Jean Lauer Trail wanders the windswept heights of Pillar Point Bluff, offering scenic and accessible coastal hiking on the San Mateo County coast. It is part of the California Coastal Trail and connects from the Pillar Point Bluff parking lot to Bernal Avenue, open to hikers, joggers, bicyclists, equestrians, and dogs on leash. Named in memory of a Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) staffer who loved the coast, the trail is a fitting tribute set against breathtaking ocean views in the Bay Area.
The Jean Lauer Trail is an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible dirt-packed trail with a gentle 5% grade, making it an excellent choice for visitors of all abilities and their dogs. From the parking lot, the trail crosses a seasonal wetland area and heads north to the bluff. The ADA-accessible route continues north along the service road and ends at Bernal Avenue. Single-track trails along the bluff allow visitors to loop around the bluff’s perimeter, bringing them back to the main section of the Jean Lauer Trail for a satisfying circuit hike.
Dog owners will appreciate the thoughtful amenities along the trail. Small bags and waste disposal receptacles are conveniently provided at the base of the trail, so you can easily clean up after your dog. The open blufftop terrain means your leashed dog will enjoy plenty of fresh ocean breezes and fascinating scents carried in from the Pacific. Just be sure to keep your dog on a leash at all times, as the trail follows exposed coastal bluffs with steep drop-offs in some areas.
The 220-acre Pillar Point Bluff offers spectacular panoramic views that make every visit memorable. Looking south, you can see Half Moon Bay and Pillar Point Harbor spread out below, while to the west lies the world-famous Mavericks surf break, where massive winter swells draw big-wave surfers from around the globe. The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of coastal scrub, grasslands, and agricultural land, providing rich habitat for birds and wildlife. On clear days, the views stretch for miles in every direction, and the ever-present sound of crashing waves below creates a peaceful soundtrack for your hike.
Pillar Point Bluff County Park is open from sunrise until sunset, free of charge. The parking area is located off West Point Avenue in the Princeton-by-the-Sea area near Moss Beach, just a short drive from downtown Half Moon Bay. The Jean Lauer Trail delivers a rewarding coastal experience, from a quick stroll with your dog to a leisurely afternoon exploring the bluffs.
Length: 1.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Open to: Hikers, ADA accessible, dogs on leash, equestrians, bicyclists
