Updated: 3/16/26
The webpage was updated to reflect the project's progress.

Arial view of trail location

Southern Segment Conceptual Alignment

 Midcoast Multi-Modal Trail sign

Trail sign at the intersection of Coronado Street and Highway 1.

 Midcoast Multi-Modal Trail

Trail south of Coronado Street near Wilkinson School.
Overview

The Midcoast Multi-Modal Trail (Trail) is a bicycle and pedestrian commuter trail that will provide an alternative means of transportation for residents of the Midcoast to safely access neighboring communities, town centers, schools, and recreational destinations without having to travel on the highway.  The Trail, commonly referred to as the Parallel Trail, was conceptualized in the community-developed Highway 1 Safety and Mobility Improvement Study and reaffirmed in Connect the Coastside: The San Mateo County Midcoast Comprehensive Transportation Management Plan. The Trail will be separated from the highway and have minimal interaction with vehicular traffic, allowing it to serve residents of all ages and abilities. Conceptually, the trail will span from Montara south to Miramar, where it will connect with the Naomi Patridge Trail in Half Moon Bay. This will provide for a continuous, regional bicycle and pedestrian commuter trail.

Connection to Half Moon Bay

The City of Half Moon Bay is seeking funds to extend its current Class 1 path (north end of Naomi Patridge Trail) from Roosevelt Boulevard north to meet the southern segment of the County’s trail at Mirada Road. Learn more at the City of Half Moon Bay’s webpage.

Southern Segment (Mirada Road to Coronado Street)

The Southern Segment of the Trail was completed in 2022, between Coronado Street and the City of Half Moon Bay (about 100 feet south of Mirada Road). Visit the Department of Public Works webpage to learn more.

Middle Segment (Coronado Street to Marine Boulevard)

Conceptual plans align the Trail within the Caltrans right-of-way along SR 1 from Coronado to Marine Boulevard. Planned projects between Coronado Street and Capistrano Road, including the Granada Community Services District’s Granada Community Park project, Caltrans’ studies regarding realignment of SR 1 near Surfer’s Beach, and projects led by the San Mateo County Harbor District, will influence and affect the location of the Trail in El Granada. County staff will continue to work with partners to ensure the Trail is accounted for in projects led by others and/or the Trail’s future construction is not precluded by others’ projects.

Northern Segment (Marine Boulevard to 1st Street)

The Moss Beach State Route 1 Congestion and Safety Improvements Project will implement various improvements identified in Connect the Coastside on State Route 1 in Moss Beach, including the section of the Trail from Marine Boulevard to Etheldore Street, and from 16th Street to 14th Street. Visit the Moss Beach Project webpage to learn more.

There is a planned section of Trail on Carlos Street from Etheldore Street to State Route 1. In 2023, the Planning and Building Department received technical assistance through the Metropolitan Transportation Commission to conduct a feasibility study for bicycle and pedestrian improvements on Carlos Street, and help define potential options for further study. The final study was completed in June 2025. The Department is seeking grant funds for the next phase of project development, including environmental analysis and design.

The Trail section from 14th to 11th will require funding to conduct necessary studies to assess implementation feasibility.

The Trail section transitions from a separated path to a combination of sidewalk and on-street bikeway in Montara on Main Street from 11th to 2nd Street. The Department of Public Works will be conducting a pavement rehabilitation project in 2026 and will implement a shared bikeway. The County is seeking additional funds to complete feasible sidewalk gaps.

The Trail section from 2nd Street to 1st Street will require funding to conduct necessary studies to assess implementation feasibility

Contact

For questions or comments about the Midcoast Multi-Modal Trail, please contact:

Chanda Singh
Senior Transportation Planner, County of San Mateo

Resources


General
Southern Segment (Mirada Road to Coronado Street)

Middle Segment

  • None at this time.

Northern Segment