05/18/2026
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Devil’s Slide is one of those dramatic California coast spots that makes you understand why Highway 1 is so iconic. It’s located between Pacifica and Montara, just north of Half Moon Bay, and the views are seriously stunning — steep cliffs, crashing waves, and that wild Pacific Ocean energy.
What makes this place even more interesting is that the trail used to be part of Highway 1. Because the area was so prone to landslides, the road was eventually rerouted through the Tom Lantos tunnels, and the old highway became the paved Devil’s Slide Trail.
Today, it’s a short and scenic coastal walk — about 1.3 miles — with ocean overlooks, benches, and plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. It’s open to walkers and cyclists, and it’s one of those easy Bay Area adventures that feels way more dramatic than the effort it takes to get there.
But this is definitely a place where you need to respect the signs. The cliffs are unstable and dangerous, and people have fallen here before, so stay behind the barriers and don’t try to climb down toward the edge. The views are amazing from the trail — no risky photo is worth it.
I’d pair this with Pacifica, Gray Whale Cove, Montara State Beach, or Half Moon Bay for the perfect little coastal day trip. Go on a clear morning or near sunset if you can, but remember the fog can show up fast.
Would you visit Devil’s Slide?
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