Towering cliffs plunge into the churning Pacific Ocean, with seabirds soaring overhead and waves crashing against the rugged shore. Here, the water shifts through various layers of blue, evoking the beauty of Big Sur but with a name that hints at danger: Devil’s Slide.
Once a treacherous stretch of Highway 1 between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay, this route was notorious for landslides and therefore its foreboding name. For decades, drivers braved steep drop-offs and unstable slopes until the opening of the Tom Lantos Tunnels finally diverted traffic to safety. With the danger gone, the old roadway was reborn as a 1.3-mile paved trail. Today, walkers and cyclists can experience the dramatic sweep of the coast in safety, without the dangers that once defined it.
Come at sunset, when golden light ignites the cliffs and the ocean glows. The hike might be short, but the views stay with you even after you leave.
Tips
- Parking is free at both ends of the trailheads, but spots fill quickly, especially on weekends. You may need to return later if the parking lots are full.
- Coastal weather can change fast, so dress in layers.