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!

Wook Chung

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 Fu

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.

Violet Moyer

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.

David Merwin

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.

Philip Thwing

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

Mar

Not a great place to take your dogs for a walk. This area has ticks all over. Every time I walk my dogs they always have to come home with ticks. Don’t recommend to take your dogs with you. I mean you can but you need to check them when you get home. Other than that the view is amazing! And nice trails. I have to give it 2 stars because I will no longer take my dogs for walks there.

Deb Miedema

This is a beautiful space for low-impact hiking with short (half mile) and some longer (up to a couple miles) trails with amazing views of the ocean. Trails are not paved, but they're pretty easy to walk, even for someone with bad ankles/knees. Best thing to do? Bring a kite and fly it at the peak. Maybe bring a picnic lunch and make an afternoon of it. So beautiful...