The Pacific Coast Highway, also known as PCH, is one of the most breathtaking and scenic drives in the world, offering travelers an unparalleled view of the Pacific Ocean. But the Pacific Coast Highway is not just a road for driving, it’s also a destination for hiking enthusiasts.
The West Coast is home to some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world, and the Pacific Coast Highway offers access to many of them. From rugged cliffs to towering redwoods, the PCH offers hikers a variety of terrains to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, the Pacific Coast Highway has something for everyone.
In this blog post, I’ll take a closer look at the eight best hiking trails and destinations on the West Coast that can be accessed from the Pacific Coast Highway. I’ll provide details about each trail, including the level of difficulty, distance, and notable features. So, whether you’re planning a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway or just looking for a new hiking adventure, this post will serve as your ultimate guide.
1. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a breathtakingly beautiful coastal park located in California, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. The reserve offers a variety of scenic hiking trails that wind through cypress groves, rugged coastline, and hidden coves. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including sea otters, harbor seals, and sea lions.
The trails at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve are widely regarded as some of the best hiking trails along the Pacific Coast Highway. The paths are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the coastline, making them a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve has something for everyone.
2. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park is a beautiful coastal park located in California along the Pacific Coast Highway. The park offers a range of scenic hiking trails, from easy walks to challenging hikes that lead to stunning vistas of the rugged coastline.
The trails at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are widely regarded as some of the best hiking trails along the Pacific Coast Highway. The paths wind through towering redwoods, along streams and waterfalls, and provide panoramic views of the ocean. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including black-tailed deer, gray foxes, and a variety of bird species.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely hike or a challenging trek, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park has something for everyone. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of hiking trails, it’s no wonder that this park is a favorite destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts alike.
3. Garrapata State Park
Garrapata State Park is a beautiful coastal park located in California along the Pacific Coast Highway. The park offers a range of hiking trails, including some of the best coastal hikes in the region.
The trails at Garrapata State Park provide stunning views of the rugged coastline and the ocean. They wind through canyons, along creeks, and up steep hillsides. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including gray whales, sea lions, and various bird species.
One of the most popular hiking trails at Garrapata State Park is the Rocky Ridge Trail. This challenging hike takes you to the top of a ridge, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and the mountains. Another popular hike is the Soberanes Canyon Trail, which takes you through a lush canyon with waterfalls and a babbling creek.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Garrapata State Park has something for everyone. Its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of hiking trails make it a must-visit destination along the Pacific Coast Highway.
4. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a beautiful coastal park located in California along the Pacific Coast Highway. The park offers a range of hiking trails that provide stunning views of the ocean and the rugged coastline.
One of the most popular hiking trails at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is the McWay Falls Trail. This easy hike takes you to a picturesque waterfall that flows directly into the ocean. Another popular trail is the Ewoldsen Trail, which winds through redwood groves and offers panoramic views of the coastline.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including harbor seals, sea otters, and various bird species. Visitors can also explore the park’s historic cultural sites, such as the home of pioneer homesteaders, the Pfeiffer family.
With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of hiking trails, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts along the Pacific Coast Highway.
5. Muir Woods National Monument
Muir Woods National Monument is a beautiful natural park located in California, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. The park is famous for its towering redwood trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old. It offers a range of hiking trails that wind through the ancient forest and provide breathtaking views of the majestic trees.
One of the most popular hikes at Muir Woods is the Main Trail, a relatively easy hike that takes visitors through the heart of the forest. The trail is paved and accessible, making it suitable for hikers of all skill levels. Another popular hike is the Ben Johnson Trail, which provides a more challenging trek through the forest and offers stunning views of the surrounding hillsides.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can explore the park’s exhibits and learn about the history and ecology of the redwood forest, as well as participate in guided tours and educational programs.
With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of hiking trails, Muir Woods National Monument is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts along the Pacific Coast Highway. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the ancient redwood forest and to connect with nature in a meaningful way.
6. Mount Tamalpais State Park
Mount Tamalpais State Park is a stunning natural park located in California, just off the Pacific Coast Highway. The park offers a range of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including redwood groves, oak woodlands, and grassy hillsides. It also provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco Bay, and the surrounding hillsides.
One of the most popular hikes at Mount Tamalpais State Park is the Dipsea Trail, a challenging 7.5-mile hike that takes visitors from the shore of the Pacific Ocean up to the peak of Mount Tamalpais. The trail offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding hillsides, as well as a diverse range of plant and animal life.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, bobcats, and coyotes. Visitors can explore the park’s exhibits and learn about the history and ecology of the region, as well as participate in guided tours and educational programs.
With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of hiking trails, Mount Tamalpais State Park is a must-visit destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts along the Pacific Coast Highway. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and diversity of California’s natural landscape and to connect with nature in a meaningful way.
7. Redwood National and State Parks
Redwood National and State Parks is a vast protected area located along the Pacific coast of California, and it’s home to some of the tallest and oldest trees in the world. One of the most popular hiking trails in the area is located along the Pacific Coast Highway and California 1.
This trail offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged coastline, and towering redwood trees. Hikers can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, from ancient forests to pristine beaches and tide pools.
The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all levels, with various loops and side trails available for those seeking a longer or more challenging adventure. Wildlife sightings are common, including black bears, elk, and an abundance of bird species. Whether you’re looking for a scenic stroll or a more challenging hike, the trail along the Pacific Coast Highway and California 1 in Redwood National and State Parks is sure to impress.
Discover more national parks along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway here: Pacific Coast Highway – The 10 Best National & State Parks On the West Coast PCH
8. Point Reyes National Seashore
Point Reyes National Seashore is a stunning natural reserve located along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California. It’s one of the best options for hiking along this iconic highway, offering a unique combination of coastal cliffs, wild beaches, and lush forests.
The park features over 150 miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, grassy meadows, and dense forests. Hikers can explore the park’s rugged coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and secluded coves, or venture into the interior to discover hidden waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and an abundance of wildlife.
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Tomales Point Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Point Reyes peninsula. Other notable trails include the Alamere Falls Trail, which leads to a beautiful waterfall cascading onto a secluded beach, and the Bear Valley Trail, which meanders through a verdant valley filled with wildflowers and wildlife.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Point Reyes National Seashore offers some of the best hiking along the Pacific Coast Highway. With its stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife, it’s a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
👍 Find out more:
Discover the best stops along the PCH in my travel guide, “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops”, which is available on Amazon. This is the ultimate travel guide and pocket reference for anyone wishing to experience the adventure and wonder of THE PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY! MUST-HAVE for all West Coast travelers. Visit 202 places on the PCH with “Scan QR and go” for easy navigation.
Author:
Mark Watson is a California-based member of a Los Angeles motorcycle club and an avid traveler. He has completed seven full journeys along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway on his Harley-Davidson and is passionate about promoting this historic drive to others. Mark has also explored the Alaska Highway and Route 66, and has authored three bestselling travel guides on Amazon: “Route 66 Travel Guide – 202 Amazing Places,” “Alaska Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops,” and “Pacific Coast Highway Travel Guide – 202 Best Stops.”