by Don Kindred

Mariposa was the problem, or at least one of them. The scenic point lies at the halfway mark between North Beach and the pier and is where the bluffs and the ocean are at their closest point. On the inside of the tracks the jagged bluffs are too close for comfort during a passing train, and on the oceanside of the track the large boulders known as “rip-rap” are pummeled with waves at high tide, barring the safe passage of walkers, joggers, bicyclists and nature lovers, who have discovered one of the great undiscovered stretches of California coastline.The barrier has been spanned with an 850 ft elevated walkway that has actually enhanced the view. 

The 2 1/4 mile San Clemente Pedestrian Trail is more than 75% complete. It will eventually run from North Beach to Calafia, and form a significant link in the statewide California Coastal Trail, which seeks to make more of the beach accessible to the public. The Project was first proposed in 1995 but was fought by local residents who then took the lead in designing the current, more environment-friendly trail which utilizes more natural elements and less concrete.

The project will cost approximately $11 million and phase II should be completed by June, 2007.