Best Hikes and Trails in Cabrillo National Monument | AllTrails

United States#17 of 102 National Parks

Best Trails in Cabrillo National Monument

2,196 Reviews
Want to find the best trails in Cabrillo National Monument for an adventurous hike or a family trip? AllTrails has 2 great trails for hiking and more. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Ready for your next hike or bike ride? Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Cabrillo National Monument that are great for the whole family. Looking for a more strenuous hike? We've got you covered, with trails ranging from 114 to 341 feet in elevation gain. Whatever you have planned for the day, you can find the perfect trail for your next trip to Cabrillo National Monument.
Description

Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. In addition to telling the story of 16th century exploration, the park is home to a wealth of cultural and natural resources. Join us and embark on your own Voyage of Discovery. Accessibility: There are designated, handicapped-accessible car and van parking spots at the Lighthouse and tidepool area. You can ask a ranger for a parking pass to park closer, behind the Lighthouse, to avoid having to walk uphill on a concrete path. There are stairs going in to the Lighthouse. Restrooms in the Visitor Center are wheelchair accessible and they have wheelchairs for loan there. Drinking fountains and binoculars are wheelchair accessible. More accessible trail and facility information can be found here: https://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

Map of trails in Cabrillo National Monument, California
Park information
Park hours
Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Contact
(619) 557-5450

Top trails (2)

  • Bayside Trail
    Easy4.6(1551)
    #1 - Bayside Trail
    Length: 2.3 miEst. 1h 1m
    This monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542, which was the first European expedition on what later became the west coast of the U.S. The monument includes a statue of Cabrillo and 20th-century coastal artillery batteries built to protect the harbor of San Diego from enemy warships. Accessibility: There are 10 designated accessible spaces in the paved parking lot off of Cabrillo Memorial Drive at the northwest end of the trail. All...
  • Point Loma Tidepools and Coastal Trail
    Easy4.7(645)
    #2 - Point Loma Tidepools and Coastal Trail
    Length: 1.0 miEst. 24m
    The coastal trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a short hike ranging from easy to moderate difficulty due to a few steep slopes. You can find this trail on the west side of the peninsula, which leads to the tidepool access area. Dogs are allowed only on the Coastal Trail, and are not allowed anywhere else within Cabrillo National Monument. Pets are not allowed in the tidepools themselves, and must stay on the trail if you bring them along. On this trail you’ll find wide, easy paths with...

Helpful reviews of trails in Cabrillo National Monument

19 days ago
Day one of new trail on hill between Cabrillo monument and tide pools
3 months ago
Bayside Trail
This is a very short hike but wonderful and relaxing. The views are very beautiful as it is all part of the Cabrillo Monument National Park and this place holds lots of history.

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      Frequently asked trail questions about Cabrillo National Monument

      Where is the best place to hike in Cabrillo National Monument?

      According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Cabrillo National Monument is Bayside Trail, which has a 4.6 star rating from 1,551 reviews. This trail is 2.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 341 ft.

      What is the longest trail in Cabrillo National Monument?

      According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cabrillo National Monument is Bayside Trail. This trail is estimated to be 2.3 mi long.

      How many trails are in Cabrillo National Monument?

      There are 2 trails in Cabrillo National Monument. These trails have an average 4.7-star rating from 2,196 AllTrails community reviews.

      Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cabrillo National Monument?

      If you're looking for elevation gain, Cabrillo National Monument has you covered. Bayside Trail boasts the most elevation gain with 341 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Point Loma Tidepools and Coastal Trail, which will get you 114 ft of elevation gain.

      Are there running trails available in Cabrillo National Monument?

      According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 running trail in Cabrillo National Monument which is Bayside Trail with an average 4.6 star rating from 1,551 community reviews.