Best Hikes in Half Moon Bay: Coastal Bluffs + Redwood Forests

Headed to the San Francisco Bay area and looking for the best hikes in Half Moon Bay? With so many incredible options to choose from, it can be tough to decide which ones to tackle first. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! From coastal bluffs to redwood forests, there are plenty of fantastic Half Moon Bay hikes to get your nature fix.

Imagine yourself standing on a windswept bluff, watching the waves crash against the rocky shore below. Or deep in a redwood forest, surrounded by towering trees and the sounds of silence. What about ending your hike down on the beach with your toes in the sand?! These are just a few of the many experiences you can have while hiking in Half Moon Bay. Yes, we’re lucky up here in Northern California.

Best Beaches in Half Moon Bay California: all my favorites!

Ever since we moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, we’ve found ourselves in Half Moon Bay more times than we can count. What can I say – the areas only ½ hour from our house and we love the gorgeous beaches here (despite being kinda chilly, all the time, haha)!

And of course I’ve been on a quest to tick off as many of the best hikes in Half Moon Bay as possible. While I haven’t done every single one just yet, I’ve definitely made some pretty good progress!

→ Read Next: All My Favorite Things To Do in Half Moon Bay (before/after going on a Half Moon Bay hike!)

Hiking in Half Moon Bay has become one of our favorite after work and weekend activities. It’s the perfect way to clear our head after a stressful week, get some exercise, and of course enjoy the incredible scenery that Northern California has to offer. We even take our sweet little pup, Kona, with us when possible!

So whether you’re looking for an easy nature walk or a more challenging hike, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful coastal town. Grab your hiking boots and water bottle (and yes, probably a light jacket), let’s get hiking in Half Moon Bay!

Interested in more Half Moon Bay content? I’ve got lots, especially fun seasonal activities!

Essential Info on Hiking in Half Moon Bay

What to bring on these Half Moon Bay hikes?

With plenty of trails that wind through some seriously rugged terrain, you’re sure to get a good workout – and maybe a few scratches, too. So be sure to come prepared with the proper gear.

Here’s what’s on my Half Moon Bay hiking essentials list:

Water: Not many of the HMB trails have water stations so be sure to bring plenty of water to keep hydrated! A good rule of thumb is to bring one liter of water per person, per hour of hiking.

Reusable water bottle: In an effort to be more eco-friendly, I always hike with a reusable water bottle. This way, I can fill it up at the tap before hitting the trail and avoid buying disposable plastic water bottles.

Appropriate footwear: I like to wear hiking sandals for trails that lead to the beach so I can take my shoes off easily once I get there. But for the most part, a good pair of trail runners or hiking boots will do the trick, especially where the terrain is quite steep and on the rockier trails.

Layers: The temperature can vary quite a bit in Half Moon Bay (more on that later), so it’s always a good idea to bring a few layers. A light rain jacket or sweatshirt should suffice.

Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can be strong. Lather on the sunscreen before heading out on your Half Moon Bay hike. Planning on taking a dip at one of Half Moon Bay’s beaches? Throw your sunscreen in your day bag so you can reapply it afterwards. Sunburns are never sexy — keep your skin safe!

Hat: Never underestimate the strength of that California sun! A hat will help keep the sun off your face and prevent you from getting sunburned.

Understanding the Weather in Half Moon Bay

The weather in Half Moon Bay can be a little tricky to predict, to say the least. Don’t be expecting hot Southern California weather up here; but that’s actually a good thing for hiking! Praise the weather gods!

Temperatures in Half Moon Bay are usually moderate, rarely going above or below 60°F. Winter sees some rain with a chilly and crisp breeze while fall and spring tend to be sunny and clear.

Now, let’s talk FOG! It’s not uncommon for the area to experience what we locals call “May Gray, June Gloom”, which is exactly as it sounds! A marine layer of fog hangs over the coast from late spring through early summer (and… yep, other times of the year too). This usually burns off by midday but can make for some chilly morning hikes. So always pack a light jacket or sweater in your day bag – you’ll never know when you’ll need it!

