North America's Longest Coastal Hiking Trail Will Span 1,200 Miles From Mexico To Oregon

California's spectacular coast stands out for its contrasts, with long stretches of open wilderness, picturesque towns, and sprawling cities. Each of the state's three major regions – Northern California, Central California, and Southern California — has distinct identities as well as landscapes. While Interstate 5 binds them together farther inland, the California Coastal Trail will be an incredibly scenic link for intrepid hikers to explore and witness the stunning diversity of California's Pacific coast.

The idea for the California Coastal Trail originated when California voters passed Proposition 20 in 1972 in favor of creating a hiking trail along the coast. Four years later, California's legislature passed the Coastal Act, putting the California Coastal Commission in charge of regulating coastal development. State agencies have worked together to construct about 70% of the trail (875 miles) thus far. Despite the trail not being fully completed, nor fully marked, the coast is fully walkable through a network of other trails and walking paths along the shore. The full route from the Mexico border to the Oregon state line covers 1,200 miles and passes some of the state's most iconic coastal sights, including Point Reyes, the San Diego waterfront, the scenic beaches in Capitola, and even the Golden Gate Bridge. Expect a mix of sandy beaches, sidewalks, and rugged hiking paths through the wilderness.

Though there is no estimated completion date, once fully finished, the California Coastal Trail will be the longest coastal hiking trail on the North American continent. Major gaps remain around the epic Lost Coast Trail in Mendocino County and around privately held ranches and military facilities, including Vandenberg Air Force Base.

While the California Coastal Trail runs for a total of 1,200 miles, it's broken up into smaller, bite-sized sections of scenic hikes that are perfect for a casual day hiker. For some, you won't even need a car to reach a trailhead. San Francisco has among the most developed coastal trail networks of any municipality on the California Coastal Trail and offers several stunning treks along the path. The trail in San Francisco officially starts on the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic place to begin your adventure. Venture south across the bridge, and you'll have incredible views of the Pacific along the 2.7-mile section of the trail to Baker Beach. On the way, stop and take in the sweeping views from the Pacific Overlook. If you have time (or the energy), walk the full section, which comes in at just under 11 miles and passes through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Public transportation is available near the trailheads and at points in between.

If you prefer to spend a day traversing some of California's golden beaches, head south. Sections outside of Los Angeles include the famous Santa Monica and Huntington Beach piers, along with more under-the-radar beach destinations. According to the California Coastal Trail website, 2 of the most beautiful miles of shoreline in the state pass through Leo Carrillo State Beach, 44 miles west of Los Angeles. The beach has tide pools, coastal rock formations, and local wildlife. Before setting off, be sure to check the tides; the trail is only passable at low tide. 

More intrepid hikers who want to explore longer distances on the California Coastal Trail should thoroughly plan their trips. Trekking longer and more remote sections of the trail (or the entire coastline) is a tremendous undertaking, and several parts of the coast — especially up north — are incredibly rugged, with creek crossings, deadly tides, and potential (though rare) encounters with wild animals. Additionally, while the weather is largely pleasant in California for most of the year, it becomes wetter, windier, and cooler as you venture north. Hiking from south to north is easier, as you'll have easier access to services, food, and water in major cities and flatter beaches starting out.

Per The Orange County Register, ultrarunner Natalie Larson, who set a record for traversing the entire California Coastal Trail "unsupported" (without outside help), walked the entire length of the coastline in 44 days. Even if you're not planning to push for a record time, Larson notes that "you need a goal" to keep you motivated and moving to overcome the challenges you'll face on the trek. The article also noted that the most important item that she had on her trek was her phone to check downloaded maps, track her location, and make hotel or camping bookings along the way. If you plan to traverse the entire coast, you may utilize a new camping law in California that has opened more opportunities for hikers and explorers to get some well-deserved rest.