The pros: There is free parking at the Sterling Point Equestrian Staging Area, however the gate closes at 7pm. I saw at least 2 picnic areas with tables along the trail.

The cons: the trail is steep going down from the parking area. It is also very narrow, so not suitable for running. Also, it’s a horse trail so there is lots of horse poop to watch out for as you walk. The trail is confusing at multiple points where it splits. Also it’s confusing because it is not marked on google maps like the state park trail. I didn’t hike the whole trial, once I was near the bottom, I cut across to the state park trail and the beach area. Coming back was confusing since I had to walk through brush to get back on the horse trail.