Coastwalk is shining a light on the San Mateo Coast with a stay at two lighthouse hostels: Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel and Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel which turned 150 in 2022.

This Coastwalk is just right with a mix of easy and moderate walks with distances ranging from 6 to 10 miles.  Coastwalkers will walk on beaches, bluffs and get some elevation for a beautiful view of ocean (up a gentle winding old road).  A short walk on the first and last day are less than 10 miles each and the middle hikes are of varying lengths.

Breakfast, brown bag lunches and evening meals are provided.

Each evening after dinner Coastwalk will host guest speakers and evening programs about San Mateo County and it’s network of hiking trails.

Coastwalkers will have a special opportunity to stay in two Lighthouse Hostels on this Coastwalk. Each hostel has dorm style type rooms with bunk beds that accommodate no more than 6 people in each room. Coastwalk has reserved two buildings at each Lighthouse property so you will only be sharing accommodations with individuals registered for this Coastwalk.

The first two nights Coastwalkers will be staying at the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel.

8800 Cabrillo Highway, Montara, CA 94037

Sitting on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, HI Point Montara Lighthouse offers unique beachfront vacation experiences near Half Moon Bay, CA. Just 25 miles south of San Francisco along scenic Highway 1, this is the perfect coastal escape from the city or the suburbs. Visit our beautiful property, which includes a historic lighthouse.

Wake up each morning to the sound of waves crashing on the shore, and spend your days relaxing at our on-site cove beach or exploring the charming nearby towns of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. The Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel is the ideal getaway for taking in the great outdoors. Hike past breathtaking scenery on the California Coastal Trail and more.

At the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel Coastwalkers will be staying at The Surfside House and The Sea Lodge.

Check the Resources tab for links for more information about the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel.

The Coastwalk will begin with a hike to Grey Whale Cove before checking into the hostel. Please eat lunch before arriving or bring a brown bag lunch – dinner will be at 6:30.

Coastwalkers will check out of Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel on the morning of the second day and go on our hike before checking into the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel in the late afternoon/early evening.

The remaining two nights Coastwalkers will be staying at the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel.

210 Pidgeon Point Rd., Pescadero, CA 94060

Located just 50 miles south of San Francisco along California’s gorgeous Hwy. 1, the Pigeon Point Hostel sits atop a cliff at the foot of a 116-foot-tall historic lighthouse overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel’s scenic grounds feature beautiful native plants, panoramic ocean views, on-site tide pools, harbor seals, and a secluded beach. The Pigeon Point Hostel is surrounded by miles of hiking and coastal trails, and as a dark sky preserve, it’s also the perfect place to stargaze.

Check the Resources tab for links for more information about the Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel.

Walk Leaders, Patti Pope and Julie Groves will send out a Welcome Letter prior to this Coastwalk with instructions on how to access the parking lot for each of the hostels and what to bring and what’s included when staying at each Lighthouse Hostel.

Please consider car pooling to this Coastwalk as onsite parking at each Lighthouse Hostel is limited.

If you would like to car pool please send an email to [email protected], please be sure the include the location you are coming from.  

Learn more: Click on the Resource Tab for links to the Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel and the Pigeon Point Hostel and surrounding areas.

Sample Itinerary –

This is a sample itinerary which is subject to change due to trail conditions and services availability

Wednesday, August 2

Meetup at 1:00PM – POINT MONTARA LIGHTHOUSE HOSTEL

8800 Cabrillo Highway Montara, CA 94037  Phone: 650-728-7177

1:45PM Walk to Grey Whale Cove. [about 5.6 miles]

Prior to departing on the hike we will check to make sure everyone has arrived and make introductions. Please eat lunch beforehand.

5:00PM Coastwalkers will check into the first Lighthouse on the tour – Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel.

6:00PM Dinner

Thursday, August 3

6:30AM Breakfast

 9:00AM After breakfast and after packing our lunch, water and snacks we will depart the hostel and hike up Montara Mountain using the old road, a steady gentle grade, with portions of the pavement still intact.  There is a brief steep climb, then down to Devil’s Slide. We will walk over the new Highway 1 tunnels and walk along the old Highway 1, now used only for walkers, observing amazing geology and ocean views.  We will place some cars here for the ride back to the hostel.  [about 10 miles]

6:30PM Dinner – followed by a special guest speaker.

