Southern San Mateo County California Coastal Trail Study Update ~ Filling in the Gaps for 18 Miles from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz

Work continues on a feasibility study of 18 miles of the California Coastal Trail in southern San Mateo County. The study is looking at gaps in the trail between Half Moon Bay and the Santa Cruz County line, and is led by Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), in partnership with Caltrans and in collaboration with many regional agencies and organizations.

The California Coastal Trail is envisioned as a network of trails that ultimately will extend over 1,200 miles from Oregon to Mexico, approximately 60 miles of which pass through San Mateo County’s western coast. Completing the CCT in San Mateo County will provide the most valuable opportunities for equitable and safe access to the coast.The initial analysis is complete and the draft study is underway. The team expects to present a study summary to the community in July. If you are interested in having them present to your group, please reach out to [email protected] to schedule a presentation. Spanish translation is available.

In March the team met with community members in Pescadero and heard excellent feedback on the segments, priorities, and the overall project. So far the team has heard a strong preference for natural surface trails located away from the highway and close to the coast, a separate paved trail for road bikes, and a desire to connect the town of Pescadero to the Coastal Trail with a trail.

Completing the Coastal Trail in San Mateo County is a complex and multi-year project that will need community champions to advocate for improved safety, funding and specific projects. Please visit coastaltrailstudy.org to learn more or sign up for email updates.