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Elk Head Trail

Easy/Intermediate
 4.0 (4)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …North Coast
  4. …Trinidad
  5. Trinidad State Beach
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“An easy trail with outstanding views of College Cove beach and the coast. ”

Dara Zimmerman
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Map Key

0.6

Miles

1.0

KM

90%

Runnable

194' 59 m

High

51' 16 m

Low

19' 6 m

Up

150' 46 m

Down

5%

Avg Grade (3°)

13%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildlife

Runner Notes

This trail can be popular in summer months, but it is wide enough to easily pass others on the trail.

Description

This is an easy and wide gravel path with scenic views and beach access that is well maintained. The trail leads to vistas at Elk Head and Megwil Point, and offers access to a beautiful beach with good surfing and tide pools set around picturesque tree-covered sea stacks.

Elk Head Trail and College Cove are part of Trinidad State Beach, managed by the California State Park system.

Flora & Fauna

iSitka spruce, thimbleberry, rhododendrons, ferns, skunk cabbage, tide pools, whale watching and a variety of birds.

Contacts

Land Manager: California State Parks - Trinidad State Beach

Shared By:

Dara Zimmerman
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 4 votes

#1

in Trinidad State Beach

#11266

Overall
  4.0 from 4 votes
5 Star
25%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#1

in Trinidad State Beach

#1,097

in California

#11,266

Overall
10 Views Last Month
2,104 Since May 9, 2017
Easy/Intermediate
25%
25%
50%
0%
0%
0%
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Photos

The Elk Head Trail offers a phenomenal view of College Cove Beach and Trinidad Head.
May 14, 2017 near Westhav…, CA
Watching the sunset at the end of the trail is one of the most amazing scenes I've encountered.
Nov 5, 2019 near Westhav…, CA
There's a lot of interesting rock on Megwil Point.
May 14, 2017 near Westhav…, CA
The staircase at Megwil Point leads to an awesome coastal vantage point right on the bluff.
May 14, 2017 near Westhav…, CA
Elk Head Connector Trail is just as beautiful as the other area trails.
May 14, 2017 near Westhav…, CA
You can glimpse a view of Trinidad Head from the Elk Head Trail.
May 14, 2017 near Westhav…, CA

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 57 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 27, 2017
Dara Zimmerman

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