Montara Mountain Trail leaves San Pedro Valley County Park and becomes gnarly and rough hewn toward the summit. Montara Mountain features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline. The most popular route up the mountain is the North Peak Access Road, a bright white sandy road that cuts through brilliant green coastal scrub under bright blue skies, with pretty coastal views and cool air. Montara Mountain is a broad, weathered granite mountain. Find out more about hiking guidebook author John Soares. OWN VOICE. They were demandingan end to construction of a rainfall monitoring and radio project at the peak of Montara Mountain. Turns out, you can see quite a bit from North Peak… Permits: no permit needed Montara Mountain Climbing Notes. Distance, category, and difficulty: This 8 mile partial loop hike is moderately strenuous, climbing from the trailhead to North Peak on steep trails, with about 1800 feet in … "Started at San Pedro Valley County Park ($6 to park) and took Montara Mountain Trial to Montara Mtn Road (North Peak Access Road). Sweating lightly and nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, the passion on Coastsiders’ faces was palpable, even behind masks. The aesthetic draw of Montara Mountain is in its sweeping views of the surrounding areas. Hiking info, trail maps, and 4 trip reports from Montara Mountain, South Peak (1,833 ft) in the Santa Cruz of California Steep climbing begins around 1.0 mile, accompanied by California poppy and lupine, as North Peak Access Road makes broad switchbacks. Hike peaceful redwood groves and rugged coastline: more info. The trail is located within the McNee Ranch, which located within the Montara State Beach. This was decided as part of the "Montara Mountain Rainfall Prediction and Radio Replacement Project". 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 sits between the coastal communities of Pacifica to the north and Montara to the south. [6] Brooks Creek, a tributary of San Pedro Creek originates on the north face of the mountain and forms a tall thin waterfall, Brooks Falls, which is the tallest in San Mateo County at 207 feet. We live near the base of Montara Mountain. Montara Mountain features the only undisturbed Coastal Mountain Habitat found over 100 miles of coastline. Distance: 7.6 miles roundtrip After construction for a utilities project began atop Montara Mountain recently, some Coastside residents are voicing their continued opposition to the project and the reduced public access to the mountain’s peak. Completing Montara Mountain Trail without continuing to the top of the mountain is roughly 5 miles. GNIS elevations are imprecise. The western slopes of Montara … McNee Ranch, part of Montara State Beach, is located on the west face of Montara Mountain, north of Half Moon Bay and south of Pacifica. Season: year-round This is a list of named summits in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area that are more than 1,000 feet (305 m) above sea level.Note that there are no natural features above 1,000 feet (305 m) in the city of San Francisco.. Several portions are via historic trails once used by Indians, Spanish explorers, and … This is a list of named summits in the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area that are more than 1,000 feet (305 m) above sea level.Note that there are no natural features above 1,000 feet (305 m) in the city of San Francisco.. Denniston Creek, Arroyo de en Medio, Dean Creek, and San Pedro Creek rise on Montara Mountain. On a clear day, you can see across three states, two national parks, and many mountain ranges. My books Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions, Hike the Parks: Redwood National & State Parks, and 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California include all the best hikes in Northern California. Contact: McNee Ranch State Park and Montara State Beach; official information here Starting off of Highway 1 north of Half Moon Bay, Montara Mountain’s 8-mile dog-friendly hike is one of my favorite climbs. Once you offload the Tram, you will be standing at the summit of Lone Peak, at 11,166 feet, and experience views from Montana's highest scenic overlook. ~ InPerspective by Gregg Dieguez and Michelle Dragony — This story was originally going to be titled “The Rape of Montara Mountain”, but developments this past week make for a far more inspiring tale, in which a troupe of motivated local citizen activists not only turned back the bulldozers of the San Francisco … There is also much more parking at the Gray Whale Cove trailhead. It protects us from the urban sprawl of the San Francisco Peninsula. If not for the crowds wh… There are plenty of gorgeous views over the Pacific, SF, and the Bay. It is a northern projection of the Santa Cruz Mountains and a prominent peak south of the San Francisco. Zoom In of Whiting Ridge, Relative to Montara Mountain. Montara Mountain peaks with a slew of tranmitter towers to keep you company while you catch your breath. Montara Mountain Trail - Photo by Jennifer Jean If you're up to challenge of the 1800 foot climb up Montara Mountain, you'll be rewarded with 360 degree views of the Bay Area. This road which routed closer to the ocean and Devil's Slide terminated in Shamrock Ranch and persisted until 1915. [5] The rare endemic manzanita Arctostaphylos montaraensis was named for this mountain. The Montara Mtn. