Trinidad, California is a small town of about 300 people on California's north coast. Its picturesque setting is complemented by an extensive trail system for public enjoyment. A trail loops around Trinidad Head [in the foreground above]. From Trinidad Head are views of the town, Trinidad Harbor, Trinidad Beach, Pewetole Island, Elk Head, Trinidad pier and harbor, and the coast north and south. On clear days, you can see Patrick's Point and Eureka. The trail is moderately strenuous but well worth the effort. Allow at least an hour for this hike. Parking is available next to the beach below Trinidad Head.
![[Thumbnail of Memorial Lighthouse]](LH.jpg "Trinidad Memorial Lighthouse") |
Pictured left, at the edge of the bluff in town is the Memorial Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, steps lead down 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. |
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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 [pictured right], Luffenholtz Beach and Houda Point. |
![[Thumbnail of Baker Beach]](Baker-T.jpg "Baker Beach") |
![[Thumbnail of Pewetole Island]](Pewetole-T.jpg "Pewetole Island")
| 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 the Chamber of Commerce map for parking and trail location. |
- 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 tells more ways to explore and to enjoy Trinidad. It is a valuable reference whether or not you are exploring Trinidad for the first time.
- Stephen Hamilton of Trinidad has posted some wonderful QuickTime® panoramas at selected points in the Trinidad area.
- J. Scott Shannon has compiled a photo history of Trinidad, California.
- See the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce website about lodging and other services.
- 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 its marine life, and it has a map of the very best places along the shoreline for you to explore.
- Two more aids for Trinidad explorers are Bob Lorentzen's little book, The hiker's hip pocket guide to the Humboldt Coast and an online street map by Neer Cartography.
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Contact pages.suddenlink.net/popenoe/scenes/Trinidad.htm
October 24, 2009