Cabrillo National Monument: Point Loma Tidepools and Bluffs Trail
About This Trail
The Bluffs trail at Cabrillo National Monument is a fun and easy one mile out and back trail. There are a lot of stairs and steep cliffs on the edge of the trail to watch out for, but overall the kids really love hiking this trail and the views are gorgeous! End your hike at the Point Loma tidepools. You should check the tide charts online before you plan your trip because if you go at high tide you won’t be able to get to the tidepools. Once you are done here, you can spend the rest of your day exploring the rest of the Cabrillo National Monument!
Restroom: There are pit toilets in the parking lot next to the trailhead.
Trail Features
Seasons | Fall, Spring, Summer, and Winter |
---|---|
Surface type | Dirt |
Elevation gain | 45 ft. |
Stroller friendly | No |
ADA accessible | No |
Water fountains | No |
Bathrooms | No |
Cell reception | Spotty |
Pet friendly | No |
Nearby convenience store | No |
Camping Nearby | No |
Emergency support within 5 miles |
Yes |
Trail highlights
Fun trail with tidepools to explore!
Fee & Parking Details
To enter Cabrillo National Monument, you need to pay $15 per car. Once you pass the toll booth, take your first right down a very big hill. After you make a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, the parking lot will be on your left.
Trail Contributor

Hike it Baby member since spring 2016. Current HiB Asheville NC Branch Ambassador. Past HiB San Diego CA and Orange County CA Branch Ambassador, and past National Team volunteer for Community Values, HiB30 Challenge Prizes, Mentor, and Ambassador Continued Education teams.