The level trail continues to wind along the edge of the mountain, parallel to highway 1, before arriving to a small resting point with two wooden benches that overlook Montara State Beach. 6.5K shares; Pinterest 5.0K; Facebook 1.2K; Twitter 273; Location: San Mateo County, CA. Montara Mountain Bike, Hike, Trail Running trails, California. The yellow trail climbs straight up the hill, while a nearby paved road (red) provides a more steady climb up the slopes. Better than at the top. This route to the summit of Montara Mountain is a longer, more scenic alternative to the direct route on North Peak Access Road Trail. This is a section of Highway 1 which was converted to a pedestrian and biking trail. It is a moderate hike, most uphill is toward the end when you get to the top. Montara State Beach. I had tried to start the Montara mountain hike from grey whale cove but the parking there is atrocious, Pedro Valley was the better option. The estimated hike time is 3:42 (6.7 miles) but I finished it comfortably in 2:20 including a short lunch break. Good trail, I would classify as easy over moderate. Fuel yourself up, its quite a hike. The beach can also be reached by a rough dirt trail just north of the south stairs. Add to or improve this map // Place this map on your website. From here, simply follow the Montara Mountain Access Road another 1.6 miles/+600 feet to the north (true) summit of Montara Mountain. Dogs are permitted provided they are controlled with a leash of no more than six feet at all times. 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. There's a beach to enjoy. Montara, CA. See all. Montara : toutes les activités; À faire près de El Granada Beach. View Montara State Beach Image Gallery - 3 Images. Find Spooner’s Cove Beach to the right, just before the campground. Once out from the Eucalyptus, the trail offers lush coastal scrub and beautiful Manzanita groves leading past the Brooks Creek Trail intersection. When visitors compare the Coastside to New England, they likely have destinations such as Point Montara Lighthouse in mind. It is operated by the California State Department of Parks and Recreation under the San Mateo Coast Sector Office. Beautiful There is also much more parking at the Gray Whale Cove trailhead. The map on this page has the loop drawn in the appropriate direction. Awesome view, can be muddy, most of the trail has shade. The red trail is a mile longer, with some up-and-down, though its gentler grade makes it the preferred bicycle ascent route. The red trail is a mile longer, with some up-and-down, though its gentler grade makes it the preferred bicycle ascent route. Park here and start up the trail. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed coastal mountain habitat found on over 100 miles of coastline. It seems like every year someone gets hurt badly or drowns because they go off trail, climb down the cliff and get swept away by a rogue wave. We spotted  the Golden Gate Bridge, the Port of Oaklandand the top floors of downtown skyscrapers just beyond San Bruno Mountain. You can park your car at the San Pedro Valley Park (entrance fee is 6 dollars/car) and head up a well-kept, 3-mile trail to the top of the mountain. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. Trails will be open for access. The BEST time to go is when a storm is coming in as the waves crash high and powerful against the cliffs. There are plenty of gorgeous views over the Pacific, SF, and the Bay. It was a little windy up top so bring a light jacket if you get cold easily. Dress with layers. Pets are allowed to join you on this beach as long as they are on a leash under six feet. Walked at a pretty quick pace but also stopped along the way for photos and snacks and it took us about 3 hours to complete. Add to another list. Awesome trial with spectacular ocean views. Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, and free parking. Lots of uphill, but overall an amazing hike. Both trail options meet on a high ridge. The Graywhale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes south of San Francisco. This trail will be closed September 8th - 11th, 14th - 18th, and the 21st for habitat restoration. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/morro-bay-sand-spit-trail It is operated by Hostelling International, a non-profit group. Just as state and national parks protect wildlife and habitats on land, marine protected areas (MPAs) conserve and restore wildlife and habitats in our ocean. Both trail options meet on a high ridge. Local Info. On a big day, the break is known as Mini Mavericks by those who surf its sharky waters. System trails (1) boy scout; I rode it! The beach has two access points on Highway 1. On this schedule map, you would get off the bus at stop "B" in Montara, and head north along highway 1 until you reach the trailhead. About 1/4 mile south of this, you will see a large dirt parking area on the east side of the road. The trail is primarily used for hiking and running and is accessible year-round. It gets a little rocky. Navigate from your starting point to MSB with Yahoo! Restrooms will be partially reopened. There are 4 moderate trails in Montara ranging from 3.3 to 7 miles and from 85 to 1,886 feet above sea level. Decent trail, very well-marked. Situated in Montara, 700 metres from Montara State Beach, Stunning Oceanview Coastal Home Beach Trails Family Activities features accommodation with free bikes, free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk. The mountain is a northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains and features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline. But, very enjoyable hike with stunning views and crisp forests. Finished in just over 3 hours with minimal stops. Get to know the area. ", Images Vegetation is sparse; either coastal scrub or clean, grassy, windswept slopes. With more than 91 Montara trails covering 693 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Lincoln Hill Pathway or NWP Railroad Trail. At this point, vegetation has turned to thick coastal scrub. Montara State Beach is a popular dog-friendly destination. by David Aston. A bus map from transitinfo.org. Burleigh H. Murray Ranch Park Property Marine Protected Area . Montara Mountain is an easy summit to add to your Bay Area peakbagging list, a fun hike for families and dogs, or a challenging trail run that will leave your calves screaming. Montara mountain (also known as McNee Ranch) is part of Montara State Beach. Arrived at 10am and there was plenty of space, you need to pay the $6 parking fee in cash. Breathtaking views of the ocean. Devil's Slide Trail (208) 3.5 mi. Devils Slide Trail – A two-mile drive north of Montara State Beach, you can visit the Devils Slide Trail. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. There is another larger lot 0.2 miles farther south at Montara State Beach. Montara State Beach is a wide mile-long beach just north of Montara along the San Mateo County Coast. Biking Trails. Coming down on the other side, you can see some gigantic eucalyptus trees. After 0.75 miles and 250 feet of climbing, you come to an obvious junction. Very pleasant hike through the eucalyptus to panoramic views of the ocean. The Golden Gate Bridge from Montara Mountain. Montara State Beach is a beach located eight miles north of Half Moon Bay on State Route 1 in California, USA. Note: As of September 2020, the first part of this route (Brook Falls Loop) is a one-way trail due to COVID-19 restrictions. This is a perfect spot to Whale watch as well as to relax and enjoy the coastal views ( … Montara Mountain Trail starts as a meandering jaunt through the Blue Gum Eucalyptus forest with striking glimpses of coastal Pacifica and the ocean beyond. What is currently closed at this park? This route offers incredible views of the Pacifica/Montara area. Excellent workout—hike up, run down, lunch at the top. 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, Peak Mountain and Montara Mountain via Alta Vista Trail, Valley View, Weiler Ranch and Hazelnut Trail Loop, Rockaway Beach to Mori Ridge and Baquiano Loop, https://parks.smcgov.org/press-release/san-pedro-valley-park-limited-reopening, https://parks.smcgov.org/press-release/trail-closures-san-pedro-valley-park. This area is really popular for people who want to explore tide pools and partake in a little bit of surf fishing. One is at 2nd Street next to La Costanera Restaurant in Montara and one is a half-mile north. If you are without a car, or planning to do a through-hike which begins or ends at another trailhead, public transportation options are quite convenient.