A planned 1,200-mile corridor along the California coast, still being pieced together segment by segment. Whether you need a permit depends entirely on the segment: the Lost Coast Trail and Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail both require one.
“Traverse California Coastal Trail on the California Coastal Trail.”
Plan your California Coastal Trail trip here, then get your permit from the agency.
Walk-up permit
How to get California Coastal Trail
California Coastal Trail is issued by the agency rather than through a booking calendar. Their page has the current process and any dates.
More about California Coastal TrailPlanning another trip? See the permits we alert on.
California Coastal Trail permit season
- route distance, about, measured along the route
- 43.7mi
How to get a California Coastal Trail permit
As of September 2026, California Coastal Trail in California Coastal Trail, California requires a permit issued via walk-up. California Coastal Trail rates 5/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. The California Coastal Trail route covers about 43.7 miles, measured along the route.
- Type
- Thru-Hike
- Location
- CA
How this permit is issued
Get this permit in person at the trailhead or ranger station, or by phone.
Step 1: Check the agency page for the process
This permit is not sold online. Confirm where and when it is issued (and any fee) at the managing agency's website before your trip.
Step 2: Arrive early
Walk-up permits are issued first-come, first-served. Where the agency sets a daily quota, popular trailheads can run out on weekends and holidays.
Step 3: Have backup plans
Popular trailheads fill fast. Know alternate routes or dates.
More on California Coastal Trail: Live availability activity
How much a California Coastal Trail permit costs
California Coastal Trail permit fee: varies by segment, free on most public land, permits required only on specific component segments (see permitsAlongTrail).
The California Coastal Trail hike
- Distance
- about 43.7 miles, measured along the route
California Coastal Trail landmarks
- 1Golden Gate Bridge crossing
- 2Lost Coast Trail segment (Mattole Beach)
- 3Santa Barbara coastal segment (Padaro Lane / Santa Claus Lane)
How hard the California Coastal Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required5/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills1/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity1/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route4/5
Best for: Experienced hikers with excellent fitness and relevant technical skills.
Recommended experience: Should have completed 10+ mile day hikes with significant elevation gain.
California Coastal Trail rules, gear and safety
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for California Coastal Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for California Coastal Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
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California Coastal Trail FAQ
How do I get a California Coastal Trail permit?
California Coastal Trail is issued directly by the agency. It is issued in person or by phone, so there is no reservation to book and no cancellation to catch. Bring backup dates and check their page for the current process.
When is the best time to visit California Coastal Trail?
Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.
How competitive is the California Coastal Trail permit?
This permit has a demand score of 5/10, making it moderately competitive.
What if I can't get a California Coastal Trail permit?
The agency awards this permit directly. Bring backup dates and check the official page for the current process and any closures.
California Coastal Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
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Write the First ReportAlternatives to a California Coastal Trail permit
- Same AreaPermit required
Lost Coast Trail (King Range)
The trail's most famous, most permit-restricted segment: 25 miles of undeveloped coastline needing a BLM lottery permit.
Tradeoffs
Lottery permit and tide planning required; the CCT's easiest segments need neither.
- Same AreaPermit required
Skyline-to-the-Sea Trail (Castle Rock)
A Santa Cruz Mountains segment linking redwood trail camps that require a CA State Parks reservation.
Tradeoffs
Trail camps book up in summer; reserve ahead through CA State Parks.
Where to stay near California Coastal Trail
- Gray Pine Group CampgroundMendocino National Forest
- Mill Creek - Mendocino National Forest campgroundMendocino National Forest
- Fouts campgroundMendocino National Forest
- All California campgrounds
Plan the full trip, not just the permit
Build your full itinerary start to finish
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