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. See McNee Ranch map. Notes: Dogs allowed on-leash, but be aware of ticks. This route to the summit of Montara Mountain is a longer, more scenic alternative to the direct route on North Peak Access Road Trail. Great ocean views, lots of green (still) with blooming flowers. Due in part to its biologically isolated location near the end of a peninsula, the mountain has an extensive and unique biodiversity, especially on the serpentine soils of the lower slopes. Montara Mountain CloseUp. While North Peak is the area’s highest point, it is topped with communication towers. The Graywhale Cove State Beach is a popular seaside trail that’s just 20 minutes south of San Francisco. [3] Its highest point rises to 1,898 feet (579 m)[1] above sea level. You’ll also see an impressive array of wildflowers and chaparral plants along the trail. North Peak is a top destination for hikers, runners and bikers, and closure of the peak dramatically … Continuing to use the site means you're OK with that. North Peak is 1898 ft high, the point named Montara Mtn is only 1813', and the high point is Scarper Peak at 1944'. Required fields are marked *. Morning on the mountain, afternoon at the beach, and in between both: banner ocean views. And have you been to Montara State Beach? Montara Mountain is one of my go-to trails for hot summer days when every other trail in the Bay Area is too hot to hike. Montara Mountain CloseUp. Although much of the mountain is still in private ownership, the steepness of its slopes and access problems have kept it free from development and disruption of its natural plant and animal communities. 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. The slightly lower Peak Mountain is a recommended summit that is free of obstruction. This jaunt at the northern edge of … They were demanding an end to construction of a rainfall monitoring and radio project at the peak of Montara Mountain. An unpaved fire road, the North Peak Access Road, accessible from the Pedro Mountain Road in McNee Ranch State Park, provides access to the summit by hikers from the south. We decided to climb it. The steelhead population in San Pedro Creek is within the Central California Coast Steelhead distinct population segment and is listed at threatened (2011). 22 trails with 214 photos To McNee Ranch Trailhead on Highway 1 (4.0 miles): Return by North Peak Access Road (2.21 miles) → San Pedro Mountain Rd (0.78 miles) → North Peak … Zoom Out of Whiting Ridge, Relative to Montara Mountain 8 mile partial loop starts with a killer climb to the top of Montara Mountain, but the return is all downhill. However, being a little bit above the fog is always cool too, and I imagine this a more common scenario for the top of this hike. Details here -- and see it on Amazon here. 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 Mtn trail is a nice single track trail. Montara Mountain Hike at McNee Ranch State Park, between Pacifica & Montara, CA Montara Mountain hike at McNee Ranch is a fabulous 7-10 roundtrip mile walk up to the 1898 foot North Peak summit. Blue-blossom California lilac dominates trailside farther along as monumental rock outcrops attract attention in the distance. They were demandingan end to construction of a rainfall monitoring and radio project at the peak of Montara Mountain. All-color book with all the best trails and activities. Montara Mountain sits between the coastal communities of Pacifica to the north and Montara to the south. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. There is also much more parking at the Gray Whale Cove trailhead. Tirich Mir, highest peak (25,230 ft [7,690 m]) in the Hindu Kush mountain system, lying 155 mi (249 km) north of Peshāwar, Pak., in the North-West Frontier Province near Afghanistan. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Several portions are via historic trails once used by Indians, Spanish explorers, and early San Francisco settlers. 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. Located in the San Pedro Valley near Pacifica, Montara Mountain provides a stimulating climb and incredible views from top to bottom. 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. Tim has mentioned amending the plan to include the Whiting Ridge addition or other additions of trails on or near the Peak that were not contemplated in the original Watershed Management Plan. The true Montara Mountain (as labeled by the USGS) is three miles southeast (as the crow flies) and inaccessble due to permanent SF Watershed closures. Add 0.26 miles for a short round-trip to Middle Peak. ~ InPerspective by Gregg Dieguez and Michelle Dragony — This story was originally going to be titled “The Rape of Montara Mountain”, but developments this past week make for a far more inspiring tale, in which a troupe of motivated local citizen activists not only turned back the bulldozers of the San Francisco … The true Montara Mountain (as labeled by the USGS) is three miles southeast (as the crow flies) and inaccessble due to permanent SF Watershed closures. Because granite is stronger than the weak sediments that make up most of Montara's neighbors, Montara Mountain is taller and steeper. Your email address will not be published. At the Gray Whale Cove parking area, find the Gray Whale Cove Trail at the southeast end of the lot. Montara Mountain, positioned between the unincorporated community of Montara, California to the southwest and the city of Pacifica, California to the north, forms the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a narrow mountain range running the length of the San Francisco Peninsula that separates San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. All my favorite hikes in my home territory! Consider things such as access and accommodation at the base of Montara Mountain… At the Gray Whale Cove parking area, find the Gray Whale Cove Trail at the southeast end of the lot. It tops out at around 1900' above sea level. High point: 1898 feet We know that your time is a precious commodity; treasure it in legendary fashion at Granite Peak.. FIND an unforgettable winter adventure spread out before you. The 1,900-foot peak impacts our weather, our sunrise and our TV reception. Our family dental practice has served Hamilton, Montana, and the surrounding communities of Corvallis, Darby, and Victor, Montana for over 30 years. 