Pedro Point Headlands, Pacifica

Signage for this trailhead is non-existant, but there's no mistaking the dark green gate located on the northbound side of Route 1.

There's limited parking available directly next to the gate, but the road surface here is uneven so exercise caution. Alternatively it may be possible to park a little further up the road by the new Devil's Slide bridge.

Keep left at this junction, heading uphill past a clearing and follow the ridge-line trail towards the ocean.

The trail runs parallel to the road with occasional views of the new Devils Slide tunnel, ascending around 150ft to a peak, before dropping back down to the coastal bluffs and great views of Pedro Point and the sheer cliff faces.

Hike along the coastal bluff trail, stopping on occasion to admire the views of the Pacific Ocean and the jagged rocks of Pedro Point.

Here the narrow Arroyo Trail meets up with the wider fire trail under cover of eucalyptus forest. Avoid the northern fork which leads to a private road and instead head southbound, back towards the trailhead.

Follow the coastal route uphill and head to the Pedro Point overlook.

From up here, 600 feet above the waves, the views to the North stretch on forever.

Immediately beneath you is the private bay known as Shelter Cove. Here the run-down private residences revel in their seclusion - since the only road was washed out back in 1983, their only access to the rest of the world has been either by boat, or a single winding footpath.

Beyond that is the large bay of Linda Mar, which attracts surfers from all over the peninsula.

Off in the distance on a very clear day it can be possible to make out San Francisco's Cliff House and the unmistakable Golden Gate Bridge. Out to sea you can also sometimes make out the jagged peaks of the Farallon Islands.