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Coastweeks Hike at Gray Whale Cove | Half Moon Bay

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Saturday, October 10, 2015 - 10:00 am to 12:30 pm | Cost: FREE
Gray Whale Cove State Beach | 5948 Pacific Coast Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA

Event Details

3 weeks after their Coastal Cleanup Day they will be returning to Gray Whale Cove for a visit of the upper portions of the mountain. Their hike will focus on geography and history, but they will have the opportunity for some trail cleanup along the way.
Join them at Gray Whale Cove Trailhead for a guided hike with expert trail docent, Gail Stevens of the California State Parks service.

Gail will focus on a light history of the area beginning with the Ohlone up through the current construction of the Tom Lantos tunnels.  Various local anecdotes are mentioned regarding the nearby Devil’s Slide and Gray Whale Cove promontories and the various roads and paths that cut through the area. She will identify the various blooming, as well as not blooming, plants along the way and indicate what kinds of wild life one might expect to see.  They will take time to look out for any sea birds that might be visible from the trail while enjoying breathtaking views over the Pacific, as well as lovely passage ways through the valleys, nestled against Montara Mountain.

The walk meets in the Gray Whale Cove parking lot across from the actual Gray Whale Cove Beach, on Highway One.  They begin with a brief stroll along the Ocean Shore Railroad Cut to a view of what was formerly known as Green Valley.  There, you will look at the view, talk about the Ohlone, Spaniards and Californios and then head back and across the parking lot to start the hike up Gray Whale Cove Trail.  It is a great walk because the most challenging part is the hike up to the bluffs, and then after that, it is fairly easy with vistas that make it all incredibly worthwhile.
After reaching the bench area at the end of the bluff section of the trail, they continue down into the little valley, where the network for historical and existing trails and paths can be observed. They follow Old Pedro Road past the Ranger House to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area maintained bridge to the Ocean View Farm area, where the walk officially ends.   Then, they hike back together to the parking lot.  If people want to branch off and continue to explore the various paths over Montara Mountain, they can.
Participants should wear layers of clothing that also take into consideration protection from poison oak and stinging nettles; have hiking shoes that won’t slip on occasional gravel covered portions of the trail; and bring water, as well as binoculars, if desired, for enjoying the wonderful views.
They are proud to offer this free program as part of the California Coastal Commission’s “Coastweeks” celebration.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.


Cost: FREE
Categories: Charity & Volunteering, Help the Earth, Uncategorized, Walks & Tours
Address: 5948 Pacific Coast Hwy., Half Moon Bay, CA