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Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 113 Google reviews · Running trail in Half Moon Bay, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Crushed gravel
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wooded seaside route featuring vistas of the Pacific, cliffs and whales.
What runners say about Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
“Beautiful trail during spring to see the ocean and wild flowers, including wild mustard flowers.”
“It's an easy trail, mostly flat 7 miles in an out.”
Short, easy and beautiful hike from parking lot to the beach overlook. You could even take a stroller with the wider mt bike like tires here with no problem. The trail down to the beach has steps, and the beach is really nice.
Thanks POST for creating and preserving such prestine beauty for us to enjoy! A great spot to enjoy multiple outdoor activities - hiking, biking and beach fun! A great cliff lookout and the up close farmland is a bonus.
Gorgeous trail among the redwoods and creeks, connecting Half Moon Bay to Redwood City. Most of the trails are under the cover of trees, so it doesn’t get hot even during midday (you may even want to bring a jacket).
This trail is right next to the pacific ocean and is a few miles from Half moon bay. It has great views. Round trip can be close to 3miles. There are a couple of great view points along the trail. . It was cloudy when we visited, but still worth it. On a sunny day, it's a great coastal trail to hike.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful trail during spring to see the ocean and wild flowers, including wild mustard flowers.”
“Parking is free but is very small lot so it first probably less than 20 cars.”
“Portable toilets next to the parking lot, but no running water.”
“Terrain is mostly flat except for a small gully you have to walk down and up.”
“The trail is wide enough but has gravel all along, only a small portion of half a mile is narrow.”
“You could even take a stroller with the wider mt bike like tires here with no problem.”
Plan your run at Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceCrushed gravel — the rail-trail classic: softer than asphalt, still smooth enough for tempo work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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