06/27/2026
Locals ..
Due to an agreement entered between the California Coastal Commission and the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM), public access to the Headlands Trail located within the Dana Point Preserve at the Headlands has been limited to four days a week with restricted hours of operation.
Effective June 25, 2026, the Headlands Trail will be closed to any public access on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Updated Hours of Operation:
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY: 8:00am - 6:00pm
WEDNESDAY: CLOSED
THURSDAY: 8:00am - 6:00pm
FRIDAY: CLOSED
SATURDAY: 8:00am - 6:00pm
SUNDAY: 8:00am - 6:00pm
The City of Dana Point is disappointed by this recent development. The Headlands is one of the last undeveloped coastal bluffs in Southern California. It’s a special place, not just for the incredible ocean views and whale watching, but because it’s home to the Pacific Pocket Mouse. This is why the City of Dana Point is working to balance two important goals: keeping the trail open and accessible to the public, while protecting the sensitive habitat where the Pacific Pocket Mouse lives.
Public comments regarding full access to the trail are encouraged. To learn more and see how you can support access to the Headlands Trail, visit bit.ly/HeadlandsAlert