There are many scenic trails just a short drive from San Francisco, perfect for a quick day trip from the city. One must-see hiking trail is only a 30-minute drive from San Francisco, and it features dramatic coastal views. Here’s what to know.
Devil’s Slide coastal trail
Don’t let the name discourage you; the scenic hiking trail offers a beautiful view and is generally considered to be an easy path for hikers, bikers, and even horseback riders. The trail is a segment of Highway 1 that was decommissioned, so it offers a wide, paved path perfect for enjoying the views.
The trail is 1.3 miles long and is equipped with many convenient amenities like restrooms, water fountains, bike racks, and informational signs detailing the history and geography of the trail. The trail is part of the California Coastal Trail, which is an ongoing project that will eventually extend an impressive 1,200 miles between Oregon and Mexico.
Devil’s Slide history
The highway-turned-hiking dates back to 1937 when Highway 1 (then called California State Route 1) was completed. The area was known for many dangerous landslides, and the road was closed for the first time after its completion in 1940. The road faced many closures due to the landslides and erosion. The solution was to create the Tom Lantos Tunnels into the side of the hills, which opened in 2013. The section of the highway was retired and reopened for recreational use the following year.
You’ll also notice a bunker perched on the bluffs, covered in colorful graffiti at one end of the trail. The bunker dates back to WWII and is no longer functional.
How to visit
Today, Devil’s Slide regularly attracts visitors looking to enjoy the dramatic ocean views. The trail is located in San Mateo, and it has free parking lots on both the north and south entrances.