8 mile partial loop starts with a killer climb to the top of Montara Mountain, but the return is all downhill. Officials there say hikers really shouldn’t be trespassing in the area at all. Be the first to submit your climbing note! Check out the new fourth edition of 100 Classic Hikes in Northern California. Experience groves of Huckleberry, Honeysuckle, Lilac, Chinquapin and Manzanita, with beautiful views of the Pacific Coast as you climb. Old Pedro Mountain Road is an easier option for the first part of the ascent. North Peak Access Road then makes a long arc that begins northeast, and then east, and then southeast. Its highest point rises to 1,898 feet (579 m) above sea level. Note, though, that you stay on the main North Peak Access Road the whole way, so ignore all of these other paths, or explore them on the way down from the summit. Your dog is welcome on a leash. There are plenty of gorgeous views over the Pacific, SF, and the Bay. Details here. During the Mexican Rancho era, a road known as Camino Pedro Cuesta also traversed Saddle Pass and connected the Sanchez Adobe in Rancho San Pedro in San Pedro Valley with Rancho Corral de Tierra Palomares in Montara. Freedom and thrills await as you carve your path across 200 acres, 68 trails, 4 terrain parks, and plenty of tree skiing options. Starting off of Highway 1 north of Half Moon Bay, Montara Mountain’s 8-mile dog-friendly hike is one of my favorite climbs. Montara Mountain is a broad, weathered granite mountain. There were two peaks down the S.F. And they may have gotten just that. Completely updated! 360-degree view! Copyright © 2020 by John Soares. Your reward for the sweat equity fronted is a long, fast downhill. Find it on Amazon here. The Upper Tirich Glacier basin is formed by Tirich Mir East, Tirich Mir (the main summit), peaks to the west, and another group to the north; these peaks form a horseshoe-like semicircle. Photo courtesy Mark Verlander And they may have gotten just that. This fire/service road starts from a small pullout on State Highway 1 just north of Montara State Beach. To the west, beyond the coastline, stretches the vast blue of the Pacific Ocean, and the Farallon Islands are visible on exceptionally clear days. Montara Mountain, positioned between the unincorporated community of Montara, California to the southwest and the city of Pacifica, California to the north, forms the northern spur of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a narrow mountain range running the length of the San Francisco Peninsula that separates San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean. The highest point, North Peak, is approximately 1 … Toilet near trailhead. Located in the San Pedro Valley near Pacifica, Montara Mountain provides a stimulating climb and incredible views from top to bottom. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. We turned left on the wide fire road to ascend the final mile to Montara Mountain North Peak. To McNee Ranch Trailhead on Highway 1 (4.0 miles): Return by North Peak Access Road (2.21 miles) → San Pedro Mountain Rd (0.78 miles) → North Peak … All rights reserved. My family and friends have been using Montara Mountain for decades as a primary recreation space, as it's mostly managed by the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Although much of the mountain is still in private ownership, the steepness of its slopes and access problems have kept it free from development and disruption of its natural plant and animal communities. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. I didn't check mine before my ride and it was a white- Filed Under: Bay Area Hiking and Backpacking Trails. From the parking lot, beeline for Montara Mountain’s north peak trailhead, which is across the street, north (there’s a … Hiking the PCT to Cement Bluff above Bluff Lake, Etna Summit: PCT Access and Gateway to the Russian Wilderness, Redwood National and State Parks: Key Facts and Statistics. The rugged, rocky path gives way to a North Peak Access Road before reaching the top of the mountain. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. [7], Historic Crossings of Montara Mountain include the Spanish Explorer Gaspar de Portolà in October 1769, traveling along the prehistoric Indian Trail which traverses the ridgeline between Willow Brook Estates towards Saddle Pass following the high ridgeline above Green Valley and winding down towards Martini Creek. Montara Mountain Trail is a 6.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Pacifica, California that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. Past a gate, heading east, it's a gravel road that crosses the Old Pedro Mountain Road near a ranger residence. Peninsula that were reasonably close together--Montara Mountain (North Peak) and Chalk Mountain. And since driving to either one involved a long drive from where we live, we decided to do the two peaks on one trip. It’s all within 3 miles’ reach on the Peninsula when you get an early start at Montara State Beach. 100 Classic Hikes: Northern California – Best Day Hiking and Backpacking Trails, Hike the Parks: Redwood National and State Parks, Day Hiking: Mount Shasta, Lassen & Trinity Alps Regions — The Top Trails, Camp for Free: Dispersed Camping and Boondocking Book, Dispersed Camping and Boondocking Websites and Apps, Dispersed Camping Boondocking Gear Supplies Checklist: What to Take, Exploring Angel Island's Best Hiking Trails, Coastal Trail Klamath Section to Hidden Beach, Hiking the Ellis Peak Trail Near Lake Tahoe, Ah-Pah Interpretive Trail: Easy Hike and Beautiful Redwoods, Hiking the Grizzly Peak Trail Near Ashland, Oregon, Hiking the French Hill Trail in the Smith River National Recreation Area. On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Mount Tamalpais and Mount Diablo the. 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