Imagine a trail from the San Francisco Bay clear to the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, it would pass through lively neighborhoods, shaded forests, and rolling hills, all the way to coastal bluffs. That’s the vision for the Bay to Sea Trail! Currently, POST is heading up its planning stages, collaborating with 14 partner organizations. This 40-mile, multi-use trail will connect locals and visitors alike to nature, open spaces, and city destinations. Some segments of the trail will welcome cyclists and equestrians in addition to hikers.
In the future, people will be able to begin their trek from East Palo Alto or Redwood City traveling through an urban landscape. Then, the continuous Bay to Sea Trail will traverse the foothills near Woodside, climb over the Santa Cruz Mountains, and descend all the way to the sea. Here at POST, we couldn’t be more excited to see these plans come to life.
Start Exploring Today—Online or In Person!
Building this incredible trail will take time—possibly decades—but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to start exploring! If you’re interested in the details of our planning process, this website includes plentiful maps, infographics, and study findings. If you’re more interested in experiential learning in-person, you’re also in luck. Many places that the Bay to Sea Trail will ultimately ribbon through already exist. From scenic Cooley Landing to the winding paths of Purisima Creek Redwoods to the coastal Cowell-Purisima Trail, you can begin discovering legs of this future trail today.
Explore Trails In Person Explore Materials Online
Why Is the Bay to Sea Trail Important?
A trail this expansive would make it easier for everyone to access nature and parks on the Peninsula and beyond. As the first east-west regional trail connecting the San Francisco Bay to the ocean, it links three longer north-south trail systems. These include the Bay Trail, Ridge Trail, and Coast Trail.
Nearby residents could enjoy the beauty of added green spaces, such as the cooling shade of tree-lined streets. Reduced cars on the road would mean cleaner air. While running errands or commuting to work, they could travel between local playgrounds, community centers, schools, libraries, markets, and transportation stops with ease. Users of many different ability levels will be able to access the trail, too. It’s clear that the Bay to Sea Trail would promote an active lifestyle. However, the bright spots hardly stop there. It would also foster interconnectedness, protect the environment, and help adapt our communities to climate change.
A major bonus: the proposed work ahead promises some major upgrades to infrastructure. Enhanced crosswalks, protected paths, and helpful signs will make the region safer to navigate. Other improvements may include multilingual signs, more restrooms, and better accessibility so everyone can use parks and preserves more comfortably.
Mapping the Perfect Route
In 2019, POST teamed up with local government agencies and nonprofits to determine how to make this bold vision a reality. We recently completed a study that will help us map out the route. To understand the opportunities and challenges ahead—for example, crossing highways or train tracks—we have divided the trail into three distinct planning zones.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Are you ready to start exploring? Let’s take a closer look at the existing destinations that will enhance your experience along this exciting future trail.
1. Cooley Landing
This park at Ravenswood Open Space Preserve is the nearest park to the proposed trail’s starting point. It will merge with the existing San Francisco Bay Trail route until its intersection with University Avenue.
2. Bair Island
An improved bicycle and pedestrian network in downtown Redwood City will feature connections to Bair Island Ecological Preserve. This restored tidal marsh offers a flat trail with bay views, rich wildlife, and birdwatching opportunities.
3. Crystal Springs Regional Trail
Among the trail’s future users are students and staff of Cañada College. The proposed route would connect the campus to Crystal Springs Regional Trail along a proposed path.
Visit Crystal Springs Regional Trail
4. Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve
When the trail opens, pedestrian trail users may choose to include the serpentine grasslands of Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve as a part of their Bay to Sea experience.
5. Huddart Park
The route may access Huddart Park’s extensive trail network, where visitors can explore shaded redwood groves, oak woodlands, and fern-lined paths. With babbling creeks and scenic picnic areas, it’s an ideal spot for hikers and equestrians alike.
6. Cowell-Purisima Trail
This unique trail just south of Half Moon Bay features working farmland on one side and sweeping ocean views on the other. Here, the Bay to Sea Trail intersects with the California Coastal Trail — also a work in progress.
Enjoy the Cowell-Purisima Trail
NATURE FOR ALL
The Bay to Sea Trail isn’t just about creating a scenic route; it’s about making nature more accessible for everyone. As this trail comes to life, we’re committed to listening to the invaluable perspectives of local residents along the way, including those who are most impacted by climate change or lack access to open space. By collaborating with local groups and community members of all ages, we can build a trail that reflects their needs and aspirations. The Bay to Sea Trail is a long-term vision, but together, we can create a pathway that connects people to nature and each other.
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About Post
Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all. Since its founding in 1977, POST has been responsible for saving more than 90,000 acres as permanently protected land in San Mateo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz counties. Learn more
