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Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails

Bluff Top Trail, Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trail

Stengel Beach Temporary Closure: Stengel Beach access is closed while we work to replace the wooden stairway to the beach. We expect this closure to be in place through 2025. The other Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails remain open. Learn more.

Sonoma County Regional Parks manages six public access trails in The Sea Ranch, a private community south of Gualala.

Trails start at Highway 1 parking areas and cross bluff-top meadows and forests to rugged coastline. Cliffside staircases lead to secluded beaches with sandy coves, tide pools, and rock formations.

In addition to hiking, these public access points offer opportunities for diving, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. 

Parking

Free. Parking lots are clearly marked on the west side of Highway 1. 

Restrictions

Please stay on marked public access trails as other paths and roads within The Sea Ranch are privately owned. RVs and trailers are not allowed in parking lots. Bicycling is not allowed on the Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trails.

Sea Ranch Coastal Access Trail Map

North Coast Access Trails map 895
Download the map
(PDF: 1.56 MB)

The Sea Ranch public access trails (north to south)

  • Bluff Top Trail
    3 miles one way - Runs along the headlands from Walk On Beach to Gualala Point Regional Park. See cypress groves, windswept meadows, and unique sandstone formations. 
  • Walk on Beach Trail
    0.25 miles one way - Passes through a large Monterey cypress grove to a quarter-mile beach reached by a bluff-top staircase.
  • Shell Beach Trail
    0.65 miles one way - Runs through pines and meadow to a wide, sandy beach with sea rocks and tide pools. Small boats can be carried to the ocean via a beach ramp.
  • Stengel Beach Trail
    0.12 miles one way - Short path lined with cypress leads to a wooden staircase and small beach. Look for seasonal waterfalls on the cliffs. Note: Beach access is closed for stairway maintenance.  
  • Pebble Beach Trail
    0.27 miles one way – Weaves through pines and meadow to a sandy cove reached by stairs.
  • Black Point Trail
    0.25 miles one way – Crosses the bluffs to a curving, quarter-mile beach reached by a steep staircase. This beach is just north of Black Point cape and popular with surfers.

Resources

North Coast Access Trails Map