The Lost Coast Trail is a National Recreation Trail and one of California’s premier coastal backpacking trails, due to its magnificent landscapes where land meets the sea. The Lost Coast Trail is divided into two sections, the northern and southern sections, both of which offer very different experiences. The north part of the trail is relatively flat with sand, pebbles and boulders to contend with, while the southern section passes through Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, which lies at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea level. The two sections of the trail are separated by a four-mile section of road that runs through the Shelter Cove area. Allow at least three days to complete the entire hike, and walk during the week or in the spring or fall months if you want to avoid crowds.

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