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California Coastal Trail
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
Season 1
Episode 30
The Monterey Bay Coastal Recreational Trail runs some 18 miles from Castroville to Pacific Grove passing through Fisherman’s Wharf, Cannery Row, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and downtown Monterey. Thousands of residents, visitors and commuters use the trail every day but this popular segment of the California Coastal Trail almost didn’t happen. In the possession of the Southern Pacific Railroad Company for almost a century, the land was initially slated for major development until the newly formed California Coastal Commission stepped in and preserved both the trail and the coastline for future generations to enjoy.
See Also: The View from Ed Ricketts’ Window: The Diverse Human Ecosystem of Monterey’s Cannery Row
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5:08
Pristine conditions along this area are a result of decades of work from activists.
6:35
Devil’s Slide was a treacherous section of Highway 1 until a landslide closed it for good.
4:34
Once upon a time, Wilder Ranch State Park was a dairy known for its delicious butter.
3:54
West Cliff Drive is one of the most beautiful features of Santa Cruz.
4:39
The Half Moon Bay Coastside Trail offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean.
5:07
East Cliff Drive is one of the newest sections of the California Coastal Trail.
6:53
This "Serengeti of the Sea" offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world.
5:56
Big Sur is a precious jewel that remains pristine, rugged and remote.
5:27
It's not every day you get to witness 5,000-pound elephant seals charge each other.
6:00
This section of the California Coastal Trail has only been open to the public since 2007.
5:10
Pismo Beach is set to become a major destination for outdoor recreational activity.
4:27
Santa Barbara and the California Coastal Trail are windows into a fascinating history.