Friday, August 4

Breakfast 6:30AM

After breakfast, we will check out of the hostel and stage some cars at the south end of our walk. We will take water, snacks and lunch. We will head south to the Fitzgerald marine reserve, Maverick’s Beach, Pillar Point Harbor and the beaches south of the harbor.  After the hike we will drive to our second Lighthouse at Pigeon Point. Coastwalkers will be staying at Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel.

6:30PM Dinner – followed by a special guest speaker.

Saturday, August 5

Breakfast 6:30AM

9:00AM We shuttle people to the beach we left yesterday and continue our walk south on the coastal trail to the Cowell-Purisima trailhead, where our cars will be located.  A small portion is on Hwy 1 and through a neighborhood (1 mile).  We will drive back to the hostel for dinner.  (10 miles).

6:30PM Dinner

Sunday, August 6

Breakfast 6:30AM

After breakfast, and making our lunch, we pack up, clean up and check out of the hostel.  We will hike out and back, directly from the hostel to Cloverdale Ranch, returning to our cars (6 miles). 

Highly recommended: If you have time after departure, you might consider visiting Ano Nuevo State Park to see the elephant seals or up to the lovely town of Pescadero to have cream of artichoke soup at Duarte’s or try the wonderful cheeses at Harley Goat Farms. For more information, please click on the Resources tab.

• Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Waterproof sandals
• Spare walking shoes & laces
• Comfy camp shoes
• Hiking poles
• Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
• Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
• Layers for upper body
• Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
• Beanie for cold, windy conditions
• Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
• Bandana
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
• Natural bug repellant
• Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
• Personal medicines
• Day pack
• Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
• Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
• Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
• Spare batteries
• Folding camp chair
• Tent & Ground Cloth
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• REUSABLE Water Bottle
• Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
• Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
• Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
• Shower towel

What’s Included:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:

• Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
• Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
• Yogurt
• Biscotti
• Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
• Granola
• Walnuts or assorted nuts
• Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
• Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

Lunch:

• Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
• Almond Butter
• Fruit spreads
• Cold Cuts
• Cheeses (sliced)
• Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
• Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner:

• Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

Walk Leader – Julie Groves

Julie Groves is a long time Coastwalk and CCT advocate. Julie began going on Coastwalks with her parents, Bill & Lucy Kortum and as an adult she brought her children on many Coastwalks. 

Julie is an Occupational Therapist who lives in Los Gatos, California.

Walk Leader – Patti Pope

Patti Pope is a long time Coastwalk member and has been on numerous Coastwalks. Patti’s children grew up on going to on Coastwalks and now grown adults, joined Patti on the 2022 San Luis Obispo Classic and signed up to become Coastwalk volunteers. Coastwalk is looking forward to the next generation of volunteers. 

Patti is an educator who lives in Woodside, California.

Volunteer Support Staff:

Hike Leader: Mike Minky

Chuckwagon Master & Hospitality King: Bob Adams

Point Montara Lighthouse Hostel

History of Point Montara Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Hostel

History of Pigeon Point Lighthouse

Pigeon Point Lighthouse Turns 150 

Año Nuevo State Park

HIGHLIGHTS:

Set in the shadow of Hearst Castle on the California Coastal Trail through the Hearst Ranch, the Piedras Blanca lighthouse, the elephant seal breeding grounds, San Simeon State Park, charming Cambria, spectacular pocket beaches of Montana de Oro State Park and the Point Buchon Trail to Diablo Canyon.

TRIP INCLUDES:

Camping & parking fees; guided hiking; nightly dinners; shuttle transportation; evening programs; dinners, hot water/coffee & light breakfast and lunch fixings.

 CAMPGROUNDS:

July 18 – Night 1: San Simeon State Park Washburn Campground- Beautiful and primitive.

July 19 -23 – Nights 2 thru 4: Morro Bay State Park Group Campground- Large and semi private.

FACILITIES: You will be camping out each night so you will need appropriate gear including sleeping bag, mattress or pad, and tent with rain fly. Since seating at some of the camp sites is minimal, we recommend you bring a folding chair. These items and your personal duffle will be hauled from camp site to camp site so you do not have to carry them during the day.

