Trinidad, California is a small town on California's north coast.  Trinidad Head (shown left of town above) shelters the Trinidad harbor and pier.  Trinidad's picturesque setting is complemented by an extensive trail system for public enjoyment.  A trail loops around Trinidad Head with views in all directions.  On clear days, you can see Patrick's Point and Eureka.  The Trinidad Head trail is moderately strenuous but well worth the effort.  Allow at least an hour for this hike.  There is parking near Trinidad Beach below Trinidad Head. My Trinidad Head map shows the trail plus photos taken from Trinidad Head.

In town, a trail leads down steps below the Memorial Lighthouse [pictured left].  The steps lead to Old Home Beach on Trinidad Bay. Walking south along the beach, we cross two small creeks and come to another trail up to town.  By taking it, we can explore more of Trinidad and loop back to the Memorial Lighthouse.  Turn left at the top of the steps, walk past the climbing roses along the bluff, and exit onto Wagner Street.  But first, let's explore further south along Old Home Beach.  We'll scramble over rocks past basking harbor seals to pebbly He-Woli Beach.  See my Trinidad map for feature locations and trail routes.

Southeast of Trinidad along Scenic Drive are numerous small beaches and coves, sea stacks, and rugged rocky bluffs with spectacular vistas of Trinidad and Trinidad Head.  Trails lead from parking spots along Scenic Drive down to Baker Beach, Luffenholtz Beach and Houda Point.  See my Scenic Drive map for more details.

Northwest of Trinidad are College Cove and Elk Head.  These two spots are most easily accessed from a parking area off Stagecoach Road.  The trail from the parking area to Omenoku Point is nearly level and takes about 15 minutes one way.  There is also a worthwhile, although moderately strenuous, trail connecting the parking area at Trinidad State Park across Mill Creek to the trail system at Elk Head.  Allow about half an hour one way for this hike.  See my Trinidad State Beach map to locate parking, trails and good places to explore.

• Patrick's Point State Park, 10 minutes north of Trinidad, is a big favorite. Great trails! Great views!  Lots to see and do for kids of all ages!
• Big Lagoon, 15 minutes north of Trinidad, is fun for wading, agate hunting, fishing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and birdwatching.
• The redwood parks near Orick are just 25 minutes north of Trinidad. Simply majestic... Allow plenty of time to explore the redwoods, too.

Other photos and information

• The California's Redwood Coast website describes more ways to explore and to enjoy Trinidad.  It is a valuable reference whether or not you are exploring Trinidad for the first time.
• My neighbors at the Turtle Rocks Inn offer a descriptive guide to the Trinidad beaches and suggest itineraries for enjoying our area.
• Stephen Hamilton of Trinidad has some wonderful QuickTime® panoramas at selected points in the Trinidad area.
• J. Scott Shannon has compiled a photo history of Trinidad, California.
• Be sure to download and print the BLM's free California Coastal National Monument Trinidad Gateway Brochure (2.8MB PDF).  It describes Trinidad's cultural history and marine life, and it has a map of the very best places on the shoreline to explore.
• Please go to the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce website for information about lodging and other services.  To continue exploring, follow the links below:

Local Flora Weather Site Map Local Links Contact

http://pages.suddenlink.net/popenoe/scenes/Trinidad.htm

Images by Jim Popenoe

This is Jim's personal web page and does not claim to
officially represent the City of Trinidad, California.