Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument - San Diego, CA
Posted by: 
Metro2
N 32° 40.164 W 117° 14.713
11S E 477007 N 3614664
Best to go during lowed to enhance the amount of sealife that will be seen.
Waymark Code: WMRE3Y
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 06/16/2016
Views: 6
The Vist California website (
visit link) directs you to the National Parks Service page (
visit link) which informs us:
"Coastal Trail at Cabrillo National Monument
The coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a short one-mile hike ranging from easy to moderate difficulty due to a few steep slopes. You can find this trail on the west side of the peninsula, which leads to the tidepool access area. This trail can be started from the entrances at Lot 1 or Lot 2 off of Gatchell Rd. Take Cabrillo Rd. from the main entrance of the park to Gatchell and park at either lot.
On this trail you’ll find wide, easy paths with an amazing coastal view. The easy paths lead to steep stairs. Keep in mind this trail is constantly impacted by erosion and some of the stairs are uneven and rugged. It is not possible to take strollers etc. on this trail.
Look upslope to the east and you’ll see native Mediterranean Coastal Sage Scrub and Maritime Chaparral plants. This native vegetation was once abundant in southern California but development has left very little acreage remaining. You may see rangers and volunteers pulling invasive weeds in this area and in other parts of the park. One recent project led to the resurgence of native sea dahlia (pictured below).
??The coastal trail at Lot 2 of Cabrillo National Monument. The trail offers coastal ocean views, rare native plants, and wildlife.
This coastal area is also the only area in the park where leashed dogs are allowed. It is popular with local dog walkers, runners, hikers and those who just want to take in the view and fresh coastal breezes. Keep in mind, there are no trash cans along the trail. Please pick up after your dog. Restrooms are located at Lot 1. Enjoy your hike!"
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