How to Hike Devil’s Slide Trail from San Francisco

The Devil’s Slide Trail is one of the most breathtaking and accessible coastal hikes within reach of San Francisco. Once a treacherous stretch of Highway 1 prone to landslides and closures, this stretch of coastline has been transformed into a scenic, car-free pedestrian and bicycle path that offers panoramic ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and rich wildlife sightings. For hikers seeking a rewarding day trip with minimal logistical hurdles, the Devil’s Slide Trail delivers an unforgettable experience without requiring advanced mountaineering skills. Whether you're a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor exploring the Bay Area’s natural wonders, this trail provides a perfect blend of accessibility, beauty, and safety.

Located between Pacifica and Montara, the trail spans approximately 1.5 miles one way, with optional extensions to nearby beaches and viewpoints. Its paved, ADA-compliant surface makes it suitable for walkers, runners, strollers, and cyclists alike. Yet despite its ease of access, many visitors overlook the trail’s deeper rewards: the geological history of the Slide, the seasonal migrations of gray whales, and the quiet solitude found just steps from the bustling Bay Area. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan, prepare for, and enjoy a successful hike on the Devil’s Slide Trail—from parking logistics to tide-dependent detours and photography tips.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose Your Starting Point

The Devil’s Slide Trail has two primary access points: the southern entrance at the former Devil’s Slide Tunnel (Pacifica side) and the northern entrance near Montara Beach. Most hikers begin at the Pacifica side because it offers the most convenient parking and direct access to the trailhead.

To reach the Pacifica trailhead, navigate to 25000 Highway 1, Pacifica, CA 94044. This is the former site of the Devil’s Slide Tunnel, now converted into a pedestrian pathway. Use GPS coordinates 37.5551° N, 122.4458° W for precise navigation. From San Francisco, take US-101 South to the Highway 1 exit toward Pacifica. Follow Highway 1 south for approximately 15 miles. Look for signs for the “Devil’s Slide Trail” and “Pacifica Shoreline Trail.” There is a large, well-marked parking lot on the west side of Highway 1, directly across from the trail entrance.

Alternatively, you can start at the Montara side by driving to the Montara Beach Parking Lot at 19900 Cabrillo Hwy, Montara, CA 94037. This entrance is less crowded and offers a more rustic feel, but parking is limited and fills up quickly on weekends. From San Francisco, take Highway 1 south for about 20 miles. The trailhead is near the Montara Beach Pavilion.

2. Prepare Your Gear

While the Devil’s Slide Trail is relatively flat and paved, coastal conditions demand thoughtful preparation. The wind can be strong, temperatures fluctuate rapidly, and fog is common—even in summer.

• Layered Clothing: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add a light fleece or insulated jacket, and top it off with a windproof and water-resistant shell. Even on sunny days, the Pacific breeze can feel chilly.
• Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or trail runners are ideal. The surface is paved and smooth, but loose gravel and occasional wet patches near drainage areas require good traction.
• Hydration and Snacks: Carry at least 16–20 oz of water per person. There are no water fountains along the trail. Bring energy bars, trail mix, or fruit for a quick boost.
• Sun Protection: UV exposure is intense due to reflection off the ocean. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, wear UV-blocking sunglasses, and consider a wide-brimmed hat.
• Camera or Smartphone: The views are spectacular. A tripod is unnecessary, but a phone with a wide-angle lens or a compact camera will capture the cliffs, waves, and wildlife effectively.
• Map or Offline Navigation: While the trail is well-marked, download an offline map via Google Maps or AllTrails. Cell service can be spotty in the canyon areas.

3. Begin Your Hike

Once parked, cross Highway 1 using the designated pedestrian crosswalk. You’ll enter a paved pathway flanked by native grasses and wildflowers. The trail begins gently uphill, offering your first glimpse of the Pacific Ocean through gaps in the coastal scrub.

