30 min
Overview
This is one of my favorite hike: spectacular views, amazing geologic formations, tide pools as full of sea life as anywhere on the California Coast, and the most beautiful coastal cave that I've seen in California.<br><br>Park on Danmann Ave near the shore cliffs in Pedro Point (South Pacifica). From the north end of Danmann, turn right and hike about 150 yards east to to a path and stairs that lead to the ocean. Continue west past the docks (you may have to wade here). You can also hike here from the parking lots near Linda Mar Beach. <br><br>Once down to the ocean, head west across the small rocks along the cliff to the point leading to Shelter Cove. To get around the point, you'll need to use your hands to climb over the rocks. On the far side there are about 50 yards of slippery tide pools before the Shelter Cove beach. I love the view of the rustic cabins. Residents are friendly as long as you stay below the high tide line. Above the high tide line is all private land. <br><br>From the other side of the sand, hike along the cliffs to a point from where you have to step across a wet channel to reach the chain of islands. The first island has a very visible shallow cave on the right. On the south side is the easily missed, narrow entrance to "Monstro's Belly" (my name). You can climb down into this cave. It is tube-like, with arched ribs that are covered with pink and purple sea life and flat bright orange and red sponge-like blobs. The water is shallow with very mild waves.<br><br>There are two more places where you have to step across narrow channels to reach the main island. Be sure to return before the water rises in these channels. Mid-way across the main island, well above the south shore, is another cave that goes all the way through the island. Within the cave, you can see light, but not the exit at the far end. The water appears shallow, but the waves are a little larger.<br><br>It is possible to climb high up the rocks, but do not go to the top and disturb the nesting birds. Similarly, do not approa
Trail Stats
2.0 km
4 m
6 m
0 m
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Photos
Cave reminds me of Montro's belly. The waves are very mild, so it is easy to climb down into the cave and wade to the far entrance.
Cave reminds me of Montro's belly. The waves are very mild, so it is easy to climb down into the cave and wade to the far entrance.
Shelter Cove at the southern edge of Pacifica, with 17 rustic rental cottages that can only be reached via a foot path. The only public access to walk around the point at very low tide from Pedro Point or Linda Mar.
Shelter Cove at the southern edge of Pacifica, with 17 rustic rental cottages that can only be reached via a foot path. The only public access to walk around the point at very low tide from Pedro Point or Linda Mar.
View across Linda Mar beach to Mori Point, Daly City and Marin headlands
View across Linda Mar beach to Mori Point, Daly City and Marin headlands
Rustic, private boat launching docks at Pedro Point.
Rustic, private boat launching docks at Pedro Point.
Shelter Cove beach and point between it and Linda Mar beach
Shelter Cove beach and point between it and Linda Mar beach
San Pedro Rock in the background, which can be hiked to at extreme low tide via a chain of 3 small islands. The Pilarcitos Fault has pushed the thick sedimentary layers nearly vertical and sheared them off on the north side
San Pedro Rock in the background, which can be hiked to at extreme low tide via a chain of 3 small islands. The Pilarcitos Fault has pushed the thick sedimentary layers nearly vertical and sheared them off on the north side
Looking towards Pedro Point Headlands. The grade line for a train that went around the headlands is still visible. The route was quickly abandoned because the land is too unstable to be maintained.
Looking towards Pedro Point Headlands. The grade line for a train that went around the headlands is still visible. The route was quickly abandoned because the land is too unstable to be maintained.