Walk the main trail!
There a two trails down to the beach from the Glider Port parking lot. As you look west, out over the ocean, the main trail is to the left and the "goat trail" is to the right, closer to the Glider Port building.
The Goat Trail is just that ... dirt trail that meanders on some ridges and some steep paths where it can be much more slippery and hazardous than the main trail with the man made steps. The dirt on this particularpath is powdery and slippery.
Recently, two young women fell and had to be rescued from "the trail down to Black's Beach." They were taking the Goat Trail andthis should not be mistaken for the main trail that the vast majority of visitors use. Some use the Goat Trail because of the traffic on the main trail. Recently, lots of work has been done to the main trail and more steps have been made to make it safer.
My wife and I are not in the best shape, but we made the trek down and back up much easier with the new steps that were added. Don't take the "short cut" Goat trail. It's not worth it!
I was just there, the new work is great! There are still some big steps but everything was sturdy and the bits of support poking out of nowhere just waiting to impail you have been removed. The very idea of the goat trail scares me.
We were there a couple weeks ago. As we were walking down to the beach, two younger women were walking the goat trail, both is bikini tops, shorts, flip flops and carrying towels and a small bag. Twice they both slipped while negotiating the slippery trail. I stopped watching and concentrated on our own steps and on my wife.
There are a few high steps but I have my wife follow my foot steps and I find the shortest steps to take even if I tend to meander up the trail. A couple of them can't be helped but we suffer less thigh aches the next day! Still, when it's the only game in town, we make it work and deal with it. I gotta meet those guys that work on that trail and donate some money to their cause!
Andy, there is a third trail on the north side of the parking lot that leads down to the ravine closer to the Valentines slide... Just an alternative to the heavy parking and foot traffic, although I never had to use it.
For the record, I NEVER used the goat path.
Don
I have used both the main trail (multiple times) and the goat trail (once). IMHO the goat trail is very dicey even under the best conditions for strong, experienced, technical hikers with hiking footware. It is also isolated enough that one might not be noticed promptly if they get into trouble. Avoid the goat path!!! Use the main path and stay safe.
b/t/w...it has been a few months since my last visit. Can't wait to see the main trail improvements. THANKS to everybody who did the work!
Andy, there is a third trail on the north side of theparking lot that leads down to the ravine closer to the Valentinesslide... Just an alternative to the heavy parking and foottraffic, although I never had to use it.For the record, I NEVER used the goat path.Don
I've seen a video of this trail. A couple of girls and a guy
trekked down that trail with a GoPro. I wouldn't use it and I know
for sure my wife won't. We'll stick to the main trail with
the steps. :D
We used the Goat Trail at San Onofre once, together, and I used it
several times when I went by myself. Much, much faster way
down and more direct to the nude section of that beach but after a
couple of slight slips with the Mrs.'s feet, she wouldn't take it
again. It was pretty mild compared to Black's Goat
Trail. Seems like several nude beaches we've been to have a
Goat Trail and nothing else. Secret Beach on the island of
Kauai ... pretty cool trail down to the beach. Looks like
something out of an Indiana Jones movie!
nytehawk, have you ever taken the other routes down to the beach; south closer to La Jolla Beach and North of Torrey Pines GC? I know they are longer walks and the one north you have to navigate the rocks and tide but just wondering if they are even an option. We've only taken the main trail.
@AndiDi, If by the "south trail" you are referring to the navigable trail used by the beach patrol vehicles....
Used it once. It is a gradual slope and very easy to walk, but has the disadvantage of adding almost 2 miles to one's beach access.
@AndiDi, If by the "south trail" you are referring to the navigable trail used by the beach patrol vehicles....Used it once. It is a gradual slope and very easy to walk, but has the disadvantage of adding almost 2 miles to one's beach access.
Okay ... thanks! That one's OUT! hahahaha
As much as I/we dislike the trek down and back up the main trail ... I think we'll just stick with that one! We were going to visit Black's tomorrow but after a full day at DLand, we're going to the club instead. I think my tired feet and body can use the hot tub! :D
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