As you progress, the trail levels out and opens dramatically to the west. The ocean stretches endlessly, with waves crashing against the rocky shore below. To your left, the steep cliffs rise 300–500 feet, carved over millennia by wind and water. To your right, the trail winds through a tunnel-like cut in the rock—this is the original Devil’s Slide Tunnel, now repurposed as a protected passage.

For the first 0.75 miles, the trail is fully paved and ADA-accessible. Watch for interpretive signs that explain the area’s geology, the history of the highway’s collapse, and the ecological restoration efforts that followed. These signs are invaluable for understanding why this trail exists—and why it’s so special.

4. Navigate the Tunnel and Viewpoints

At approximately 0.75 miles, you’ll enter the 1,700-foot-long tunnel. This is the centerpiece of the trail. The tunnel is well-lit, ventilated, and lined with safety rails. It’s a cool, quiet respite from the wind and sun. As you walk through, listen to the echo of footsteps and distant ocean sounds filtering through the rock.

Exit the tunnel to find yourself on the western bluff, with unobstructed views of the Pacific. This is the most photographed stretch of the trail. Look for:

• The Devil’s Slide Rock Formation: A jagged, knife-like outcrop that juts into the ocean. It’s the origin of the trail’s name.
• Whale Watching Spots: Between December and April, gray whales migrate along this coast. Use binoculars to spot spouts and flukes. Humpbacks and blue whales may also appear in summer and fall.
• Seabird Colonies: Look for pelicans, cormorants, and the occasional peregrine falcon nesting on the cliffs.

Continue along the trail for another 0.5 miles to reach the Montara side. Along the way, you’ll pass several wooden benches and viewing platforms. Take time to rest and soak in the scenery. The trail ends at a small parking area near Montara Beach, where you can descend to the sand via a short staircase.

5. Return or Extend Your Hike

You have two options for completing your hike: round-trip or point-to-point.

Round-Trip Option: Turn around at the Montara end and retrace your steps back to Pacifica. Total distance: 3 miles. This is ideal for families, casual hikers, or those with limited time.

Point-to-Point Option: Arrange a shuttle or have a friend pick you up at Montara. This allows you to enjoy the full 1.5-mile trail without doubling back. Many locals use ride-share services or public transit (SamTrans Route 130 stops near Montara Beach).

Extended Hike Option: After reaching Montara Beach, continue south along the beach for another 1.5 miles to the historic Montara Lighthouse. The path is sandy and uneven, so wear appropriate footwear. The lighthouse, built in 1875, offers a fascinating glimpse into maritime history and is open for self-guided tours on weekends.

6. Return to San Francisco

If you did a round-trip hike, simply return to your vehicle. If you started at Pacifica and ended at Montara, use a ride-share app or take the SamTrans bus. Bus Route 130 runs hourly between Montara and Half Moon Bay, connecting to Caltrain at Hillsdale or San Francisco’s 4th and King Station.

Plan your return with traffic in mind. Highway 1 can be congested on weekends, especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider leaving by 2 p.m. to avoid delays.

Best Practices

1. Time Your Visit for Optimal Conditions

The best time to hike Devil’s Slide is between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. on weekdays. Fog typically burns off by mid-morning, and the light is ideal for photography. Weekends are busier, especially in spring and fall. If you must hike on a weekend, arrive before 8 a.m. to secure parking and avoid crowds.

Avoid hiking during high tide. The rocky shoreline below the trail becomes inaccessible, and waves can spray up onto the path during storms. Check tide charts via the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before you go. Low tide (especially minus tides) reveals tide pools teeming with life—perfect for exploration if you descend to the beach.

2. Respect Wildlife and Ecosystems

The Devil’s Slide area is part of the California Coastal National Monument and supports sensitive habitats. Do not disturb nesting birds, pick wildflowers, or feed wildlife. Keep dogs on a leash at all times—many species, including the endangered California clapper rail, rely on this habitat.

Stay on designated paths. Off-trail hiking erodes fragile dunes and disturbs native plants like beach bur and sea rocket. These species stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.