WATER: Due to the draught conditions on the Central Coast, water may be a problem. Hygiene is a priority for Coastwalk- be assured that we will handle all situations. There are no showers or flush toilets at San Simeon State Beach; we will be there for only the first night. There will be flush toilets and hot showers at Morro Bay State Park.

FOOD: Coffee, juice, and milk will be available each morning, as well as a variety of breakfast foods. We brew a large pot of coffee- decaf will be available. The prior evenings’ leftovers may be packed in your lunch bag/ box. Coastwalk will provide food and drink for breakfast and lunch; you may want to bring other food items to supplement these meals.

Each evening there will be a Happy Hour, with soft drinks, beer or wine and appetizers. Coastwalk will provide your first beverage and if you would like an additional beverage, feel free to bring your own libations but please label them as with your name if it needs to be kept in our communal cooler.  

Great dinners are provided each evening by our food angels; please show your appreciation for these volunteers.  Alternative meals will always be available for those who have informed us of their dietary restrictions. You will only need to carry lunch items and water while hiking, plus personal items. 

CLIMATE & CLOTHING: The ocean is our climate control (water temperatures are in the lower 50s year around) so you can expect relatively cool temperatures with highs mainly in the mid 60s during the middle of the day and lows in the low 50s during the evening and early morning.

There may be some morning fog that will burn off by about 10:00 am. Rain is not likely but is a possibility- we should have a fair handle on this at the time of the walk. A lightweight windbreaker is advised as it does get windy on the bluffs and beaches. You’ll definitely want a sweater and/ or jacket in the evenings and mornings; layering is usually best. Fleece is a warm, comfortable option. Otherwise, you can use your judgment about clothing when temperatures are in this range. The humidity can be high; which along with the air temperature will affect your comfort. Bring sturdy hiking shoes that are comfortable and in good condition. A trekking pole provides excellent stability while crossing tricky terrain and rocks, and can offer good support while tide pooling. Sandals are great for the wet sand; barefoot is an option on some of the longer beach hikes.

 TRANSPORTATION: You will shuttle your vehicles and gear when necessary; transportation to our parking areas and home again will be your responsibility. Those who volunteer a 4+ passenger car for shuttles will have first priority on campsite parking. Street and overflow parking is available for all autos. Please contact [email protected]  if you will be taking public transportation, and perhaps we can help get you to where you need to be. Please bring some change for the occasional public bus, and some crisp one-dollar bills for the hot shower token machine. 

This is a sample itinerary which is subject to change due to trail conditions and services availability

Tuesday, July 18

We will be meeting no later than 1:00 at the Washburn Day Use Area parking lot (San Simeon State Park), just off of Highway 1, about 2 miles north of Weymouth Street (Cambria).

Click Here to View the Map

We will set up camp at Washburn, then shuttle back to Cambria. Our Hike Leader will take you down the boardwalk at Moonstone Beach and north along the beach 1.5 miles to San Simeon State Park. We’ll walk up a beautiful rustic trail to the Washburn Campground where we will pitch camp. This evening there will be a brief program to welcome you, volunteer hosts will introduce themselves, introduce yourselves, review the itinerary and procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Dinner and drinks!

Wednesday, July 19

We’ll break camp and shuttle up to the Boucher Trailhead, then hike to William Hearst Memorial State Beach., a stunning 7 miles of rarely traveled California Coastal Trail. Highlights include a Piedras Blancas Light Station tour, elephant seals, parasailing surfers, dunes and beaches, the cypress and eucalyptus wooded bluffs above San Simeon Beach. Our hike will end at the Hearst Ranch Winery, where those who wish can indulge in tasting. https://www.hearstranchwinery.com/  We will shuttle back to San Simeon State Park, pick up our vehicles and drive down to Morro Bay State Park Group Campsite, where we’ll settle in for the rest of the Coastwalk. Dinner and drinks.

Thursday, July 20 

A morning shuttle will take us to the Estero Bluffs south of Harmony. From there we will hike 9 miles or so to Morro Rock and shuttle back to Morro Bay State Park Group Campground. This hike will start with a few miles of coastal bluffs to a brunch stop at Cayucos Beach (many choice restaurants for those who don’t pack their own lunch). A long beach walk on the wet sand leads to Morro Rock and the sea otters in the channel; shuttle back to the campground.

