Trinidad California - Head Trail

Introduction:

What? :

The Trinidad Head Loop Trail in Trinidad, CA is a relatively easy 1.7 mile trail that offer 360-degree views of Trinidad town, the protected bay and Humboldt coast.

This is a fun hiking activity that provide nice viewing points and is located just above the small Trinidad Beach.

In my view Trinidad and Crescent City are the most rewording small towns in the northern California coastline. Excellent destination and a hub for local trips and nearby trips.

 

 

Where? :

When you are driving on highway 101 north of Eureka take the Trinidad exit and head down to the direction of the Fisherman's Wharf. Park at the large parking lot just before going down to the Fisherman's Wharf parking.

Here you can see the new, and final, location of the small and renovated Trinidad Lighthouse.

Google Map Link

 
 

When? :

Trinidad is year-round destination; winter can be rainy and windy but it does not prevent visiting here.

 

 

Due note 1: The trail is open year-round and no need for a fee.

 

Due note 2: Dogs on a leash are welcome.

 

Due note 3: This is a very popular area for short hike and the parking may be full during summertime because it is also used for beach access.

 

Due note 4: The Trinidad Head is part of the California Coastal National Monument managed by BLM.

 

Due note 5: As many other high places along the ocean shore here is a good spotting location for gray whales as they migrate between Alaska and Baja for breeding.

 

Additional Blogs on Nearby Locations:

• Redwood Parks at Northern California Coastline – Visit Planning
• Highway 101 Attractions between Leggett to Avenue of the Giants
• Highway 1, San Francisco to Fort Bragg – A Trip Planner
• 
  
• Humboldt Redwoods State Park
• Trinidad, California
• Trinidad California - Trinidad State and local Beaches
• Trinidad California - Elk Head & College Cove Trailhead
• Sue-meg California State Park
• Redwood National Parks - Tall Trees Grove Hike
• Redwood National Parks - Redwood Creek Overlook
• Redwood National Park - Redwood Creek Hike to Tall Trees Grove
• Redwood National Park - Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Prairie Creek Long Loop Hike
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Fern Canyon
• Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park - Trillium Falls Trail
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Grove of Titans Trail
• Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park - Stout Grove Trail
• Crescent City, California

My thoughts:

In my view Trinidad and Crescent City are the most rewording small towns in the northern California coastline. Excellent destination and a hub for local trips and nearby trips.

I visit Trinidad several times at the winter month but I’m sure this can be an excellent summer destination.

This is a fun place to visit with many different activities to do just near the town and the surrounding area.

The Hike:

This 1.7-mile loop trail hike start from the large parking lot just before going down to the Fisherman's Wharf parking. Here you can see the new, and final, location of the small and renovated Trinidad Lighthouse.

Although it start with climbing up the hill it considered to be an easy route.

It takes for about one hour to complete, include time to explore side trails and enjoy the view.

 

Start hiking the paved trail, after the first short section up you will have nice view of the Fisherman's Wharf just below you. Keep hiking up and you will reach to a point where you can see the unpaved trail forking to right into the bushes.

Walk into the trail that start to circle the hill. The loop trail can be taken in either direction, but I prefer doing it counterclockwise, not from a specific reason.

You will have few viewings point on the ocean below you and the coastline to the north. You can also find several wooden benches along this hike, seat, rest, and enjoy the view.

Keep walking and start to circle the hill to the south. Here you can explore the short trails forking to the right.

The trail climb to the left and after short hike you will reach a large stone cross and a bench. Here the trail connect to the main road that lead to the top of the hill.

From here you can walk straight down or turn left and hike to the hilltop, very short hike.
there is no view from the hilltop.

Hike down the main road, here you will have nice view of the bay below you and the coastline heading south.

After short hike you will reach the gate leading to the original lighthouse location. When I visit here the gate was close so I can provide a lot of information on this side interest point.

From the gate sigh it looks like this location is to the public on the First Saturday of every month 10am – 12pm.

 

After short hike down the main trail, you will reach back to the parking lot and the lighthouse.

 

After this short hike you can visit the nice beach or walk down to the Fisherman's Wharf.

 

When I visit here the small Trinidad Lighthouse was in final construction stages and was surrounded by fence, it is probably open by now.

 

 

Additional Pictures: