Enjoy the Pedro Point Headlands

The Pedro Point Headlands is open to the public to enjoy. You can walk, run, watch the birds and, of course, savor the spectacular views. Mountain bikes and equestrians are currently not permitted on the Arroyo trail due to the steep slopes, narrow tread and fragile ecosystems along the sides of the trail.

Restoration construction on the trails has been completed, but you will see signs of habitat restoration in progress. Please stay on marked trails and refer to the Kiosk at the South Ridge trailhead for updates.

Trail Information and Map

Parking

The parking lot on the north side of the tunnel, serving Devil’s Slide County Park is open. There are about a dozen spaces. A trail from the parking lot goes up into the headlands near the western bus stop.

Driving Directions

Google Maps

Trails and Improvements

The multi-year project completed in 2018 improved the trails, wildlife habitat and natural beauty. The new trails now provide access to the same spectacular vistas. Excessively steep areas were converted to safer switchbacks or abandoned to increase accessibility and improve erosion control.

A future section of the California Coastal Trail will traverse the south and east edges of the Pedro Point Headlands and will be a multi-use trail, serving bicycles, horses and people on foot.

Pedro Point Headlands Frequently Asked Questions

Are there restrooms?

Toilets are not generally available at the Headlands (though the land trust sometimes has a portable toilet on site for volunteer groups), but the Devil’s Slide trail has facilities near the Highway 1 entrance.

How do I access the Pedro Point Headlands?

The best access is from Highway 1 near at the end of the paved trail just north from the northern-most Devil’s Slide parking lot. Please don’t block the green gate off of Highway 1 with your car, emergency responders need ready access through the gate.

What can I see at the Pedro Point Headlands?

Stupendous ocean views, pristine coastal prairies, many birds and mamals and much more!

Gray whales migrate north in the spring, south in the fall. Wildflowers light up the coast in spring.

What native plants might I see?

There are hundreds of native plants including these top six: Coyote Bush, California Sage, Ceonothus, Sticky Monkeyflower, Lizard Tail and Coffeeberry. If you’re lucky, you might see the rare coastal rock cress, San Francisco wallflower or one of the tiny orchids that bloom in late summer.

Project Partners