If you’re familiar with the area, you’ll know we experience microclimates over here. Just because it’s warm and sunny in San Francisco or on the peninsula, doesn’t mean it’ll be the same on the coast in Half Moon Bay. Always check the weather ahead of time so you’re not bummed with the chillier-than-expected temps!

How to Get to Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is located about 30 miles south of San Francisco on the northern coast of California, making it a relatively short 45-minute drive from the city.

Getting there from San Francisco, take Highway 280 South to Highway 1 until you see the glorious beaches of HMB. If you’re coming from San Jose, you’ll want to be on Highway 280 North.

Here’s a few popular spots in the Bay so you get a feel for how far these Half Moon Bay hikes will be from you:

Palo Alto: 35 minutes (27 miles)
San Francisco: 45 minutes (30 miles)
Oakland: 50 minutes (40 miles)
San Jose: 50 minutes (40 miles)
Santa Cruz: 60 minutes (50 miles)
Napa Valley: 1 hour, 45 minutes (90 miles)

However, let’s not forget about the famous Half Moon Bay traffic. Because there’s technically only one way in and out of HMB, everyone and their mother hits the same route at various times of the day, and it’s especially bad on weekends.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you might want to pack up for the weekend and spend a few days hiking in Half Moon Bay. Although most of my friends just leave early in the morning to beat the traffic (it’s not really thaaaat bad and sure beats spending the night if you live close by).

Now that we’ve got the nitty gritty details out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff – my favorite hikes in Half Moon Bay!

11 Epic Half Moon Bay Hikes

1. Pillar Point Bluff

Distance: 1.7 miles (loop)
Elevation/Difficulty: 174 feet / short and easy
Trailhead/Parking: Pillar Point Bluff parking lot, just off Airport Road. The parking lot is small, with space for only 10 cars, but there is additional parking available at Maverick’s Beach
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs allowed on leash

Picture this: you’re standing at the top of a lofty, wild bluff overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. The only sounds are the crashing of waves and the cry of seagulls. The salty air is invigorating, and the view is simply breathtaking.

This is Pillar Point Bluff, one of the most popular hikes in Half Moon Bay.

Pillar Point trail is well-maintained and relatively easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all levels of experience. And at under two miles round-trip, it’s the perfect length for a leisurely afternoon hike.

From the parking lot, the trailhead is clearly marked and easy to find. The first part of the hike is a gentle incline as you make your way up the bluff.

After 20 to 30 minutes or so, you’ll reach the top where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Ross’ Cove, Pillar Point Harbor, and the Mavericks surf break. Looking to your left, you’ll also spot the Pillar Point Air Force Station (which I always thought looks just like a giant golf ball!).

Ross’ Cove, nestled below Pillar Point, is a marine protected area and part of the JV Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. On our last visit to Pillar Point, we stopped by the tidepools afterwards and found so much sea life — think starfish, sea anemone, and tiny crabs!

Be sure to keep an eye out for hawks, pelicans, and other birds as you make your way along the ridge. They swoop, so watch out! And bring your binoculars if you want to do some whale watching (especially in winter!).

Pillar Point Trail is a great option for a Half Moon Bay hike any time of year. In the spring and summer, the wildflowers are in bloom and the grassy hills are a beautiful green. And in the winter, you might even get lucky and catch a glimpse of seals chilling out on the rocks and making their way to the protected coves.

You won’t find much (if any) shade on this hike, but you may be lucky and get some cool breezes from the Pacific Ocean— it’s literally right there! .

2. HMB Coastal Trail

Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 213 feet / easy
Trailhead/Parking: Half Moon Bay State Beach or Miramar Beach
Dog-Friendly: Dogs allowed on leash on the trail but not on the beaches

The Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail is one of my all-time favorite HMB hikes (and our pup, Kona’s, too)! It’s a beautiful, well-maintained trail that hugs the coast and offers breathtaking ocean views. We’ve been here more times than we can count, and just LOVE taking visitors here so they can experience its beauty too!

