Pillar Point Bluff
Managed by: POST
Location: Near Moss Beach off Highway 1
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Fees: None
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Things to See and Do: POST acquired this 123-acre windswept lookout in August 2004 to protect it from commercial development. With funding from the California Coastal Conservancy, POST has created a segment of the 1,200-mile California Coastal Trail. The Jean Lauer Trail overlooks a seasonal wetland as well as coastal waters protected by the San Mateo County Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. The bluff is popular with local hikers, joggers and dog-walkers. The trails are managed by the San Mateo County Parks Department through an agreement with POST.
Keep Your Eyes Open For: Soaring pelicans, cormorants, gulls and hawks.
Directions: From Half Moon Bay, go north on Highway 1 for 6 miles. After passing the Half Moon Bay Airport and Cabrillo Farms, turn left onto Cypress Avenue. After 0.3 miles, turn left onto Airport Street, and continue for 0.9 miles. A parking lot and the Jean Lauer Trail staging area will be on the right.