Montara Mountain North Peak (Montara State Beach/McNee Ranch)
Details
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: 9.6 miles / approx. 5 - 6 hours
Elevation:: Approx. 1,900 feet total elevation gain
About the park: Rising almost 2,000 feet above the beaches of Pacifica, here is where the sun often breaks through the clouds. Even when the sun continues to hide, there’s still a chance that by the time we hike to the summit we'll be hiking above the clouds. Montara Mountain (also called McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach.
Hike Description: Elevation gain is about 1,900 ft, but the views are spectacular! The total hike will be 9.6 miles and is an out and back hike. There is an extended section of the trail that is steep. A walking stick (or two) is useful for going back down this steep section.
Directions to Trail Head: Take 280 North to Highway 92 towards Half Moon Bay, then take Highway 1 North. The parking lot is on the right-hand (east) side of Highway 1 about 8.8 miles north of Highway 92. The trail head is at the south end of the parking lot.
Note: there is a small parking area on the right about 8 miles north of Highway 92. This smaller parking area is a dirt pull-out that can handle about six cars and it also has a Montara State Beach sign - don't park in this small lot. Drive past this small parking area, and park and meet in the larger parking lot about 7/10 mile further north on the right-hand side of Hwy 1.
Bathroom: There are two outhouses in the parking lot - sometimes they're pretty nasty to use and sometimes they are fine to use, you take your chances.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.