Asilomar Coast Trail Restoration Project- 2018

Asilomar Coast Trail Restoration Project- 2018

Asilomar Coast Trail 

In November, 2018, California State Parks at Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds began a Coast Trail Restoration Project along the Asilomar Rocky Shore, adjacent to Sunset Drive. The project was undertaken to ensure public access along this beautiful stretch of coast, while minimizing impact on the rich natural and cultural resources of the region. The existing Asilomar Coast Trail and current rehabilitation project are part of the long-term dune restoration effort initiated by California State Parks in the mid-1980s.In recent years several sections of the trail have been damaged by coastal erosion. Erosion is expected to accelerate in the coming years due to sea level rise caused by climate change. California State Parks is employing a managed retreat strategy at Asilomar State Beach, moving trails and structures away from the intertidal zone rather than utilizing engineered “armoring” along the coast. This project will realign affected sections of trail inland on raised boardwalks. The abandoned trail sections will be planted with native vegetation.

The project will impact approximately 0.5 miles of the current Asilomar Coast Trail. The project will result in:

  • Construction of 1,127 linear feet of new, raised boardwalk within new, re-routed trail alignments
  • Construction of 165 linear feet of new decomposed granite trail that is part of the new alignment and will connect to the new, raised boardwalk trail
  • Removal of, and in-kind replacement of 100 linear feet of existing boardwalk trail
  • Installation of two drainage crossings
  • Restoration of 1,220 linear feet of decommissioned trail.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The Asilomar Coast Trail Restoration Project has been reviewed for CEQA compliance and has a Coastal Development Permit from the California Coastal Commission. The project began in November, 2018, and will be constructed by “in-house” California State Parks staff. The projected timeframe for completion is dependent on weather conditions, staff availability, and funding.