Near Pacifica in San Mateo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Open Spaces and Wild Places

A Legacy of Land Protection

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado

1. Open Spaces and Wild Places Marker

Inscription. As coastside population growth began displacing agriculture in the 1960s and 70s, an environmental movement inspired voters to pass a protection act in 1972 that resulted in the California Coastal Commission. With increased environmental awareness, communities recognized that shortages of fresh water, sewers and other necessities make the coastside unsuitable for large scale development.

The unspoiled beauty of the landscape from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay and beyond is due to years of efforts by public agencies and nonprofit organizations to protect open space. These protections have been implemented through Federal, State and local regulations.

Devil's Slide Trail, a Section of the California Coastal Trail
The California Coastal Trail will extend 1,200 miles from Oregon to Mexico, becoming one of our nation's great trails. Completion of additional sections is an ongoing effort. The trail connects travelers to California's varied and ever-changing landscapes, from remote, windswept beaches and historic lighthouses, to bustling piers, ports and urban waterfronts. The trail offers spectacular ocean views and memorable glimpses of wildlife.

Devil's Slide Trail A San Mateo County Park

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment

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• Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.

Location. 37° 35.131′ N, 122° 30.641′ W. Marker is near Pacifica, California, in San Mateo County. It is on Old Devil's Slide Highway west of Cabrillo Highway (California Route 1), on the right when traveling west. The resin marker is mounted to a metal post at the Devil's Slide Trailhead. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pacifica CA 94044, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s San Francisco Bay Area

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Cut Off! (here, next to this marker); Sanchez Adobe (approx. 0.9 miles away); Captain Don Gaspar de Portolà (approx. 1.1 miles away); Discovery of San Francisco Bay (approx. 1.1 miles away); Charles Gust 1888-1969 (approx. 1.8 miles away); Mori's Point Inn (approx. 2.6 miles away); The Enduring Aramai (approx. 2.6 miles away); A Rich Native History (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pacifica.

Also see . . . Devil's Slide Historical Timeline. Devil's Slide Coast

"From the beginning, Devil’s Slide Coast has been rugged and full of adventures. Today, we can access its majestic places and experience their biodiversity, history,
Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 27, 2023

2. Open Spaces and Wild Places Marker
and natural beauty in new ways."

(Submitted on July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.)

Photographed by Joseph Alvarado, May 27, 2023

3. Open Spaces and Wild Places Marker

At the trailhead.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 155 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2023, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.