Devil's Slide, Coastal trail in San Mateo County, California, US
Devil's Slide is a coastal trail in California with dramatic cliff walls and steep terrain throughout its length. The route stretches roughly 1.3 miles between two parking areas and offers ocean views the entire way.
California State Route 1 passed through this area from 1936 until 2013, when repeated landslides forced its closure. Engineers then built tunnel bypasses to redirect traffic while transforming the old route into a hiking trail.
The site once served as a military lookout during World War II, where soldiers watched ships moving through the Pacific below. Visitors walking here today can sense that wartime connection while enjoying the ocean views from the same vantage point.
The trail is paved and suitable for both walkers and cyclists, with parking available at both ends of the route. Wear sturdy shoes and expect windy conditions, as the clifftop location offers little shelter from ocean breezes.
The trail became popular with filmmakers who needed dramatic coastal scenery for their productions. Visitors can often recognize the same views that have appeared in movies and television shows over the decades.
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