3. Safety First

Even though the trail is paved and well-maintained, coastal hazards exist:

• Wind: Gusts can exceed 30 mph. Hold onto hats, cameras, and loose items.
• Cliff Edges: Stay behind railings. The drop is steep and unforgiving. Children should be closely supervised.
• Fog: Visibility can drop suddenly. Use your phone’s flashlight if needed, but avoid relying on it as a primary light source.
• Weather: Rain makes the trail slippery. Avoid hiking during or immediately after storms. Landslides, while rare on the trail itself, can occur nearby.

4. Leave No Trace

Carry out everything you bring in. There are no trash bins along the trail. Even biodegradable items like apple cores or orange peels can attract wildlife and disrupt natural foraging patterns. Use reusable water bottles and snack containers.

If you see litter left by others, consider picking it up. The trail’s beauty is a shared responsibility.

5. Photography Tips

Devil’s Slide is a photographer’s paradise. To capture the best shots:

• Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the ocean and enhance cloud detail.
• Shoot during golden hour—sunrise or sunset—for warm tones and long shadows.
• Frame the trail with the tunnel as a leading line toward the horizon.
• For whale photos, use a telephoto lens (200mm+) and scan the horizon slowly.
• Include a person or object for scale—this helps convey the vastness of the landscape.

Tools and Resources

1. Official Trail Information

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) maintains the Devil’s Slide Trail. Visit dot.ca.gov/devilsslide for updates on closures, construction, or weather-related advisories.

2. Mobile Apps

• AllTrails: Download the “Devil’s Slide Trail” profile. It includes user reviews, photos, elevation profiles, and real-time trail conditions.
• Google Maps: Save the trailhead locations offline. The app also shows nearby parking and restrooms.
• NOAA Tides & Currents: Use the app to check tide levels for Montara and Pacifica. Look for “low tide” values below 0.5 feet for optimal tide pool access.
• Merlin Bird ID: Helps identify seabirds and raptors you’ll see along the trail.
• Whale Alert: Provides real-time whale sighting reports along the California coast.

3. Nearby Amenities

Pacifica: After your hike, stop by Rockaway Beach Coffee Co. for artisanal espresso and pastries. Or try La Cocina de Tia Rosa for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Montara: The Montara Beach Pavilion has restrooms and picnic tables. The Montara General Store sells snacks, water, and souvenirs.

San Francisco: If you’re starting from the city, consider taking the Caltrain to Hillsdale Station and connecting via SamTrans Route 130. It’s a scenic, car-free option.

4. Educational Resources

• “The Geology of the Devil’s Slide” – Published by the USGS, this free PDF explains the tectonic forces that created the cliffs.
• San Francisco Bay Area Trail Report – A monthly update on trail conditions, closures, and events.
• California Coastal Commission Visitor Center (Half Moon Bay) – Offers free maps and ranger-led talks on coastal ecology.

5. Accessibility Resources

The trail is fully ADA-compliant with gentle grades, tactile paving, and accessible restrooms at both trailheads. For visitors with mobility impairments, Caltrans provides free shuttle service on request during peak season. Contact them via their website for scheduling.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Family Day Hike

Sarah and Mark, residents of Daly City, took their two children—ages 7 and 10—on a Saturday morning hike. They left home at 7:30 a.m., arrived at the Pacifica trailhead by 8:15 a.m., and had the path to themselves. The kids loved spotting seabirds and watching the waves crash against the rocks. They brought sandwiches, water, and a small binocular set. After reaching the Montara end, they descended to the beach and explored tide pools filled with hermit crabs and sea anemones. They returned to San Francisco by 2 p.m., stopping for ice cream in Pacifica. “It was the most peaceful day we’ve had in years,” Sarah said. “No traffic, no screens—just the ocean.”

Example 2: The Solo Photographer

James, a freelance photographer from Oakland, hikes Devil’s Slide every other week during the gray whale migration season. He arrives at sunrise with a Canon R5 and a 100-400mm lens. He waits near the tunnel exit, where the light hits the water at a perfect angle. Last January, he captured a rare image of a mother gray whale and her calf just 100 yards offshore. The photo won first place in the California Nature Photography Contest. “The trail is short, but the moments you get here are priceless,” James says. “You don’t need to climb a mountain to find awe.”

