaxing on the rocks!

If you stayed on Pillar Point Bluff trail anyone could do the trail but if headed to the beach it is a bit more challenging.

No bathrooms on the trail so beware.

Philip T.

Very enjoyable hike! If you want to quickly ascend to the top, start on Airport Road.
If you want a more gradual ascent with views all the way, start at the Fisherman's Reef trail

natalia Z.

Great trail for a walk, jog or even mountain bike ride. Often foggy but offers great views if you are there on a clear day. We saw a lot of seal pups down on the rocks. Many blooming flowers currently. Some snakes too so watch your step!