In 2008, Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) purchased 206-acre Wavecrest, one of the last undeveloped properties nestled at the southern boundary of urban Half Moon Bay. In September 2011, the California State Coastal Conservancy approved a grant to the Coastside Land Trust (CLT) to purchase 50 acres of Wavecrest and oversee the creation of “The Bird Trail,” a 1/3-mile stretch of the California Coastal Trail.
Wavecrest is the single most important site on the San Mateo Coast for wintering raptors, which can be seen hunting in the property’s broad fields. Raptors and other species rely on its expansive grasslands, wetland areas and roosting sites, all of which are an integral part of the coast’s ecological health.
From this trail one can view the Pacific Ocean and the many gulls, pelicans and cormorants roosting in nearby trees. With binoculars, one can see a number of shore birds racing the waves in search of food. This is also a great vantage spot to view migrating whales. Here one may also view an active variety of raptors and other bird species in flight, such as northern harriers, white-tailed kites, American kestrels, and a variety of hawks.
Dogs are welcome on-leash at Wavecrest. Please pick up after your pets and respect other visitors. Also, during this challenging time of COVID-19, public health officials recommend that hikers maintain social distance and wear or carry a mask to protect one another.
Overview: You can do an easy hike along the 0.3-mile Bird Trail, which runs along the north end of Wavecrest, or do a 1.5-mile (roundtrip) section of the California Coastal Trail that runs through the property.
HIKING DETAILS FOR WAVECREST
Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation change: Flat
Hiking time: Less than an hour
Trail surface: Packed dirt, mostly exposed
Best Season: Year round
DIRECTIONS TO THE WAVECREST TRAIL HIKE
To Access from the North (where the Bird Trail begins):
You can park at the Poplar beach parking lot (on the corner of Poplar Street and Railroad Ave). Note: This is a City of Half Moon Bay paid parking lot. Once you have parked you will walk south on the coastal trail over the Seymour bridge directly into the north end of Wavecrest. You can see this bridge from the parking lot.
To Access from the South:
Wavecrest Open Space is located off Highway 1 in Half Moon Bay. From Highway 92 west go south on Highway 1 and drive about 1.5 miles to Wavecrest Road. Wavecrest Road will be your next right after you pass Higgins Canyon Road. Turn right at Wavecrest Road. You’ll see Cameron’s Pub and the double decker bus on the corner of Wavecrest Rd and Highway 1. If you see Redondo Beach Road you've gone too far south on Highway 1. Drive to the end of Wavecrest Road and park. You'll see the baseball diamonds on your right.