Distance: 1.5 miles out-and-back
Elevation Gain: Flat
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Description
The Pond Dune Trail (aka Pond Trail) begins at the northwest corner of Devereux Slough. From the trailhead at the intersection of Storke Road and El Colegio Road, hikers walk approximately 0.4 miles through the student housing parking lot and then continue along Veneco Road on the slough’s north edge. At about 0.75 miles from the start, the path reaches the coastal dunes and beach.
Trail Highlights
This pedestrian-only route traverses the Coal Oil Point Reserve, an active environmental research area. Along the way, interpretive signs explain the slough’s unique wetland habitat and the nesting grounds of Western snowy plovers. For those seeking a longer outing, a 2.5-mile loop option climbs steeply to the bluff top for panoramic ocean views before returning along Slough Road.
Directions
Park on the street where Storke Road meets El Colegio Road at the northwest corner of Devereux Slough. Walk 0.4 miles through the student housing lot, then follow Veneco Road west along the slough’s north side until you reach the dune access point.