Last Chance Section of Coastal Trail

The Last Chance Section of the California Coastal Trail in Del Norte County offers cyclists a rare chance to pedal directly through the bones of transportation history. Originally constructed in the 1920s as the primary alignment of the Old Coast Highway, this rugged corridor was eventually abandoned by vehicles due to relentless landslides and the shifting topography of the coastline. Today, it has been repurposed into a dramatic, multi-use trail segment managed by Redwood National and State Parks. Hugging the cliffs south of Crescent City, the route acts as a living time capsule where old wooden mileposts still stand guard, and historical engineering marvels slowly blend back into the coastal wilderness.

For cyclists, conquering this trail requires a realistic look at the numbers and the terrain. Spanning roughly six miles one way between its trailheads at Enderts Beach Road and Highway 101, the route is a demanding physical test. Cyclists face relentless switchbacks and steep, unpaved grades that climb hundreds of feet above the surf, making a gravel bike with wide tires or a mountain bike non-negotiable. The challenges are seasonal and dynamic; by mid-summer, wild blackberry brambles and a dense understory can narrow the old roadbed down to a tight singletrack, demanding solid bike handling skills and a high level of physical fitness to navigate the loose rock, dirt, and occasional fallen debris.

The true appeal of the Last Chance Section lies in its spectacular solitude and its unique environmental transitions. The journey begins with high bluff, panoramic vistas of the rugged Pacific Ocean crashing against black sea stacks below. As you pedal deeper inland, the distant rumble of the ocean waves and the call of the Crescent City foghorn slowly fade, replaced by a profound, cathedral-like silence. Because standard backcountry trails in the redwood parks strictly prohibit mountain bikes, this converted historic roadbed provides an incredibly rare, legal privilege: the opportunity to ride a bicycle directly beneath towering, untouched old-growth redwoods, experiencing the scale of the ancient forest floor at a cyclist's pace.

Accessibility to this unforgettable ride is straightforward but requires self-sufficiency. The northern access point sits at the end of Enderts Beach Road, while the southern trailhead connects directly to a turnout off modern Highway 101, just north of Wilson Creek. A standout highlight along the route occurs around mile three, where the trail crosses a rustic footbridge over the headwaters of Damnation Creek, plunging riders into a cool, microclimate lush with native ferns and redwood sorrel. Because the trail is isolated with no amenities, cell service, or water sources along the way, riders should come fully prepared with flat-repair kits, extra food, and a deep respect for the raw, untamed landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

Fun Facts

The Last Chance Section is one of the very few places in Redwood National and State Parks where cyclists can legally ride through old-growth redwood forests. The route showcases how quickly the redwood ecosystem can reclaim human-built infrastructure when left undisturbed. Riders can still see sections of the original highway pavement beneath the forest floor, creating a unique blend of transportation history and natural restoration.

Attraction Advice

Last Chance Section of the Coastal Trail is open year-round, 24 hours a day as part of Redwood National and State Parks. There is a strict no e-bikes (electric bikes) rule on this trail. The trail also shares space with hikers and horseback riders, and bicycles must yield the trail to horses. While the trail itself stays open, severe winter storms or other conditions can prompt park rangers to close the vehicle gate on Enderts Beach Road. There are no permits required to access this trail, but a valid backcountry permit is required to stay overnight at Nickel Creek Campground, which sits just off the trail about a half-mile from the northern trailhead. Riders should carry water, tools, and emergency supplies because services are not available along the route. The trail is not ADA accessible because of its uneven natural surface and steep grades.