Pigeon Point Light Station Hiking Trail | Half Moon Bay Hike
Pigeon Point Light Station Hiking Trail: Located about 50 miles south of San Francisco, Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1871 and stands at a towering 115 feet. This lighthouse is tied as the tallest lighthouse in the western United States and was named after the Pigeon Carrier that wrecked offshore in 1853. For over the last 100 years, Pigeon Point has stood as a beacon to protecting ships, so they don’t endure the same fate.
Today, hikers are free to explore the area surrounding Pigeon Point Lighthouse. Although limited in distance, the area offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and incredible views of the lighthouse. If you’re feeling adventurous, Pigeon Point moonlights as a hostel and offers overnight shelter.
Estimated Time: 1 hour
Total Distance: 1- 2 miles (round-trip)
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Total Distance (miles)
Pigeon Point Lighthouse was built in 1871 to help guide ships along the Pacific Ocean.
Total Estimated Time (hours)
Pigeon Point is the tallest lighthouse on the west coast (tied with Point Arena light).
Pigeon Point Lighthouse Photo Gallery
Half Moon Bay Hiking Trail Image Gallery (click on image to rotate through image/s)
When to Go
Year-Round: Pigeon Point is open year-round. If you’re interested in whale watching, an idea time to visit is January – April as these impressive mammals can be seen breaching offshore. If you plan on visiting during these cooler and winter months, bring a jacket as it can be cold.
Pigeon Point Lighthouse is a picturesque emblem to the area and an ideal photo backdrop during sunrise or sunset.
Dog Friendly
The lighthouse grounds are closed to dogs. However, dogs are allowed on a leash at the beach areas.
Trail Map
Trail Directions
Address for GPS: 210 Pigeon Point Rd, Pescadero, CA 94060
Why We Liked It
Traveling to Pigeon Point Lighthouse is just as fun as exploring the lighthouse grounds. We enjoyed driving down from Half Moon Bay and seeing the open space that sprawls across the area and flows into the ocean. It’s almost as if your transported into a Robert Frost poem and are able to reminiscence with a rich and vibrant historic past.
Although the actual hiking area is a short distance, seeing the west coast’s tallest lifeguard tower first hand is worth the experience!
