In brief:
This 1.2 mile loop is an easy excursion along a bluff, then drops to
a beach with very good tidepooling.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 1.2 mile loop hike is easy. There is minimal elevation
change in this narrow park which is comprised of shoreline and bluff. However,
be cautious on steep, erosive paths leading down to the ocean, and on the
slippery rocks of the tidal reef.
Exposure:
A few pockets of shade, otherwise completely exposed.
Trail traffic:
Moderate.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trail and rocky coastline.
Hiking time:
1 hour or less.
Season:
Nice any time.
Getting there:
From CA 1 in Moss Beach (San Mateo County), turn west onto California Avenue
(on the north side of town). Drive west on California to the end of the
road, about 0.2 mile. Turn right onto Lake and almost immediately, turn
right into the parking lot.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
37°31'26.93"N
Longitude 122°30'58.94"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Gas, food, and lodging:
Pay phone, gas, stores, and restaurants back in Moss Beach. No camping.
Trailhead details:
No parking or entrance fees. Paved lot with parking for about 38 vehicles.
Restrooms on site. No designated handicapped parking, and trails are not
wheelchair accessible. SamTrans bus #17 stops within walking distance of
the trailhead.
Rules:
Reserve hours vary seasonally, but in general it is open from 8 a.m. to
sunset. No dogs or bikes. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more persons: reservations must be made by calling the San Mateo County Parks department at 650-363-4021. Get more information regarding reservations on the San Mateo County Parks website.
The Official Story:
SMCP's Fitzgerald page
Park office 650-728-3584
Map Choices/More Info:
• Trails of the Coastside and Northern Peninsula (map) is a
great guide (available from Pease Press).
• Map from SMCP
• Half Moon Bay Tide Table
• Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page