Coastal Trail

 

 

A dirt path meanders through lush coastal vegetation under a foggy sky at Cabrillo National Monument, leading towards the misty ocean horizon.

NPS photo

Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument

Trail Overview

The Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument offers a scenic hike along the west side of the peninsula, leading to the tidepool access area. The trail is open every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Trail Classification:

• Class 3 Trail: Middle section
• Class 5 Trail: Entrances at Lot 1 and Lot 2

Getting Started

The trailheads for the Coastal Trail start from the entrances at Lot 1 or Lot 2 off Gatchell Rd. Take Cabrillo Rd. from the main entrance of the park to Gatchell and park at either lot.

Highlights of the Trail

• Paths: Wide and easy paths with amazing coastal views lead to steep stairs.
• Erosion: The trail is constantly impacted by erosion, making some stairs uneven and rugged. Strollers and similar equipment are not suitable for this trail.
• Flora: Look upslope to the east to see native Mediterranean Coastal Sage Scrub and Maritime Chaparral plants. Invasive weeds are actively managed by rangers and volunteers. One project led to the resurgence of the native sea dahlia (Coreopsis maritima).

Notable Points

• The Hump: The trail leads away from the tidepools and over a hill informally known as "the hump" if starting from Lot 1.
• Climate Change: Notice how the climate changes as you ascend the stairs leading away from the tidepools towards Lot 2.
• Searchlight Shelter: Near the top of the stairs, you'll find an underground searchlight shelter (No. 15) from World War II. Please stay off the unstable roof.
• Spur Trail: This trail leads down to an additional access point for the tidepools and offers great ocean views.

Dog-Friendly Area

• Dogs: Leashed dogs are allowed only in this coastal area. It is popular with local dog walkers, runners, hikers, and those enjoying the view and coastal breezes.
• Waste Management: No trash cans are along the trail. Please pick up after your dog.
• Restrooms: Located at Lot 1.

Practical Information

• Trail Length: One-mile round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate, with a few steep slopes
• Hiking Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Facilities: Restrooms at Lot 1; no trash cans along the trail

Tips for Hikers:

• Bring water, especially during warm summer months.
• Wear sturdy shoes suitable for uneven surfaces.
• Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive habitats.

Directions and Access

Location: Cabrillo National Monument, 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106

The Coastal Trail provides a beautiful and varied hiking experience, offering everything from historical sites to spectacular ocean views. Enjoy your hike and the beautiful coastal scenery!

 

Common Plants and Wildlife Along the Coastal Trail

The Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a haven for a variety of native plants and wildlife, offering hikers the chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Mediterranean Coastal Sage Scrub and Maritime Chaparral habitats. Here are some of the common plants and wildlife you might encounter along the trail:

Common Plants

The Coastal Trail is lined with a diverse array of plant species that thrive in the unique coastal environment:

• Black Sage: Known for its dark, aromatic leaves, this plant is a staple of the Coastal Sage Scrub habitat.
• Sagebrush: A hardy plant that can survive in the arid conditions along the trail.
• Lichens and Mosses: These organisms often cover rocks and tree bark, adding to the lush appearance of the landscape.
• Prickly Pear: A type of cactus that produces bright yellow flowers and edible fruits.
• Buckwheat: Look for its clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers.
• Indian Paintbrush: Notable for its vibrant red bracts that resemble a paintbrush dipped in color.
• Laurel Sumac: Recognizable by its reddish stems and large, leathery leaves.
• Lemonade Berry: This plant has glossy leaves and produces red berries that were historically used to make a tart drink.
• Wild Cucumber: This vine produces spiny, green fruits.
• Mohave Yucca: A striking plant with tall spikes of white flowers.

Wildlife

The trail also provides ample opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife, making it a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts:

• California Quail: These ground-dwelling birds are often seen scurrying along the trail.
• American Kestrel: Look for this small falcon perched high, scanning for prey.
• Mourning Dove: Known for their soft cooing calls.
• Hummingbirds: These tiny birds can be seen darting among flowers, especially in the spring.
• Warblers: Small, colorful songbirds that are part of the spring migratory influx.
• Cottontail Rabbits: Frequently spotted nibbling on vegetation.
• Ground Squirrels: Often seen darting across the trail.
• Lizards: Various species basking in the sun on rocks.
• Snakes: Including non-venomous varieties and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.
• Foxes: Occasionally seen or heard during early morning or late evening hikes.

Seasonal Highlights

The Point Loma peninsula is an important stopover for many birds using the Pacific Flyway. In the spring, look for migratory birds such as hummingbirds, warblers, wrentits, and bushtits. These birds add vibrant life and color to the trail during their seasonal migrations.

During the summer, hikers should be cautious of rattlesnakes, which are more active in warmer weather. This adds an element of adventure and awareness to the hiking experience.

The Coastal Trail's diverse plant and animal life offer a fascinating and dynamic environment to explore. Whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a casual hiker, the trail provides endless opportunities to connect with nature and observe the intricate relationships within this unique coastal ecosystem.