Pelican Bluffs Trail

Pelican Bluffs is a 73-acre coastal preserve managed by the Mendocino Land Trust (MLT), just south of Point Arena. MLT purchased the property on December 6, 2013, from the California Institute of Environmental Studies (CIES), with funding from the California State Coastal Conservancy. The preserve's name honors CIES researcher Frank Gress's studies on eggshell thinning and reproductive failure in California brown pelicans — work that was instrumental in the species' recovery in the Channel Islands.

The landscape moves through several zones: Bishop-pine forest opens into coastal prairie and a stream corridor still recovering from decades of cattle grazing, before the trail reaches the bluff's edge — high, sheer white cliffs shaped by the geologic activity of the San Andreas Fault. The preserve is also habitat for the endangered Point Arena mountain beaver and several rare plant species. Spring brings wildflowers to the open meadow; the exposed bluff-edge stretch is also a listed Whale Trail viewing site for migrating gray whales, so a winter or spring visit adds a wildlife-watching reason on top of the coastal scenery.

Two route options share the same trailhead:

• Full loop (2.2 miles) — starts in Bishop-pine forest, opens into wide coastal prairie, crosses a small bridge, and reaches the bluff's edge with panoramic ocean views before looping back through the meadow.
• Short loop (0.5 miles) — a flat, easier walk that stays within the Bishop-pine forest and open meadow, without continuing out to the bluff edge.

The cliffs at the trail's high point are steep and unfenced — staying on the marked trail here matters, not just as a formality. The bluff-edge stretch is fully exposed to coastal wind and has no shade; the forested sections are more sheltered. Along the way, watch for the recovering creek corridor and Point Arena mountain beaver habitat. Because the preserve is a designated Whale Trail site, gray whales, harbor seals, and minke whales are all possible sightings from the bluff.

• Hours — dawn to dusk daily; no camping. Google Places lists 6:00 AM–9:00 PM.
• Cost — free.
• Parking — a small lot sits just west of Highway 1 near the preserve's southeastern end. Watch for mile marker 14.3 at the preserve's north end and mile marker 13.5 at the south end when driving in.
• Facilities — picnic tables are available; there are no restrooms.
• Bikes — not allowed on the trails.
• Managed by — Mendocino Land Trust, (707) 962-0470, info@mendocinolandtrust.org.

Pelican Bluffs is one of several Mendocino Land Trust preserves and trails along this stretch of coast, and it's listed as an official Whale Trail viewing site for gray whales, harbor seals, and minke whales. MLT runs guided hikes and community programs across its preserve network — check the Land Trust's events calendar for a docent-led visit.