UPDATE: Three-Mile Section of Coastal Trail Opens Today Near Half Moon Bay

Update 6/26: Nina Nowak at POST reports to Half Moon Bay Patch that "Hikers from either direction, north or south, will find right now that about halfway along the Cowell-Purisima Trail they will be blocked from continuing on the trail. That's because of a large washout close to the cliff along the trail. The trail has to be routed and that will take a few weeks, not sure how long. So hikers from the north can hike about half way down, return to the northern lot, then drive to the southern trailhead and do the other half from there. Just a temporary situation."

With today's opening of the Cowell-Purisima Trail three miles south of Half Moon Bay, hikers, beachgoers and nature lovers will gain an additional section of the Coastal Trail from which to enjoy their outdoor pursuits.

The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST), the California Coastal Conservancy, and representatives of San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley and Assemblyman Rich Gordon will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this afternoon at the trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

The three-mile section of the trail took 25 years to open, according to a press release issued by POST on Wednesday.

In addition to its ocean vistas, the trail boasts views of ocean bluffs, mountain vistas and farm fields. Hikers can also enjoy surveying the landscape on bridges which transport foot traffic over area creeks.

Because of parking constraints at Cowell Ranch State Beach, the ceremony is by invitation only.

Half Moon Bay Patch will report from the event. Check back for photos of the ceremony and the new trail.