Friday, July 21

Morning walk north along the scenic Morro Bay Esplanade. We’ll row across the bay in a war canoe to the sand spit, and continue along the beach to Hazard Canyon (6+miles), shuttling back to Morro Bay State Park.

Saturday, July 22

We will shuttle to and explore the stunning Montano De Oro State Park, hiking coastal bluffs and entering the gated PG&E land in the northern end. There we will be walking Point Buchon Trail to Windy Point where we can catch a glimpse of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant. Shuttle back to Morro Bay State Park

Sunday, July 23

We will pack our gear and break camp; then shuttle to the Elfin Forest for a tour of this unique area. Then back to the State Park for our final farewell. Those headed north can enjoy an optional hike at the Harmony Headlands; the south bounders may enjoy a trip into the Architectural Graveyard, a short hike from the campus of Cal Poly SLO.

• Hiking shoes, boots or sturdy walking shoes
• Waterproof sandals
• Spare walking shoes & laces
• Comfy camp shoes
• Hiking poles
• Water-proof windbreaker/ or parka for cold nights
• Long pants and long sleeve shirt (protection against sunburn, poison oak, and bugs)
• Layers for upper body
• Hat for sun protection that ties under chin
• Beanie for cold, windy conditions
• Other clothing – underwear, T-shirts, lots of socks, etc.
• Bandana
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen (minimum 30 spf)
• Natural bug repellant
• Personal first aid kit (band aids, blister pads)
• Personal medicines
• Day pack
• Plate, cup, bowl, and eating utensils
• Sturdy Tupperware for leftovers
• Flashlight & headlamp with new batteries
• Spare batteries
• Folding camp chair
• Tent & Ground Cloth
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad
• REUSABLE Water Bottle
• Trail snacks (power bars or jerky)
• Credit Card & cash for camp showers and treats
• Solar shower if there is no shower at campsite
• Shower towel

What’s Included:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided.

Breakfast:

• Coffee: (Regular in percolator with caffeine free available upon request), Teas, Cocoa, Juice, Milk (1/2 & 1/2, 2% Milk, Soy & Almond Milks)
• Sweeteners- (sugar, honey)
• Yogurt
• Biscotti
• Hot Cereals (Instant Oatmeal, and prepare it yourself steel cut oats available)
• Granola
• Walnuts or assorted nuts
• Fruit (fresh)- (Blueberries, Bananas, Apples, Oranges / Cuties)
• Fruit (dried)- Raisins & Craisins

Lunch:

• Breads- (Multi Grail & Gluten Free)
• Almond Butter
• Fruit spreads
• Cold Cuts
• Cheeses (sliced)
• Condiments, (Mustard, Mayonnaise)
• Butter, (Regular and dairy free)

Dinner:

• Dinners are included unless otherwise noted and will be provided by Coastwalk’s Volunteer Food Angels. 

Our Chuckwagon Wrangler will do their best to accommodate you but if you have special dietary needs please bring your food in a small cooler and we will be sure to provide you with ice throughout the trip.

Mike Minky – Walk Leader

2023 will be the 10th year that Mike Minky leads the SLO Coastwalk. Mike owns several record companies specializing in a wide range of classics from Cambodian psychedelic surf bands to Calypso to ‘60’s East L.A. garage bands. Mike’s first Coastwalk was joining the 2003 Border to Border walkers for 3 weeks on the San Simeon to Carpinteria leg. As land acquisitions have opened up new trails on the Central Coast, Mike has been bushwhacking and marking for the future route of the California Coastal Trail.

Chuckwagon Master – Bob Adams

I was born to a mom that loved taking her dogs for long walks. It was the 50’s & 60’s and San Francisco was a much less “developed” area, offering large areas to hike or drive to one of the many open coastal properties nearby for a daily 4-6-mile walk.

My dad would arrange family gatherings and camping adventures throughout the Western United States. I then spent 24 years flying Air Force Cargo Aircraft around the world which afforded me access to hiking and camping opportunities throughout the globe so that I was able to hike on every continent-including Antarctica!

Alone, with family or like-minded groups I have spent my years with a love of the outdoors. I spent 20 years as a RN at medical, surgical, oncology hospitals units.

I joined Coastwalk several years ago for another opportunity to discover new hiking and camping experiences and have been a Chuckwagon Wrangler supporting Coastwalks in almost every coastal county.

