NORDIC WALKING AT HALF MOON BAY

On the ridge along the Pacific coast

Half Moon Bay is just off the famous Highway One. The trail offers spectacular views of the ocean and the gently sloping foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The northern end of the trail begins above a small state-managed pocket beach at Cowell State Beach and continues southward across three bridges and past rich, productive farm fields to a bluff-top overlook.

Four small beaches stretching south from Montara Mountain form the Gentle two-mile curve of fine, white sand that is Half Moon Bay State Beach. To the east the Santa Cruz Mountains frame a dramatic backdrop to this captivating north central coast region known to local residents as the “Coast side”. To the west the enduring Pacific rolls vigorously across the broad, flat beach. The breakwaters of Pillar Point to the north have a buffering effect on the surf, and the waters at this end of Half Moon Bay State Beach form a calm surf.