The Oceanside Trail significantly enhances recreational opportunities at Cabrillo National Monument by adding a new trail to the park’s network, increasing it by over 20%. This trail offers a car-free mode of access to the tidepool area, allowing visitors to hike with ocean views and reach the tidepools without walking along the narrow road shoulder.

Trail Classification:

• Western Side: Class 5
• Eastern Side: Class 3

Getting Started

The trailhead begins at the top of the Whale Watch & Kelp Forest Overlook trail, south of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. The trail descends the bluffs and connects to the Coastal Trail and the parking lot adjacent to the tidepool area.

Highlights of the Trail

• Scenic Views: Enjoy panoramic ocean views and scenic overlooks.
• Historic Sites: Pass by remnants of coastal defense structures, adding a historical dimension to your hike.
• Natural Habitats: Hike through rare undeveloped coastal scrub environments that are home to diverse plant and animal life.

Accessibility and Difficulty

Due to the steep gradient of the hill, the trail is not wheelchair accessible. For accessible options, visitors can check the park’s Mobility Services page. The new trail is considered strenuous and includes stair steps, steep areas, uneven surfaces, and switchbacks. The narrow trail has sections with a steep running slope greater than 15%.

Practical Information

• Trail Length: Approx. 2.5 miles round-trip
• Elevation Gain: Significant, with steep sections
• Hiking Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Difficulty: Strenuous

Facilities:

• No restrooms or water along the trail
• Benches available for resting and enjoying the views
• Pets and bikes are not allowed
• Environmental hazards include toxic plants, animals, and fragile cliff faces

Tips for Hikers:

• Bring water, especially during warm summer months.
• Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for a strenuous hike.
• Stay on designated paths to protect sensitive habitats.

Scenic Views and Natural Resources

The Oceanside Trail offers hikers the opportunity to explore rare coastal scrub habitats, home to unique plant and animal species. Here are some common plants and wildlife you might encounter.

Common Plants and Wildlife Along the Oceanside Trail

The Oceanside Trail at Cabrillo National Monument offers a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. As you hike through this unique environment, you will encounter a variety of native plants and animals that thrive in the Coastal Sage Scrub habitat.

Common Plants

The Coastal Sage Scrub habitat is home to a diverse array of plant species, each contributing to the unique ecosystem along the trail:

• Black Sage: Known for its dark, aromatic leaves, Black Sage is a common sight along the trail.
• Sagebrush: This hardy plant thrives in the arid conditions of the coastal environment.
• Lichens and Mosses: These organisms often cover rocks and tree bark, adding a lush, green appearance to the landscape.
• Prickly Pear: A type of cactus that produces bright yellow flowers and edible fruits.
• Buckwheat: Look for its clusters of small, white to pinkish flowers.
• Indian Paintbrush: Notable for its vibrant red bracts that resemble a paintbrush dipped in color.
• Laurel Sumac: Recognizable by its reddish stems and large, leathery leaves.
• Lemonade Berry: This plant has glossy leaves and produces red berries that were historically used to make a tart drink.
• Wild Cucumber: This vine produces spiny, green fruits.
• Mohave Yucca: A striking plant with tall spikes of white flowers.

Wildlife

The trail is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, offering ample opportunities for observation and photography:

• California Quail: These ground-dwelling birds are often seen scurrying along the trail.
• American Kestrel: Look for this small falcon perched high, scanning for prey.
• Mourning Dove: Known for their soft cooing calls.
• Hummingbirds: These tiny birds can be seen darting among flowers, especially in the spring.
• Warblers: Small, colorful songbirds that are part of the spring migratory influx.
• Cottontail Rabbits: Frequently spotted nibbling on vegetation.
• Ground Squirrels: Often seen darting across the trail.
• Lizards: Various species basking in the sun on rocks.
• Snakes: Including non-venomous varieties and the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake.
• Foxes: Occasionally seen or heard during early morning or late evening hikes.

Seasonal Highlights

The Point Loma peninsula is an important stopover for many birds using the Pacific Flyway. In the spring, be on the lookout for migratory birds such as hummingbirds, warblers, wrentits, and bushtits. These birds add vibrant life and color to the trail during their seasonal migrations.

During the summer, hikers should be cautious of rattlesnakes, which are more active in warmer weather. This precaution adds an element of adventure and awareness to the hiking experience.

Hundreds of different native plants and animals call the Coastal Sage Scrub their home, making the Oceanside Trail a fascinating and dynamic environment to explore. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a casual hiker, the trail offers endless opportunities to connect with nature and observe the intricate relationships within this unique coastal ecosystem.

 

 

Last revised 5-Nov-24