2. Montara Mountain hike at McNee Ranch is a fabulous 7-10 roundtrip mile walk up to the 1898 foot North Peak summit. There is an alternate point just before peak ( a single bit tower). This trail is about 20 miles south of San Francisco and 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay off of Highway 1. Seasonal Popularity. Several portions are via historic trails once used by Indians, Spanish explorers, and early San Francisco settlers. Most of it is broad and there is a good variety, with cypress trees and beautiful views from the top. Also small parking lot, free of charge, tons of dogs (with leash) and families hiking. The trail to the North is the continuation of Pedro Mountain Road, which terminates 3.6 miles later at the end of Higgins Way in the Linda Mar area of Pacifica. Congratulations on reaching the summit of Montara Mountain, which is on the right, past the microwave towers and radio masts. Luckily it ended well. Perfect hike, sunny and ocean views. I didn't check mine before my ride and it was a white-knuckled ride back trying to squeeze any bit of stopping power out of my mechanical disc brakes. North Peak Access Trail in McNee Ranch State Park. From there, the trail continues onto McNee Ranch State Park property where the fire road runs along the top of the Mountain ridge to the North Peak Access which provides an elevation gain of 1,898 feet. A lot more gradual elevation gain. Overview This is a difficult loop trail in San Pedro Valley County Park. Could do stroller on firetrail. Overview. BEWARE OF POISON OAK! Old San Pedro Mountain Road / North Peak Trail, San Pedro Mountain Loop via Old San Pedro Road, Burnside, the Mile, and Boyscout, The Mile to San Pedro Mountain Trail to Burnside, Valley View, Weiler Ranch and Hazelnut Trail Loop, http://www.trailspotting.com/2007/10/montara-mountain-via-san-pedro-mtn-rd.html. Pre-race. Dog friendly. (Our "return to civilization celebration meal," if you will. It’s a nice trail, but the side with the fire road is a bit boring. To Montara Mountain North Peak (3.7 miles): Old Trout Farm Loop Trail (0.42 miles) → Brooks Creek Trail (0.74 miles) → Montara Mountain Trail (1.07 miles) → left on North Peak Access Road (1.19 miles) to reach Mount Montara.Add 0.26 miles for a side trip to Middle Peak. Things to be aware … share Share . The rugged, rocky path gives way to a North Peak Access Road before reaching the top of the mountain. See McNee Ranch map. You should be in good hiking shape and be prepared for the occasional stream crossing. Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail is a 7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Montara, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. From up here you can enjoy 360 degree panoramas of the San Francisco Peninsula and the northern part of these Santa Cruz Mountains. Once out from the Eucalyptus, the trail offers lush coastal scrub and beautiful Manzanita groves leading past the Brooks Creek Trail intersection. Gray Whale Cove Trail ⛰️ – Montara Mountain Trail ⛰️ Loop from Cabrillo Highway is an intermediate Hiking Tour. It was such a beautiful hike! Old Pedro Mountain Road is an easier option for the first part of the ascent. This is another trail from San Pedro Valley County Park that hits North Peak Access Rd to the Montara Mountain peaks. Montara Mountain is a national park in California. Glad we went counter-clockwise. There is also much more parking at the Gray Whale Cove trailhead. Docked a point because I don’t like wide paths. This trail from San Pedro Valley Park meets up with the Montara Trail here. DIFFICULT 7.1 mi. See this Tour and others like it, or plan your own with komoot! 3. It gets windy in the afternoon, so come prepared. Double track that can be used as a connector or access from the Highway 1 Heading in a southwesterly direction there's now little over a mile to go before the summit. 2. Even when the sun continues to hide, there's still a chance that by the time you hike to the summit you'll be hiking above the clouds. We came here back in January after a hike up Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail in McNee Ranch State Park. EASY 4.3 mi. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking and running. The true summit for North Peak is behind a fence covered in warnings. Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail Down south, past San Francisco and the famous beach destination Pacifica, is Montara Mountain. Length 3.3 miElevation gain 734 ftRoute type Loop The trailhead for North Peak Access Road, the trail that leads to the summit of North Peak Montara Mountain, is on the east side of CA Highway 1 about a half mile north of Montara, 8 miles north of Half Moon Bay, 0.7 mile south of Gray Whale Cove State Beach, and 6 miles south of Pacifica. If you want to go counter clockwise, look for the stairs to the left of the entrance. The Hike is called the Montara Mountain North Peak hike, along the North Peak Access Road. This is a moderate loop trail in Montara Mountain. Gray Whale Cove trail en route to North Peak summit. Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail. Overlook pristine coastal landscapes from a mountain top that's just a short drive from San Francisco. This year, in honor of our annual Lambadina Foundation Fundrasier, we were proud to present our Freedom Hike. A beautiful trail that overlooks the Pacific. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. This route to the summit of Montara Mountain is a longer, more scenic alternative to the direct route on North Peak Access Road Trail. Sawyer Camp Trail. Easiest | 12 mi. Trail has a ocean view but top of the trail doesnt have a good view. Jan 1, 2018 - A beautiful trail that overlooks the Pacific. Montara State Beach and McNee Ranch are rare California State Parks that allow you to bring a dog on the trail, provided you keep them leashed.McNee Ranch is dominated by the 1900 foot Montara Mountain. 37.56382, -122.50438. The trail is located within the McNee Ranch, which located within the Montara State Beach. Hiking Trails (5) Reviews (1) 1. The ascent continues at a more moderate degree winding around the hilltop with a panoramic view of the … I went into smaller side trails and still encountered quite a few other people. North Peak. All up hill and then all down hill, minimal flat stretches. DIFFICULT 7.1 mi. Jessica Belluomini December 29, 2013 Hike has beautiful views , but the fire road as a hiking trail sucks on the downhill portion. More Stats for North Peak Access Road mountain bike trail It can get windy and cold. 4.6 mi: Back at the Montara Mountain Trail junction. First part of the hike is extremely steep. Down south, past San Francisco and the famous beach destination Pacifica, is Montara Mountain. Trail is rock or gravel. Very decent incline! Continue uphill, heading East following the Montara Mountain ridgeline trail. First half is continuous up, second is continuous downhill - not very steep. Trailspotting - Montara Mountain The top of the mountain is fenced up, so you can’t get to the actual top. Montara State Beach via Old San Pedro Mountain Road. Continue climbing, and you'll reach the next very steep section about a mile into the trail. Montara Mountain Trail 50k Course Profile I probably should have added “no repeat loops” to my criteria, but more on that later. Easiest | 12 mi. We did it in the late afternoon in about 3.5 hours. Montara Mountain — The North Peak Loop Trail Looking for a steeper climb? Montara Mountain is a national park in California. It’s near an entrance gate with a sign for McNee Ranch State Park. From the McNee Ranch State Park trailhead it's a 3.9 mile journey to North Peak. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Facebook; Twitter; Email; directions Driving Directions. Moved on to South Peak. Once out from the Eucalyptus, the trail offers lush coastal scrub and beautiful Manzanita groves leading past the Brooks Creek Trail intersection. Located in the San Pedro Valley near Pacifica, Montara Mountain provides a stimulating climb and incredible views from top to bottom. 360° Panorama from Montara Mountain North Peak, February 16, 2002: Big news! Nothing special, some good views. Very hot. [JCT] San Pedro Valley Park Trail Junction. Make sure you check your brakes before you head up. See McNee Ranch map. Great views of the Pacific Ocean. The first mile is especially lovely because it goes parallel to PCH and has lovely views of the ocean. Really beautiful!! Gray Whale Cove State Beach Loop via Devil's Slide Trail. To Montara Mountain North Peak (4.2 miles) North Peak Access Rd (0.95 miles) → San Pedro Mountain Rd (0.79 miles) → North Peak Access Rd (2.21 miles) to North Peak / Mount Montara. Montara Mountain, really just a massive ridge paralleling the San Andreas Fault, is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's more popular destinations for uphill-oriented hikers. Add 0.26 miles for a short round-trip to Middle Peak. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Races are the quickest way to learn from your mistakes. Good work out. 3.5/5. On this 7 mile hike, we’ll climb past Brooks Falls, a 175-foot sliver of a waterfall, to the 1,898 foot summit of the North Peak of Montara Mountain. About three miles straight up. You can even see all the way to Marin on clear days. We even experienced the fog rolling in on the way back. [JCT] San Pedro Valley Park Trail Junction. Montara Mountain Trail Montara Mountain Trail starts as a meandering jaunt through the Blue Gum Eucalyptus forest with striking glimpses of coastal Pacifica and the ocean beyond. A beautiful trail that overlooks the Pacific. Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail is a 7 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Montara, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. Loved it! On this 7 mile hike, we’ll climb past Brooks Falls, a 175-foot sliver of a waterfall, to the 1,898 foot summit of the North Peak of Montara Mountain. Montara Mountain Trail 50k Course Profile. 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