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Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 159 Google reviews · Running trail in Half Moon Bay, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trailhead'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.
Easy Pacific Coast trail with scenic coastal vistas and wildflowers.
What runners say about Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trailhead
“From the northern lot, a half mile in you’ll find a stunning wooden stairway that drops you down to Cowell Ranch Beach — a secluded cove that feels like a secret reward.”
“There is very little parking, so you are guaranteed a peaceful time.”
“Easy trail for walking or running with a narrow and steep segment near the Prisma trail head.”
Not much better than a hike on the Pacific Coast. Mostly flat trail ( although you have the opportunity to take a dip down the cliffs to the beach) with beautiful views of the ocean on one side & farmland on the other (with wooded hills behind those farmlands). Well maintained & quiet..
Start from Cowell Ranch Beach Access Parking, Hike Cowell Purisima coastal trail until you see the bridge, continue to hike about 0.3 mile to get to the flower patch. 7/7/24
Trailhead is right by US1. Nice and easy walk with great views of the beach and cliffs. Could not find benches to sit. Restroom within the parking lot. I enjoyed the trail. It Carrie’s on northwards past the golf course.
We started our walk from the Cowell ranch beach access area. This trail starts after walking about a half mile from the Cowell ranch beach access parking lot. Parking is limited, around 15 spots, porta potties available at the parking lot and the end of the walk near the stairs. Be prepared for cold winds.
Trail conditions & character
“February is the best time to visit, as the trail comes alive with beautiful flowers and early spring vibes.”
“Start from Cowell Ranch Beach Access Parking, Hike Cowell Purisima coastal trail until you see the bridge, continue to hike about 0.”
“You can walk on north side or south side, beautiful views of the oceans and a blast of wildflowers and scenery including the steep cliffs.”
“Parking is limited, around 15 spots, porta potties available at the parking lot and the end of the walk near the stairs.”
“Very accessible because it’s not very uphill either.”
“Such a beautiful trail Wide enough and flat enough for mobility aids”
“There is very little parking, so you are guaranteed a peaceful time.”
Plan your run at Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- 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.
- Websiteopenspacetrust.org
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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