Wavecrest Open Space(WOS) is a 206-acre plot of land situated at the south end of HMB, that was purchased by the Peninsula Open Space Trust(POST) in 2008. It’s one of the last undeveloped properties in the area, and is a critical area for wintering raptors on the San Mateo Coast. The open grasslands and roosting sites are crucial for the survival of many raptor species in the area, including Kestrels, Harrier Hawks, Red-Tailed Hawks, Kites, and Barn Owls. Since this is a relatively new acquisition for POST the long-range uses for the area are still being determined. They did, however, sell off a 50-acre parcel in 2011 to the Coastside Land Trust, to which they created«The Bird Trail.» The Bird Trail is a 1/3-mile long, and runs along the north end of WOS; there’s some informative signs around talking about the area, and you can also find lots of volunteers there eradicating the area of non-native plants. Access– Entering WOS is free, and there are two main points of access: Blufftop Coastal Park(North) and Wavecrest Ave(South). Parking– The parking on Wavecrest Ave is free, but Blufftop charges $ 2/hr, or $ 10 for all day. Personally, I always go to Blufftop because I’ve always combined my visits to WOS with some beach time. Trails: Another important aspect of WOS is that the California Coastal Trail runs right through it, which will one day run along almost the entire Cali coast. The trail inside WOS is ±1.5-miles long, and continues to run to the north and south of the property in case you want to extend your journey. Usage– Hiking, Mountain Biking, Horseback Riding and Dogs(on a leash) are all allowed. Trails Conditions– The trails are mostly compressed granite and dirt, with a small section near Blufftop being asphalt. The dirt trails are in pretty bad shape with some serious wheel ruts, and giant holes when it gets a little too close to the cliff’s edge. Difficulty– It’s a really flat and easy trail that folks of all ages can enjoy – as long as you steer clear of those holes… The trails are all fully-exposed, which normally is no bueno, but – seeing as how this is HMB, and sunshine is at a premium – it’s no issue here. Restrooms– There are some port-o-potties in the Blufftop parking lot, but nothing at the south end. Scenery– The east edge of the park is mostly inaccessible, as it’s mostly coastal prairies that are needed for the wildlife. There is a nice smattering of wildflowers and native grasses throughout, but most of the area is still being rehabilitated. The west side of the park is the true crown jewel, as you meander along the coastal bluffs with amazing views of the Pacific Ocean, the beaches below and the entire HMB coastline. If the weather is clear enough you can even see Mavericks and the Pillar Point Air Force Station. Despite WOS being a work in progress, it’s still a pretty nice place to visit. You can definitely see the potential here, and I’m sure one day it will be on everyone’s list of «must see» places. It still gets a thumbs up from yours truly because views like this always deserve a 4-star minimum. Happy Hikes!