Please check back for updates. 

Harmony Headlands State Park

Cal-Poly-architecture-graveyard

Lodging for the 2023 Humboldt Discovery Weekend will be on the Cal Poly Humboldt University campus at Cypress Hall, which is a series of suites built up the slope of a hillside. Each suite has a living room, bathroom, and a small kitchen area with cooking facilities and a dining table. Some suites have either a balcony or patio off the living room. Laundry facilities are on the ground floor of the Cypress complex. A basketball hoop, barbecue, lawn, and recreation area are located on the grounds adjacent to Cypress.

These suites consist of double and single rooms. All rooms are furnished with a bed, desk and wardrobe closet for each resident. The rooms are wired for optional telephone service and cable T.V. service. Every resident has the ability to access the internet through wired or wireless connections. Residents in each suite are responsible for the cleaning of the common area kitchen, bathroom, living room and hallway.

Breakfast and dinner are served in the dining hall cafeteria style and can include meals for specialty diets. We will prepare our own brown bag lunches for our daytime adventures from food provided.

The suites at Cypress Hall will be the base-camp for all our excursions and we will car pool to the start of each hike . All routes are loops so we will return to our cars without having to retrace our steps.

Parking fees are not included in this trip cost. Please car pool whenever possible. Please bring you CA State Park pass if you have one.

The University is a 2 mile drive from Arcata which is well worth a visit in the evening.

Sample Itinerary – Itinerary is subject to change due to trail conditions and services availability.  

Friday, June 9

12:00-12:30 PM Check In: We meet at Humboldt State University.

The address is Main Building -Jolly Giant Commons, 355 Granite Avenue Arcata Ca 95521

We meet at the conference desk on the 3rd floor. This may be too early for check-in so please
leave bags in your car.

Parking is in front of the building at the J parking lot.  The parking fees are not included in the
tour price and at the University is $3.50/day, payable at the machine or the cashiers kiosk.

1-2 PM Docent led tour of the campus

3-5 PM Drive 2 miles to Arcata marsh for a docent led birdwatching hike. ( hiking distance 3
miles no elevation gain)

6PM Dinner
7PM introductions and discussion of the following days events

 Saturday, June 10

8AM Breakfast and preparation of lunch
9AM Drive 20 miles to Patricks Point State Park renamed  to “Sue-meg State Park” for a loop hike along the California Coastal Trail . We spend time at the Sue-meg village, a Yurok Native American cultural setting. (hiking distance 6 miles 200ft elevation gain).

On the return to Arcata there will be an optional hike
along the California Coastal Trail at Clam beach (hiking distance 2 miles no elevation gain)

6PM Dinner
After dinner optional visit to downtown Arcata

 Sunday, June 11
8AM breakfast and preparation of lunch

9AM Drive 6 miles to the Humboldt Coastal Nature Center. We visit the center and then
explore the Ma-Le’l dunes on trails rarely open to the public. (2-3 miles heavy walking through sand dunes, 100 ft elevation gain)
12Noon Drive 5 miles to Humboldt Bay Aquatic center where we kayak in the Eureka fishing
harbor.
2PM A short walk on the California Coastal Trail into historic Eureka for a tour of the
renovated downtown and murals.
5PM return to University
6PM dinner
After dinner optional visit to downtown Arcata

Monday, June 12

8AM Breakfast and preparation of lunch
9AM Checkout
9:30AM Drive 15 miles to Trinidad State beach and hike along the beach loop trail
to Trinidad Head lighthouse. We return to the carpark after a visit to the Humboldt State
University Marine Lab. (hiking distance 3 miles 200ft elevation gain)
1PM tour ends.

What’s Included:

• Meals are included in the Humboldt Adventure. Dining is “all you care to eat” cafeteria style with a hot entrée line that includes vegetarian options and meat entrees, vegetables and side dishes. There is also a soup bar, salad bar, fruit and yogurt and fountain beverages.

* Meal Times – Please note that the first meal provided will be on Friday evening.

Simon & Anne Lowings:  Simon and Anne Lowings are avid hikers. They have trekked worldwide but especially like Nepal where they have been to Everest and Annapurna base camps. Both are now retired and have lived in Sonoma county for 20 years.

Volunteer support: Gary Morgret