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Coastal Access Program
What is the California Coastal Trail?
The vision for the California Coastal Trail (CCT) is a continuous
interconnected public trail system along the California coastline. It is
designed to foster appreciation and stewardship of the scenic and
natural resources of the coast. The Trail system will be located on a
variety of terrains, including the beach, footpaths, paved bicycle
paths, and sometimes along the shoulder of the road. While primarily for
pedestrians, the Trail will also accommodate a variety of additional
user groups, such as bicyclists, wheelchair users, equestrians, and
others as opportunities allow.
The trail is recognized as both a statewide and national resource. Governor Gray Davis and the White House Millennium Council officially recognized the trail and it now designated as California’s Millennium Legacy Trail. The California Legislature has recognized it as a part of the statewide trail system; see report to the Legislature, Completing the California Coastal Trail [in PDF, 12 MB] and also California Coastal Trail maps [in PDF, 7.25 MB].
Does the California Coastal Trail exist today?
Yes and no, it is a work in progress. Of the 1100 miles of
coastline, about 50% of the CCT is available and is being used by
thousands of people every day.
Where can I find a segment of the California Coastal Trail today?
While the goal is to eventually sign the entire 1100 mile long trail
network, the first step in meeting this objective is installation of
signs at coastal State Park units. The California Department of Parks
and Recreation will soon install the CCT logo on many existing trail
posts. Take a walk in your favorite coastal park and look for this
insignia:
For CCT segments located outside a State Park, signs will be installed in the future. In the meantime, to find these local trail segments, check out the California Coastal Commission’s 2005 guidebook, Experience the California Coast, A Guide to Beaches and Parks in Northern California, which contains many maps depicting the currently available coastal trail from San Francisco to the Oregon border. This guidebook is the first in a series; three more editions are in process and will include the rest of the California coast. (Find out more about it.)
Detailed maps depicting the entire CCT trail system are being prepared but are
not yet complete. Check the Coastal Commission website for their availability
since that is where they will be posted upon their completion.
Public and Private CCT Partnerships
The CCT is located on lands owned by both public agencies and private
landowners. As future segments will also utilize both public and private lands,
a comprehensive approach for planning, implementation and operation of the CCT
has been developed. This public/private partnership is headed by the State
Coastal Conservancy, in consultation with the California Coastal Commission and
the Department of Parks and Recreation, along with many other partners including
Federal agencies (e.g. National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of
Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, U. S. military bases), State
agencies (e.g. Caltrans, Wildlife Conservation Board), all local governments and
special districts as well as various nonprofit and voluntary private landowners.
Role of the California Coastal Commission in the CCT
The Coastal Commission is a state agency responsible for statewide coastal
planning and regulation, operating under the Coastal Act of 1976. An important
part of this responsibility is the Coastal Commission’s role as the lead agency
for CCT planning and permitting for the entire coastline. A primary objective
for the Commission is to ensure the selection of a continuous and coordinated
trail alignment, which respects and protects natural resources in a manner
consistent with the Coastal Act.
Role of the California Coastal Conservancy in the CCT
The California Coastal Conservancy is a state agency created to assist in
the implementation of the goals of the Coastal Act. In addition to the many
resource protection and enhancement programs the Conservancy supports,
maximizing recreational opportunities such as the CCT is one of the agency's
highest priorities. The Conservancy provides funding to public agencies and
private nonprofit organizations to acquire land and construct new segments of
the CCT. (You can visit
www.coastalconservancy.ca.gov for more information.)
Role of Coastwalk in the CCT
Coastwalk is a nonprofit public advocacy group whose main mission for over
20 years has been to heighten awareness of the CCT to lead hikes along the coast during
the summer months. Coastwalk also has published a two volume series entitled
Hiking the California Coastal Trail which includes a series of maps depicting Coastwalk’s current recommended hiking route along the coast. Note: these maps
are not the official CCT maps. (To learn more about Coastwalk, check
www.coastwalk.org.)
History of the CCT
Policy makers and coastal managers have long planned for a continuous
coastal trail in California:
Celebrating Ten Years of Hiking the Pecho Coast Trail
Pursuant to a Coastal
Commission permit issued to PG&E,
the Pecho Coast Trail opened a 3.7 mile long stretch of coast in 1993 in an area
that was previously off-limits to the general public. Thousands of hikers have walked the Trail and have been treated to
spectacular views. The trailhead starts near Avila Beach at Port San Luis
Harbor and traverses the promontory high above Avila Bay and provides
views of the Nipomo Dunes
and the open sea. The Point San Luis Lighthouse, undergoing renovation, is
a popular stop along the way. Due to the sensitive nature of the area,
hikes are managed by trained docents, therefore call 805-541-8735
to find out when hikes are scheduled. Walks are free!
See the full brochure
for more details.
The Pt. Buchon Trail, in San Luis Obispo County, opened in 2007.
The Pt. Buchon Trail, three miles in length is managed by the
property owner, Pacific Gas and Electric. Required pursuant to a
Coastal Commission permit, this bluff top trail begins at the southern
end of Montaña de Oro State Park, and
also includes access down to Coon Creek Beach.
In San Mateo County,
Half Moon Bay residents and visitors enjoy the tranquility of
and view
from the 6 mile long Coastside Trail.