The trail is partially paved and relatively flat, making it an unchallenging and enjoyable hike for people of all ages and abilities.

There are a few options where you can start your hike. You can begin at Half Moon Bay State Beach or Miramar Beach, at either end of the trail. Or you can join at various spots along the way (meaning, no, you don’t need to walk the entire 3.5 miles if you don’t feel like it). I usually park at Poplar Beach and choose whichever direction my mood fancies on the day.

If you opt to hike the full trail, you’ll come across several unspoiled beaches along the way. Unfortunately, they’re not dog friendly but if you’ve left the pups at home and fancy feeling the sand between your toes for a while, there are trails leading off the main trail down to the beaches.

HMB Coastal trail is beautiful to hike any time of the year. Love wildflowers (like myself?!). Head out in the early spring, and you’ll be treated to a colorful display of flowers on the path and overlooking the beaches. Especially wild mustard, which you’ll see in February and March.

During weekends, the trail gets pretty jam packed so if you’re looking for some peace and quiet, opting for a weekday hike might be a better option. And traffic will be way easier than too!

And, if you can time it right, I recommend hitting Sam’s Chowder House near Miramar Beach for a post hike dinner – you NEED to try the naked lobster roll (it’s my absolute favorite)!

3. Seal Cove Cypress Tree Tunnel

Distance: 0.5 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: no elevation / easy trail
Trailhead/Parking: South at Cypress Cove, just off Cypress Ave or north at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Parking lot
Dog-Friendly: no

Cypress trees are known for their distinct, knotty wood and their ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. But at Seal Cove in Half Moon Bay, these stately evergreens take on a whole new level of majesty.

Hiking through the tree tunnel is like stepping into another world; a world where time stands still, and the only sound is the crunch of leaves beneath your feet.

The tunnel is eerie and beautiful at the same time, if that’s possible, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. It’s a fairly Insta-worthy spot!

Even on a hot, sunny day, the temperature beneath the tree canopy is cool and refreshing. And remember that looming fog I mentioned earlier? On a foggy day, the effect is even more ethereal, as the trees seem to disappear into the mist.

The best time to visit the tree tunnel is during the week when there are fewer people around. It’s a super mellow walk so take your time and enjoy the experience. I can’t wait to head here after work in the near future — it’s been on my Half Moon Bay hiking bucket list for far too long!

Of course, it’s not called Seal Cove for nothing! If you continue on the path (once you’ve had your fix of Cypress trees), you’ll come across Seal Cove Beach Staircase, leading down to the beach below. And that’s where you might come across seals hanging out, sunbathing. and frolicking in the waves.

Don’t get too close though! These marine mammals are protected, and it’s important to give them their space. Instead, enjoy a splash in the shallow tide pools when it’s low tide.

4. Ritz Carlton Coastal Trail

Distance: 0.8 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: no elevation, very easy
Trailhead/Parking: Access from the hotel’s free parking lot
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

Fancy a pampered stay at the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon Bay? Even if you don’t want to spend a night, the Ritz Carlton Coastal Trail is open to the public and makes for a superb day trip with a leisurely stroll along the coast. This is one of our favorite hikes in Half Moon Bay to take with Kona — and there’s typically plenty of other cute pups on the trail!

This trail runs parallel to the Pacific Ocean on a paved walkway that borders the swanky hotel and adjacent sections of the golf course. Meaning views for days!!!

The best part of this trail is definitely the sweeping ocean views, but there’s something about strolling past a fancy golf course that makes you feel pretty darn good too!

Keep your eyes peeled for pesky golf carts coming up behind you or stray golf balls coming your way! But remember— this is their turf as well, so stay outta their way and always be extra quiet if they’re hitting! Don’t wanna disturb their game! And once you make it to the hotel, stop by for a drink on their outdoor terrace.

5. Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail

Distance: 7.02 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 400 feet / easy-moderate
Trailhead/Parking: Cowell Ranch Beach parking area
Dog-Friendly: No

South of Half Moon Bay, this 7-mile trail offers up stunning ocean views, wildflowers, and a whole lot of fresh air. Sandwiched between the San Mateo County farmland and the rugged coastline, the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail is a great option for a Half Moon Bay hike for all levels.

The Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail is part of the California Coastal Trail and runs from Cowell Ranch Beach all the way down to Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

The trail is relatively flat, with the exception of a pretty steep canyon at Purisima Creek. It’s perfect for a longer Half Moon Bay hike, as it meanders along the coast and provides plenty of opportunities to stop and smell the roses (or in this case, the wildflowers).

The bluffs at the end of the trail set the scene for a tranquil picnic spot. Just be careful as poison ivy and ticks are common around this area.

There’s no option to do a loop so you’ll have to hike back the way you came, but it’s that beautiful that it’s worth it. Promise!

If hiking during the summer months, you’ll want to head out either early in the morning or on an overcast day as there’s little shade to be found along the trail.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t take Kona on this particular hike. They don’t allow dogs or horses due to food safety concerns (you’re hiking through agricultural land after all).

What makes the Cowell-Purisima Coastal Trail truly unique and one of the best hikes in Half Moon Bay is the abundance of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for brown pelicans, sanderlings, sea ducks, and gulls along the shoreline. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some whales migrating off the shore for the winter. You should catch some of those adorable harbor seals below the bluffs too.

You’ll have to give your weekday Half Moon Bay hikes a rest on this trail, as it’s only currently open on weekends and holidays due to lack of funding being available for the Peninsula Open Space Trust.

6. Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space

Distance: Varies per trail – from 3.5 miles to 9.6 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 1600 feet / easy to strenuous, depending on trail
Trailhead/Parking: North Ridge Trail Head at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space (well signposted, many spots available)
Dog-Friendly: No

The first thing you notice when you start hiking at Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space is the smell. The thick, redwood forest floor is littered with their fallen needles, and the air is filled with their sharp, resinous scent.

The second thing you notice is the quiet. The only sound is the crunch of your boots on the needle-carpeted ground and the occasional bird call. The lack of noise is a bit disconcerting at first, but you kinda get used to it.

15 Best Places to See Redwoods Near San Francisco - all the popular spots plus a few others!

The woods are cool and dark, and the towering redwoods provide welcome relief from the hot sun during summer months. Coast redwoods are the tallest trees in the world but most of the trees here are ‘second growth’ redwoods, meaning they’re only around 100 years old (the average mature age being 500 to 1000). But still, hiking along 100 year old trees is still pretty magical.

The trail winds its way up and down hilltops, lush canyons, and through dense groves of redwoods and open meadows filled with wildflowers and fir trees.

Read Next — huge redwood groves near San Francisco!

And you’ll never get bored over here — there’s 17 different trails you can choose from (!!!). The majority of them are intermediate to strenuous but you can find a couple of easy trails too if you’re not feeling a difficult Half Moon Bay hike. Some of our favorite trails are the Whittemore Gulch Trail, Harkins Ridge Trail, and Purisima Creek Trail.

You need to be cautious when hiking Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space. Poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, and yes, even mountain lions are all present in the park. And equestrians can come out of nowhere too! Stay alert and you’ll be ok!

7. Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park

Distance: 3.9 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 301 feet / relatively easy
Trailhead/Parking: Murray Ranch Access Rd parking lot
Dog-Friendly: No

The historic ranch of Burleigh H. Murray, now a state park with miles of hiking and equestrian trails, is hidden along the Mills Creek Corridor.

The Burleigh H. Murray Ranch was once a working dairy farm and you can still see some of the old buildings, dating back to the late 1800s, which were used for milking cows, housing animals, and storing hay. Rusting equipment litters the property, providing a glimpse into the ranch’s past. One of the best hikes in Half Moon Bay for history lovers!

The trail starts at the Murray Ranch Access Rd parking lot and follows a dirt service road for about a mile before turning onto a single track trail.

It’s an easy 3.9-mile loop that takes you through grasslands, along the winding creek and past a shaded eucalyptus and oak forest. The understory is a carpet of nettles, poison oak, and other native plants.

