Let's Explore Trinidad California!

Trinidad, California is a small town on California's north coast.  Above is the view from the bluff near the Memorial Lighthouse.  On the left is the Scenic Drive coast.  On the right are Trinidad Bay, Trinidad harbor, Little Head and Trinidad Head.  Trinidad's picturesque setting is complemented by an extensive trail system for public enjoyment.

Steps lead down from the Memorial Lighthouse to Old Home Beach.  Walking south on Old Home Beach, we cross two small creeks and come to another trail back 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 go further along Old Home Beach.  We'll scramble over rocks past basking harbor seals to pebbly He-Woli Beach.  See my Trinidad map for locations and trail routes.

The Trinidad Head loop trail has views of Trinidad State Beach, Pewetole, 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 about an hour for this hike. My Trinidad Head map shows the loop trail and what you can see from Trinidad Head.

Along Scenic Drive are many small beaches and coves, sea stacks, and rugged rocky bluffs with spectacular vistas of Trinidad and Trinidad Head. Trails lead from parking spots down to Baker and Luffenholtz beaches, and to 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 Beach 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 and 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.
• 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 see the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce website for information on lodging and other services.  To continue exploring, follow links on the search bar below:

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.