Coast–Lake Ranch–Ridge Loop

The Coast–Lake Ranch–Ridge Loop is an 11.1-mile circuit from Palomarin Trailhead: Coast Trail north, Lake Ranch inland, Ridge south and gravel Mesa Road back to the lot. It combines sea-cliff openings, a forest pond and quieter inland miles, but it takes most of a day. Allow about six hours for the full loop. The 5.2-mile round-trip walk to Bass Lake from the same trailhead is a better pick if you want a shorter outing.

From the lot, Coast Trail heads north for about 2.2 miles; the coastal bluff opens to views over the Pacific and rocky shore. Turn inland on Lake Ranch Trail for a gradual, roughly 3-mile climb through forest to the pond and Ridge junction. Going south on Ridge can feel like backtracking at first: it runs close and nearly parallel to Lake Ranch before bending away. It reaches the Teixeira and Pablo Point junction after about 2.5 miles, then continues another 2.3 miles to Mesa Road. The walking trails are mostly dirt under trees or coastal scrub; the last road leg is gravel. For a photo, use one of the Coast Trail openings and keep the grassy bluff above the surf in frame, so the shoreline feels as steep as it does from the path.

The loop finishes with about 1.1 miles on gravel Mesa Road, not on Ridge Trail. Palomarin Trailhead has a gravel lot and vault/composting toilet; the last 1.2 miles of the access road are unpaved and often potholed or washboarded. The lot fills very early on weekends and many summer weekdays, and the area may close to incoming vehicles when it is full. Bring food and water; none are listed at the trailhead or along the route. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on trails leaving Palomarin. Summer grass, brambles, stinging nettle and poison oak can crowd the inland tread, so long trousers help.