Devil's Slide Trail | Half Moon Bay Hike
Half Moon Bay Hike: Devil’s Slide Trail is an scenic hiking trail along a former section of Pacific Coast Highway. This 1.5 mile (3-mile round-trip) hiking trail provides panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean is is located between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay. Devil’s Slide is named after the steep and jagged cliffs & rocky hills that surround the area. The trail is fairly new as it opened to hikers in 2014 after the Devil’s Slide Tunnel was opened in 2013.
The trail is part of Devil’s Slide Coast, a 8,900 acre open space project dedicated to protecting and restoring the local habitat. It’s a fun, short hike to enjoy and provide additional ocean views of Northern California. The trail is open hikers, bikers and even your favorite furry pets!
Estimated Time: 1-2 hours
Total Distance: 2-3 miles (round-trip)
Map & Directions
Trail Pictures
Total Distance (miles)
Devil's Slide was featured in the 1960 film, Portrait In Black
Total Estimated Time (hours)
In World War II, Devil's Slide was used a defensive outlook to protect the San Francisco area.
Devil's Slide Trail Photo Gallery
Half Moon Bay Hiking Trail Image Gallery (click on image to rotate through image/s)
When to Go
Year-Round: Devil’s Slide Trail is open year-round. The #GoHikeIt team enjoyed this trail in January, but was well-prepared with warm clothes. If you venture during the summer months, the parking areas may fill up early.
Dog Friendly
Yes, dogs are permitted on leashes.
Trail Map
Trail Directions
Address for GPS: Devil’s Slide Trail at Highway 1, Pacifica, CA 94044
Intensity Levels
Barry-the-Bear: Devil’s Slide provides incredible views of the Pacific Ocean! We loved stopped here in our Half Moon Bay visit.
- Intensity Level 40%
Larry-the-Lion: A return to history! We felt like we were stepping back in time as we enjoyed walking along the former sections of the Pacific Coast Highway and seeing the military bunker remnants from World War II.
- Intensity Level 18%
Chris-the-Cheetah: Awesome trail running course! The paved road makes it easy to hit ground and cover some distance or laps!
- Intensity Level 12%
Trail Pictures
Map & Directions
Why We Liked It
Devil’s Slide is a fun, short hike in the Half Moon Bay area. We loved being able to see more of area’s coastline and quickly explore an additional trail on our visit. It’s a perfect compliment and close to the Gray Whale Cove State Beach trail.