New hiking trail opens in Point Loma

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Attention San Diego's hikers and outdoor walkers: there's a brand new trail for you to try.

The Cabrillo National Monument on Wednesday unveiled a new seaside path that connects two popular areas of the park, the Whale Watch and Kelp Forest Overlook and the tidepools.

The trailhead for the new half-mile route begins at the top of the overlook trail then continues south of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse before connecting to the coastal trail and parking lot adjacent to the tidepool area.

With its route, park officials say visitors will now be able to safely access the tidepool area without needing to walk the dangerously narrow roadside. The trail will also pass by historic coastal defense structures and rare, untouched coastal scrub ecosystems.

"We are thrilled to announce the opening of this new trail, a significant step forward in enhancing visitor access and easing traffic congestion," Chris Rodriguez, Cabrillo National Monument park superintendent, said in a statement.

"The project not only connects visitors with natural and cultural resources but also underscores our commitment to preserving and protecting these invaluable resources for generations to come," Rodriguez continued.

According to park officials, the trail was funded by the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation in partnership with the National Park Foundation, Gregory Annenberg Weingarten of GRoW @ Annenberg and other individual donors.

More information on the trail can be found on the Cabrillo National Monument's website.

The trail is open for hiking and coastal access every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.