California State Coastal Conservancy Launches Next Phase of Pedro Point Headlands Coastal Trail Design

Trail will close a 1.3-mile gap in California Coastal Trail

PACIFICA, CA, February 19, 2026. The California State Coastal Conservancy (Conservancy) has launched the next phase of project development for the Pedro Point Headlands Coastal Trail, a key step toward closing a longstanding gap in the California Coastal Trail–an envisioned 1,230-mile continuous, interconnected public trail system spanning Oregon to Mexico. Members of the public are invited to participate in the planning process taking place over the next two years.

The project will complete the design of an approximately 1.3-mile, multi-use trail connecting the City of Pacifica with the Devil’s Slide Trail and the Pedro Point Headlands open space. The design will aim to accommodate diverse users, such as hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and individuals with mobility limitations, while preserving the natural character of the headlands and providing a scenic, multi-modal alternative to Highway 1. Closing this gap will connect seven miles of uninterrupted coastal trail from Esplanade Beach to Devil’s Slide, improving public access to coastal resources and enhancing recreation and transportation connectivity across the region.

First envisioned more than three decades ago, the Pedro Point Headlands Coastal Trail has been identified as a priority in statewide and regional planning efforts. In 2020, the Conservancy funded a conceptual study with community engagement, which successfully identified a preferred alignment and conceptual design for Pedro Point Headlands Coastal Trail.

In early 2026, the Conservancy contracted BKF Engineers Inc., along with a multidisciplinary team of subconsultants, to embark on the next steps to plan the trail, which includes engineering, environmental review, permitting, and trail design, building on prior work. Planning is expected to continue through the end of 2027, positioning the project for construction in a future phase.

“The Pedro Point Headlands Coastal Trail represents a vital connection to the broader California Coastal Trail network,” said Erin Gravley, Conservancy Project Manager. “We are excited to move this next phase forward and help create a safer, more continuous coastal trail experience for local communities and visitors.”

The planning process will include community engagement, Tribal consultation, and coordination with local, regional, state and nonprofit partners to refine the preferred trail alignment and to ensure the project reflects shared community values of access and stewardship.

Community members interested in receiving project updates or learning about upcoming engagement opportunities are encouraged to sign up for the project mailing list. To learn more about the project, visit the project page here.