You might even spot some badgers or coyotes if you’re lucky (don’t try to get up close and personal with them though!).

A few things to be aware of if you’re planning a hike at Burleigh H. Murray Ranch State Park:

Unfortunately, you’ll have to leave the pups at home as dogs aren’t allowed.
There’s no water available on this trail so make sure you’re packing enough.
If you hear shots, don’t be too alarmed! There’s a shooting range close to the park residence.
Poison oak is prevalent on this trail so watch where you step!

10. Devil’s Slide

Distance: 2.6 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 344 feet / easy
Trailhead/Parking: north end of the trail (13 spots), and south end of the trail (24 spots)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash

Looking for one of the easiest hikes in Half Moon Bay? Devil’s Slide is probably it! We love to head there on weekdays after work, and Kona loves it just as much! The entire hike is an old paved road, so there’s no rocks or thorns to get stuck in his little paws!

Earning the name Devil’s ‘slide’ because of the unstable, land sliding cliffs of San Pedro that surrounds the trail, Devil’s Slide is a beautiful but potentially treacherous stretch of coastline. But don’t worry — it’s safe for hikers now!

The trail was once part of Highway 1 (yes, the famous Pacific Coast Highway), but due to its dangerous drop offs, it was decided a much safer tunnel would replace it. The 1.3 mile-long tunnel bypasses the most treacherous part of the coastline, where rockfalls and landslides were a frequent occurrence. And voila — the trail was born! It’s now exclusively for walkers/hikers, and cars are not allowed.

The trail itself, running along the coast from Montara to Pacifica, is a wide, paved path that hugs the cliffs and gives hikers some incredible views of the ocean and the rocky coastline, as well as some interesting geological features like sea caves, arches, and tidepools.

While the trail is now a whole lot safer, it’s still important to take caution when hiking Devil’s Slide, especially if you’re hiking with children (and dogs!). The cliffs are high! And note that the weather varies significantly depending on the season — I’ve been here when it’s crazyyyyy windy and the views are completely covered in fog. Best to come here when the weather’s on the milder side.

Benches are dotted along the trail, providing the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy the crashing wave views and maybe do a little whale watching. Gray and Humpback whales can be seen migrating along the coast in December/January and April/May, as well as Pacific White Sided Dolphins, Elephant Seals and Sea Lions.

For bird lovers, keep your eyes peeled for the Peregrine Falcons and Brandt’s Cormorants that have made the cliffs their home.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can continue on from Devil’s Slide and pick up the North Peak Loop Trail, which will take you up to Montara Mountain for some even more spectacular views.

9. Quarry Park

Distance: 4 mile loop
Elevation/Difficulty: 1,100 feet / moderate
Trailhead/Parking: Quarry Park parking lot, at the corner of Santa Maria Avenue and Columbus Street (20 parking spots)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on leash

A lucky find in the hills of El Granada, Quarry Park is a little-known gem that’s perfect for a ‘get your heart rate up’ kind of hike.

The 4-mile loop takes you through a dense eucalyptus forest, open meadows, grassy hillsides, and coastal ridges with some spectacular views of Pillar Point Harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

On a hot day, the trails at Quarry Park offer welcome relief from the heat as most of the hike is shaded by the tall eucalyptus trees.

The Quarry itself is now a tranquil spot but it was once a working quarry that supplied rock for Highway 1 and the runways at Half Moon Bay Airport. Make sure you stop for a breath at the quarry floor Labyrinth just up the trail from the parking lot.

A few things to look out for on your Quarry Park hike:

Mountain bikers: they come out of nowhere! The trails are incredibly popular with mountain bikers so keep your eyes peeled (and your ears open) for them as they race around the turns.
Ticks: they love Quarry Park! Do a tick check as soon as you get home from your hike.
The heat: as I mentioned, most of the hike is shaded but there are a few sections that are exposed to the sun. Make sure you bring plenty of water with you during summer months.
Signposts: Or rather the lack of signage. The trails are not well signposted so it’s easy to take a wrong turn. Make sure you have a map or GPS device with you.
Poison oak exposure: Make sure you know what it looks like and avoid brushing up against it.

