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Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 348 Google reviews · Running trail in Half Moon Bay, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Half Moon Bay 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.
Scenic coastline featuring beaches and trail-laced bluffs for hiking and biking.
What runners say about Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
“One of the beautiful coastal trails in the Bay Area, with a great ocean view and stunning wildflowers especially in the spring.”
This is an easy out and back trail along the coast. There are access to beaches along the way. We parked at the Poplar Beach parking lot and walked to the Half Moon Bay State Park and back. The trail is paved and well maintained. There were plenty of wild flowers in display along the way.
Gorgeous trail leading to an amazing beach. I would highly recommend for an easy hike, and then going down to the beach to hangout! There is so much wildlife and nature, plus if you go on a good day the weather is pretty good (but be careful, cuz it can get cold and windy very quick- it’s nor cal 🤷♀️).
This trail is beautiful along the lower cliffs that border the Pacific. There is a long meadow on the other side of the trail with paths that meander through the meadow. At one point there were four horsemen riding behind me on the trail.
This is a wonderful trail! Being next to the Pacific Ocean and feeling the coastal breezes must create a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere. It's great that there are public restrooms available along the trail, making it convenient for visitors.
Trail conditions & character
“One of the beautiful coastal trails in the Bay Area, with a great ocean view and stunning wildflowers especially in the spring.”
“Best of the best - mix of asphalt (paved) and unimproved (dirt) trails along with well built bridges.”
“It's great that there are public restrooms available along the trail, making it convenient for visitors.”
“Water fountain is located in El Granada next to the restroom.”
Plan your run at Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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 trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–7 PM |
Running trails near Half Moon Bay
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Half Moon Bay
4.8 ★★★★★ 58 reviews
Hiking area with picnic tables and a beach offering sunset views, plus opportunities for wildlife spotting.
California Coastal Trail
5 ★★★★★ 8 reviews
California Coastal Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 860 reviews
Popular scenic coastal trail with ocean views running through a golf course, with limited parking.
El Granada Coast Trail
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews
Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 113 reviews
Wooded seaside route featuring vistas of the Pacific, cliffs and whales.