Example 3: The Tourist’s First Coastal Hike

Alex and Priya, visiting from Mumbai, had never hiked a coastal trail before. They rented a car in San Francisco and followed a blog post to Devil’s Slide. “We thought it would be like the Golden Gate Bridge—crowded and touristy,” Priya said. “But it felt like a secret.” They were struck by the silence, the smell of salt, and the way the cliffs glowed in the afternoon sun. They took over 200 photos. “We didn’t know we needed this,” Alex added. “We thought we came to see the city. We didn’t realize we came to feel the earth.”

Example 4: The Birdwatcher’s Routine

Dr. Elena Ruiz, a marine biologist at Stanford, hikes Devil’s Slide every Thursday morning to monitor seabird populations. She logs nesting activity, tracks peregrine falcon behavior, and reports unusual sightings to the Audubon Society. “This trail is a living lab,” she explains. “The cliffs are a natural archive. Every crack in the rock tells a story of erosion, adaptation, and survival.” She encourages visitors to bring a field guide and note the species they see. “You don’t need to be a scientist to contribute to conservation,” she says.

FAQs

Is the Devil’s Slide Trail free to access?

Yes. There is no entrance fee. Parking is also free at both the Pacifica and Montara trailheads.

How long does the hike take?

Most hikers complete the 1.5-mile one-way trail in 45–60 minutes. A round-trip hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours, including stops for photos and rest.

Are dogs allowed on the trail?

Yes, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

Can I bike the Devil’s Slide Trail?

Absolutely. The trail is shared with cyclists and is one of the most popular bike routes on the San Mateo Coast. Helmets are strongly recommended.

Is the trail open in the rain?

The trail remains open during light rain, but it can become slippery. Avoid hiking during heavy storms or after significant rainfall due to potential rockfall or flooding in low-lying areas. Check Caltrans advisories before heading out.

Are there restrooms on the trail?

Restrooms are available at both trailheads: Pacifica Shoreline Parking Lot and Montara Beach Parking Lot. There are no facilities along the trail itself.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes. The trail is paved and has a gentle grade, making it stroller-friendly. However, the tunnel has a slight incline and may be challenging for heavy or bulky strollers.

What should I do if I see a stranded marine animal?

Do not approach. Note the location and call the Marine Mammal Center’s 24-hour hotline at (415) 289-7325. They coordinate with trained responders to assist animals in distress.

Is there cell service on the trail?

Service is spotty, especially inside the tunnel and in the canyon sections. Download offline maps and save emergency numbers before you go.

Can I camp near Devil’s Slide?

No. Camping is prohibited on the trail and in adjacent state park lands. The nearest campgrounds are in Montara or at Pescadero State Beach, 15 miles south.

Is the trail safe at night?

No. The trail is not lit, and visibility is poor after dark. It is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise for safety and wildlife protection.

Conclusion

The Devil’s Slide Trail is more than a path—it’s a gateway to the wild, untamed beauty of California’s coast. It’s a place where geology, history, and ecology converge in a single, accessible corridor. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to appreciate it. You don’t need to travel far from San Francisco to find it. All you need is curiosity, respect, and a pair of comfortable shoes.

What makes this trail extraordinary is its quiet power. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t demand attention. It simply exists—offering waves that have crashed for millennia, cliffs that have held the stories of seabirds and whales, and a path that lets you walk where cars once risked their lives.

As you stand at the tunnel’s exit, wind in your hair and salt on your skin, you’ll understand why this place was saved—not for the convenience of drivers, but for the wonder of walkers. The Devil’s Slide Trail reminds us that progress doesn’t always mean building more roads. Sometimes, it means removing them—and letting nature reclaim what was lost.

So lace up. Leave the city behind. Walk the edge of the earth. And let the Pacific tell you its story.