With the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve on one side, the vast Rancho Corral de Tierra on the other, and the California Coastal Trail meandering along the bluff, Pillar Point Bluff is a stunning local spot to view the variety and beauty of the coast. I had the opportunity to spend a recent work day on this property. I was lucky — the sun was out and the sky was clear. I could see all the way to Montara Knob and South Peak to the southeast, clouds slowly breaking over the summit to reveal a clear blue sky. The spread of Rancho Corral de Tierra was visible to the northeast, 4,262 acres protected by POST. We also had a view of the airport, as well as farmlands.

Standing on Pillar Point Bluff, you begin to understand the variety of uses for land, ranging from recreation and agriculture to airports and infrastructure.

A View to the East

The highlight of Pillar Point Bluff is undoubtedly the views of the ocean. To the west lies the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, extending 1,000 feet west from the shore into the Pacific Ocean. That place is teeming with life. I saw pelicans and loads of kelp. From my view on the bluff top, the ocean appeared to be the brilliant color of sapphire and emerald. It was awe-inspiring.

Ocean View from the Bluff Top

I walked the Jean Lauer Trail, accessible to the public off Airport Road. This trail is a project between POST and the California Coastal Conservancy, designed to be part of the California Coastal Trail. San Mateo County Parks now carries out the day-to-day management of the trail, named for a former Conservation Project Manager at POST who loved the San Mateo Coast.

Jean Lauer Trail

The Jean Lauer Trail winds through the wetlands on the bluff, including two ponds that house San Francisco garter snakes and California red-legged frogs. The trail is also flanked by a lot of Coyote Brush, coastal scrub and many types of wildflowers. As the flowers of this season fade and their seeds develop, I look forward to them brightening the coast again next year.

These wildflowers are one of the many examples of the variety of this property, home to 109 plants in all, 64 of which are native species. POST is always working to increase that ratio in favor of the natives. We have removed thousands of Pampas grass plants from the area of the property closest to the coast, a project funded by the Coastal Conservancy.

Coyote Brush

All in all, not a bad way to spend the work day! Take  your next opportunity to check out the remarkable surroundings at Pillar Point Bluff.