Hike Devils Slide, Summit Pedro Point, And Explore The Sanchez Adobe
A dramatic hike along a former stretch of Highway 1 followed by a visit to California’s early days
This is part of a series of family-oriented day trip outings around the San Francisco Bay Area I look forward to enjoying once social distancing isn’t the norm any longer.
Ava & Margaux hike Devils Slide by Cody Tolmasoff
Social Isolation — Day 2
I had to go run some errands this morning, even though I didn’t especially want to be out. Initially, I was pretty happy. The freeway was empty enough, parking was easy to find. Stopping by the pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions, there were only a couple of people waiting. In and out, lickety-split.
Stopping by Philz in Redwood City to stock up on some forgotten coffee, there were a few patrons in the cafe yet no line. This was starting to feel like what I wish the Bay Area felt like more regularly, the Bay Area of my youth. This feeling lasted until I got to my last stop, Lucky Supermarket in Foster City.
Typically, this place has very few people shopping. Today was much different, dozens of people waiting to check out, and many people in the store. The paper isle savaged, cleaning products decimated, bread depleted, beans and rice and pasta nothing but empty shelves. I picked up what I needed, but glad I wasn’t looking for more. Surreal is the only word I have to describe it.
Here is where I imagined going today…
Destination: Pacifica (Linda Mar)
Hike Devils Slide
Summit Pedro Point
Explore the Sanchez Adobe
Previously one of the most dangerous spots to drive on Highway 1, one of our newest coastal trails is a fantastic spot for a hike.
Devils Slide Trail
2.5-mile hike out and back
300-foot elevation gain
Driving down this stretch of Highway 1 was treacherous. Dramatic views coupled with narrow sections of road that had a tendency to crumble and slide down into the Pacific Ocean created a prime spot for traffic issues. Following major road collapses in 1940 and 1995 along with a potential collapse in 2006 (which lead to 5 months of repair efforts), 2013 brought the opening Tom Lantos tunnel bypass. CalTrans donated the retired section of roadway to the San Mateo County Parks Department who updated the trail to what we have today.
My preference is to park on the southern side of Devil’s Slide and hike from that end. This hike has a hill, with roughly a 250-foot elevation gain in 1.3 miles, but there are some beautiful views along the way. Starting at the southern end put’s the majority of the climb in the middle of the hike rather than the tail end (if you started your hike from the northern end). The steepest part of the climb is on the northern side of the trail.
Pedro Point
2.5-mile hike loop
600-foot elevation gain
View from the summit of Pedro Point down into Pacifica (on the right) by Cody Tolmasoff
Pedro Point is an extension from the Devils Slide hike. The trail starts a short distance from the northern Devils Slide parking area. After a short walk along a generous shoulder along the road, veer left and up onto the trail that starts heading to the summit.
It’s about the same distance to the top as the hike along Devils Slide, but it’s twice the climb in the same distance.
But on a clear day, the view from the top is fantastic. I would compare it with the view from the Point Reyes lighthouse. This is a spot I drove past for half my life without realizing you could hike up here and enjoy the view. I think it’s often overlooked unless you are a local, and a friend points it out.
Admittedly, it’s a climb, and bringing the kids along might be an invitation for a bit of whining. But if you can manage it, the view is worth the effort.
Sanchez Adobe
Note: At the current time of publication (March 2020), Sanchez Adobe is temporarily closed because of Corona Virus concerns. Devils Slide and Pedro Point remain open, but be sure to keep your social distance.
A popular elementary school field trip destination, visiting the Sanchez Adobe is like stepping back in time.
My favorite time to visit the Sanchez Adobe is for their Rancho Day Fiesta, a day enjoying the history of the site. They have volunteer actors, dances, crafts, activities, and more. Create a cornhusk doll, make a dip candle, cast an adobe brick, tour the adobe and see what life was like 150 years ago, and so much more.
The rest of the year, this is a quiet stop where you can take a self-guided tour of the adobe to view the exhibits. It’s interesting to see what toys kids played with, or the kitchen tools people used long ago.
When I was a kid, my family was visiting here and my sister found a pottery shard (while we were playing in the field here) they put on display — an accidental archeologist.
Pro-Tip: Take a stop at the world's prettiest Taco Bell next to Pacifica State Beach. You can park at the restaurant for free and eat while watching the surfers.
What will you find?
Cody Tolmasoff is an author and publisher for Adventuring.in. He is a recovering programmer and a San Francisco native, raising two daughters, and regularly finding new adventures around the SF Bay Area. This article is an excerpt from an upcoming book, 52 San Francisco Bay Area Weekend Adventures, Day Trips With Your Kids!
Find him on Twitter @codyo, and read his most recent title Adventures in Getting Out on Amazon, filled with advice on successfully getting your family out for day trip adventures.
Originally published on Medium on 15 March 2020