Since 1975, numerous California agencies have been steadily working on the ambitious 1,230-mile California Coastal Trail (CCT), a network of public trails stretching from the Mexican border in the south to the Oregon border in the north.
The trail is now approximately 70% complete, with various sections featuring paved sidewalks, hiking paths, bike lanes, and occasional road shoulders. Despite ongoing construction, much of the trail is already hikeable. Read on to learn more about the project and get useful tips before setting out on your journey.
California Coastal Trail project overview
Origins of the CCT
The idea for a continuous trail along the California coast was first introduced in the 1975 California Coastal Plan. However, significant progress didn’t begin until 1999, when Governor Gray Davis officially designated it as California’s Millennium Legacy Trail, prompting more tangible efforts and legislation at the state and federal levels.
Since 2001, key agencies—including the California Coastal Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, California State Parks, and Caltrans—have collaborated with the California Coastal Trail Association and various nonprofits to make the trail a reality. Their shared mission is to ensure public access along the full coastline, promote environmental awareness and stewardship, and encourage outdoor recreation.
Trail design and features
The California Coastal Trail is designed to serve diverse travelers, including cyclists, hikers, and people with mobility limitations. Rather than a single route, the “trail” is a network of connected paths that extend along the entire California coastline. Terrain varies widely, from challenging hiking trails to smooth, accessible sidewalks.
Along the way, the CCT passes through some of California’s most breathtaking scenery, such as the Tomales Point Trail in Point Reyes, the Presidio in San Francisco, the Devil’s Slide Trail on a decommissioned stretch of Highway 1, and the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas in San Simeon.
CCT project progress
Approximately 70% of the California Coastal Trail is now complete, or 875 of the planned 1,230 miles. One of the upcoming additions is a 1.25-mile connector trail between Morro Bay and Cayucos, which is scheduled for construction between summer 2025 and late 2026.
That said, there is currently no official or estimated completion date for the entire trail. The remaining 30% poses significant challenges, including funding constraints and securing access through privately owned land. Although California agencies have been chipping away at the project for decades, it may still be decades more before a final version of the CCT comes to fruition.
Hiking the CCT today
Since the California Coastal Trail is still a work in progress, it’s essential to carefully plan your route and consider bringing a GPS or detailed maps. You may face incomplete sections and varied terrain, with trail conditions ranging from well-maintained paths with clear signage to undeveloped, remote areas that can be difficult to navigate.
Some northern segments may also require permits to pass through campgrounds, detours to protect sensitive habitats, or other considerations. For example, portions of the Monterey Bay trail might require timing with the tides.
Think you’re up for the challenge? Be sure to consult these essential planning resources before setting out on your CCT adventure!
- CaliforniaCoastalTrail.org – The nonprofit Coastwalk/California Coastal Trail Association manages this dedicated website with detailed route descriptions, videos, photos, hiker-written guides, and more.
- California State Coastal Conservancy – The State of California offers an interactive California Coastal Trail map, which is useful for trip planning and finding accessible sections.
- Local and regional park websites – Your journey along the CCT will likely pass through state and local parks. Visit their official websites for updates on trail conditions and closures.