Pomo Canyon Trail

You can park at Shell Beach for free until sunset. Cautiously cross Highway 1 to the gate where a sign reads Pomo Canyon Trail. The Pomo Canyon Trail follows an ancient trading route of the Pomo and Miwok people. The path weaves through lush redwood forests, oak woodlands and open grasslands, crossing seasonal streams en route to the ocean at Shell Beach. The first portion of the trail is mostly uphill but about halfway through the Pomo Canyon Trail it flattens out. You'll eventually reach a forest of old-growth trees and ferns. The trail exits the forest and you'll see up to a sign noting Shell Beach, Pomo Canyon, and Red Hill. Continuing on Pomo Canyon Trail will take you to the Pomo Canyon Campgrounds, which you'll reach after a somewhat steep drop.