Pillar Point Bluffs Hike

The Pillar Point area north of Half Moon Bay is a popular destination for many. The huge waves of Mavericks are world-famous, and the Pillar Point Harbor offers many short hikes and walks. To get away from the crowds a bit, hiking the trails along Pillar Point Bluff means relative solitude as well as great views of the coastline, Pillar Point, and the waves of Mavericks Beach.

The parking area for Pillar Point is often full, even on weekdays. This is especially true when big waves are breaking. However, patience will usually yield a parking space because people come and go frequently. From the parking lot the trail to the bluff begins across the road at the yellow gates. Hop these gates and walk up the road until a well-defined path forks off to the left and up the bluff. Once at the top, the trail goes along the edge for a half-mile or so. There are several other trails on the bluff that are easy to follow due to the lack of high vegetation, making several possible loops to walk. Portions of the trail along the bluff are eroded away, so pay attention to trail closure signs to avoid these areas.