16 min
Overview
This is an easy and wide gravel path with scenic views and beach access that is well maintained. The trail leads to vistas at Elk Head and Megwil Point, and offers access to a beautiful beach with good surfing and tide pools set around picturesque tree-covered sea stacks.<br><br>Elk Head Trail and College Cove are part of Trinidad State Beach, managed by the California State Park system.
Trail Stats
1.0 km
5 m
59 m
15 m
—
Photos
Elk Head Trail traverses a nice gravel tread through its latter section.
Elk Head Trail traverses a nice gravel tread through its latter section.
A horse-prevention gate stands on the Elk Head Trail.
A horse-prevention gate stands on the Elk Head Trail.
This is the Elk Head and College Cove Beach Trailhead.
This is the Elk Head and College Cove Beach Trailhead.
Elk Head Connector Trail traverses a long wooded corridor.
Elk Head Connector Trail traverses a long wooded corridor.
Sea lions rest on the shore off Megwil Point.
Sea lions rest on the shore off Megwil Point.
The view from Megwil Point is spectacular in the afternoon light.
The view from Megwil Point is spectacular in the afternoon light.
Check out the cool view of a sea cave from Megwil Point.
Check out the cool view of a sea cave from Megwil Point.
Elk Head Connector Trail heads into this tree tunnel.
Elk Head Connector Trail heads into this tree tunnel.
It's just a quick detour from the Elk Head Trail to reach College Cove Beach.
It's just a quick detour from the Elk Head Trail to reach College Cove Beach.
You're almost to the beach!
You're almost to the beach!
You can glimpse a view of Trinidad Head from the Elk Head Trail.
You can glimpse a view of Trinidad Head from the Elk Head Trail.
Elk Head Connector Trail is just as beautiful as the other area trails.
Elk Head Connector Trail is just as beautiful as the other area trails.
The staircase at Megwil Point leads to an awesome coastal vantage point right on the bluff.
The staircase at Megwil Point leads to an awesome coastal vantage point right on the bluff.
There's a lot of interesting rock on Megwil Point.
There's a lot of interesting rock on Megwil Point.
Watching the sunset at the end of the trail is one of the most amazing scenes I've encountered.
Watching the sunset at the end of the trail is one of the most amazing scenes I've encountered.
The Elk Head Trail offers a phenomenal view of College Cove Beach and Trinidad Head.
The Elk Head Trail offers a phenomenal view of College Cove Beach and Trinidad Head.