Just 30 minutes down Highway 1 from San Francisco, Devil’s Slide is the ultimate hidden gem in the Bay Area. The multi-use pedestrian and bike path follows the coastline for 1.3 miles, offering unbelievable views of the Pacific Ocean.
Parking at the trailheads is extremely limited, with two tiny parking lots at either end that fill up quickly on weekends. But did you know that SamTrans offers a transit hack that can help bypass the parking gridlock?
SamTrans Route 117 (Linda Mar Park & Ride – Moonridge Apts) runs along Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, seven days a week. It starts at the Linda Mar Park N Ride stop in Pacifica, passing through the Tom Lantos Tunnels to reach the southern trailhead at the Devil’s Slide Tunnel Stop (ID 311619 northbound and 311620 southbound).
According to the SamTrans website, the bus passes roughly hourly in both directions, although it’s worth taking a close look at the schedule for the day you’re visiting. From the southern trailhead, you can walk up and down the Devil’s Slide Trail and then take the northbound bus back up to Pacifica.
The fare costs just $2.05 with Clipper or $2.25 with cash or mobile payment. You can also opt for a day pass for $4.50.
More about Devil’s Slide
California’s Highway 1 began as California State Route 1 in 1937. But the stretch between Pacifica and Montara, known as Devil’s Slide, was plagued by erosion and landslides, resulting in decades of frequent closures. It wasn’t until 2013 that Caltrans built and diverted traffic through the Tom Lantos Tunnels, effectively decommissioning the entire dangerous stretch of roadway for good.
The 1.3-mile highway was subsequently repurposed into a recreational pedestrian and bike path, famous for whale watching and dramatic ocean views.