If you’re bringing the kids (or you’re just a big kid yourself) there’s a playground, a community garden, a pond, and some picnic tables to enjoy when you’re finished your hike.

10. Gray Whale Cove Trail

Distance: 2.2 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: 269 feet / easy
Trailhead/Parking: Parking lot and trailhead is located on the east of Highway 1 at Gray Whale Cove Beach, or alternatively at the South end of Montara State Beach parking lot
Dog-Friendly: Yes, and even allowed off leash in certain areas

Gray Whale Cove trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Half Moon Bay, so you’ll probably wanna head here early if you want to catch this hike on the weekend. Or just come mid-week and you may even have the whole trail to yourself (like my friend and I did)! But it’s not at all strenuous so it’s perfect for a morning stroll or even after work.

If you’re starting at Montara State Beach, the first part of the trail takes you through some dense coastal scrub before opening up to offer views of the ocean.

At low tide, keep an eye out for tide pools that form in the rocky cliffs. These are a great spot to explore and see some of the local marine life.

Besides the picturesque ocean views, the trail is also lined with an assortment of wildflowers in the spring and summer. But be on the lookout for poison ivy on this trail as it is rampant in this area.

Overlooking Montara State Beach you’ll find benches where you can soak up the views or have a picnic before making your way back down again.

If you want to extend your hike to a more challenging one, you’ll be happy to know there are a few steeper trails leading off to North Peak Access Road, Old Pedro Mountain Road and even the top of Montara Mountain.

The Gray Whale Cove trail ends (or begins, depending on which way you’re going!) at Gray Whale Cove Beach, a small but popular beach with dramatic cliffs, crashing waves and (on a clear day) some incredible views of the surrounding coastline. Just take a look at these photos!

We typically head to the beach afterwards (down a long staircase) and dip our toes into the water and explore the caves on the left side of Gray Whale Cove. It’s way too chilly for a proper swim so don’t even think about bringing your bathing suit (unless you’re here on one of those unexpected hot afternoons and plan to lay out.)

11. Wavecrest Open Space

Distance: 1.5 miles
Elevation/Difficulty: easy
Trailhead/Parking: Poplar Beach parking lot, west of Poplar Beach (paid parking)
Dog-Friendly: Yes, on a leash

If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, the Wavecrest Open Space trail is definitely one you’ll want to add to your Half Moon Bay hiking list.

The preserve is home to a huge variety of birds including species like the barn owl, white tailed kites and red-tailed hawks. Head there early in the morning or during sunset to catch a glimpse of these beautiful creatures in action.

The Wavecrest Open Space trail is a flatland trail that runs along the coast from Poplar Beach and offers stunning panoramic views of the ocean from the bluffs above.

If you’re not into birdwatching, this trail is still a great option for an easy stroll – and you can bring the dogs!

Making your way through this trail can be a little tricky though, so you’ll need to have a sense of directions as the signs aren’t too helpful. There’s other trails leading off to various parts of the longer California Coastal Trail, so…if you’re not careful, you might end up on a much longer hike than you bargained for!

In the middle of the park, there’s a grove of eucalyptus trees which makes for a nice shady spot to take a break before continuing on. You won’t find much shade on the rest of the trail, so take it in while you have the chance.

Some people take their dogs off the leash, but I don’t recommend this as there are some deep cracks near the bluffs they can get hurt on. It’s also a harsh drop down to the beach below so if your dog’s a runner, they’re better off on a leash.

The beach below, Poplar Beach (one of my absolute favorite beaches in HMB!), is the best way to end your Wavecrest Open Space hike.

The waves can be pretty big here but it’s still worth dipping your toes or strolling along the water’s edge. You’ll almost definitely see some horse riders here, being one of the only beaches that allow horses in Half Moon Bay.

So, there you have it – some of the best hikes in Half Moon Bay! Are any of these on your Half Moon Bay hiking bucket list? And with that, I’m off to hit the trail!