The Good with the Bad

Sea Summit Trail - San Clemente, CA

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Sea Summit Trails - San Clemente, CA

Beginner - Maintained path for walking or running. I didn't see any no bicycle signs, but it is a rather short ride, but worth the views.

After months of being curious of how the Sea Summit Trails have come along, I decided to jump on the bike to check them out.  I have been groaning about the development of this land, Marblehead, for some time now but it is time to accept the fact that it is moving forward. Moving forward might be the wrong term, half of the outlets are open and I could see quite a few houses that looked already complete.  The good news is that the area got some new trails with some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, San Clemente Pier, and, if you aren't as blind as I am, a faint Dana Point Harbor in the distance to the north. The bad news is that a high end housing development and outdoor shopping outlets are in the works too.  However, knowing the fact that from 1949 to 1969 the city used to run a sewer treatment plant in the area makes the new development a definite upgrade.

The picture above shows parts of the trail closest to PCH looking south.  You can see the San Clemente Pier protruding out into the water in the distance. Surfers can be seen taking advantage of a beautiful 67 degree day, although at 60 degrees, the water is a bit chilly. As you can see to the left of the picture, the landscape is still being worked on as they continue to make sure our local and native species of plants take over the majority of the hillside.

Looking to the north you can see another set of trails on the other side of the valley.  You can either go down and up stairs to reach it or head inland and take the path all the way around.  All the trails are the same and offer pretty much the same views as the south side, just with a bit different vantage points.  If you can zoom in enough, you can see the boat infested Dana Point harbor. It was quite entertaining watching sail boat leave the calm waters of the harbor and venture off into the ocean.

I only came across of a couple very nice smiling faces on my visit.  It was lunch time on a Wednesday, so i wouldn't expect much traffic at such a time.  Once spring and summer comes around, I am sure the trails will become much more active.  It is a wonderful little trail system to get out of the house for some quick exercise, or to bring the dog and kids for a stroll. Signs are placed throughout the trail to explain a little about the area including the picture below.  In addition to Habitat Manegment Plan signs, you will find more about Coastal Sage Scrub and its thriving plant life, as well as History of the area and more.  If you happen to bike or hike a rather larger distance to get here, no need to worry about finding places to eat or use the facilities. There are newly built restrooms and picnic tables that are open to the public.  So, what are you waiting for?  Hop on the bike and take a ride through Sea Summit Trails!

From San Clemente Pier head north along the San Clemente Beach Trail until you get to North/Pico Beach.  There are stairs all along PCH just north of Avenida Pico that head up to the trail.

From Dana Point Harbor head south along PCH and turn left on Avenida Pico, and another quick left onto Avenida Vista Hermosa.

Either direction is also reachable from the 5 freeway, exit Avenida Vista Hermosa from the north, and Avenida Pico from the south.