McNee Ranch State Park

You can easily miss this place if you’re not paying attention!
I parked in the lot at the bottom, and started the trail at Grey Whale Cove Trail, and hiked up to the top of Montara Mountain. It’s super steep, so be prepared!
The fog started to roll in as I started to reach the top, and I was completely surrounded by fog, which was a magical thing in of itself, but I wasn’t really able to see the coastal views.
Overall, it’s a good hike to put yourself out of your comfort zone, would recommend if you’re feeling up for a challenge :)

This is a gorgeous dog-​friendly park with trails that snake along the cliff side and offer breathtaking views of the beach and ocean. From the beach parking lot, we headed up the Gray Whale Cove Trail, which ascends gradually through lush, green grassy hills dotted with purple irises. You will have a view of the ocean in only about a quarter mile, and the view gets even better as you continue. If you’re looking for an easy but scenic hike, just stay on the Cove Trail, which ends after 1 mile, and retrace your steps for a 2-​mile round trip hike. You can continue your hike all the way to the top of Montara Mountain, which has about a 2000ft of elevation gain, and is nearly a 5-​mile one-​way hike. You can turn back at any point for a shorter hike, still with spectacular views. You may even spot some gray whales near the coast, migrating from Baja Mexico to feed in Alaska. I’ve heard that the best whale-​spotting times of the year are late April to early May and late December to early January.

The day we went was very foggy but still the views were awesome! Went by the Grey Whale Cove Trail and coming down we even saw like 5 whales! It was awesome!!! It’s an estrous hike since it’s all going up and up. There’s a lot of dirt also so bring your hiking shoes. I do not have hiking shoes yet so I went with my sneakers and almost fell several times while coming down. We didn’t know how high the hike was so we weren’t prepared to go all the way up… bring water, snacks and a jacket. It can get as hot and as cold going up haha Definitely going back on a prettier day and try to do it all the way up!

Came here during the much needed labor day weekend. The trip here was almost unbearable. The entire drive took us almost 3 hours from what I recall and I was venturing in from Fremont.(I may be exaggerating as I was about to implode mentally).
This place is off Highway 1 between Pacifica and Halfmoon Bay. Great scenic views driving and the stop we decided to get off at the Montara State Beach Parking Lot as it had ample parking for 4 wheelers. Maybe it wasn’t an official parking spot. But I parked there. We stumbled upon a nice trail with the dog and trips like these really makes me appreciate discovering new spots because the views on this hike were amazing!
The trail starts narrow but it does open up so make sure you stick to it in order to get rewarded!
Pros:
— great views of the ocean & beaches
Cons:
— Parking could be a challenge?
— Accessing location through the highway 1 can be difficult on busy weekends. Expect traffic

View is mediocre and the day I went was super foggy… I guess Karl just wanted to join us! Because of that reason, it was super difficult to get to the top. The higher you climbed the more wet, windy, and cold it got. Part way, I actually thought about turning around cuz seeing beyond 10 ft was difficult… Maybe I picked a bad day (SF in the 70s)…but overall it was not enjoyable.

This place is off Highway 1 in between Pacifica and Half Moon Bay (Montara).
Hikes are not too strenuous and views are beautiful when there is no fog!
Be careful of ticks– I actually got one on my inner thigh. I would say to wear crops/​pants since I was wearing shorts.
Park at Montara State Beach Parking Lot and walk up to the trailhead.

This park is great. Easy trail! And great for the dogs too. The views are gorgeous over looking the ocean!

This is one of our favorite nearby hiking spots! With several choices of trails, you can choose to go long or short, easy or hard. Regardless of the trail, the views are always spectacular!
If you hike up the mountain, you’ll get a fantastic view of San Francisco, the North Bay, Highway 1, Half Moon Bay and (if the fog isn’t present) the Farallon Islands! Bring a camera and take some fantastic panoramic shots!
Note: There are different ways and trails to go up. It can be a long (and depending on your route) moderately strenuous hike, so make sure to pack water, snacks and a cell phone (just in case). There are some cell towers at the top of Mount Montara, so you should be good to go.

Me and the hubs really enjoyed this trail. I wouldn’t say it’s highly strenuous but the hills will get to you eventually! However, all that burning will continue to pay off because you have the coastal view the whole time. We took the north peak going down, have hiking shoes unless you want to keep slipping because it’s that steep! Great hike, will be going here to get even further up next time :)

Stellar hike and gorgeous views. It was our first time hiking this trail — surprisingly, since we are at Montara State Beach all the time. We took our dog off leash for this trail and he did great. Props to those who climb the mountain! We only did the 3 mile or so walk/​hike along with views of the coast.
Still beautiful but can’t wait to make it to the top!
Busy trail and lots of dogs which is the only downside. But it is expected on a clear, warm Saturday.

It’s a wonderful hike from the coast !
I discovered it because I was looking for a hike on thanksgiving day and I wasn’t disappointed at all !
It was a sunny and warm day. We could enjoy the view and the wildlife
It’s not a difficult hike too !
I recommend this place

This is another one of my favorite places to hike. It’s not too far from home, and the views of Pacific Ocean on a beautiful day, are absolutely breathtaking.
There aren’t many trails to choose from, and none of the trails are extremely strenuous. So if you’re looking to go on a hike, but nothing too serious– I highly recommend checking out the trails around McNee Ranch. Also, I believe there was a trail that went fairly far, but it wasn’t a steep or extremely strenuous hike. Definitely, nothing compared to Mission Peak in Fremont!
I’ll be back again, when the sun is out shining and the water is glistening!

Montara Mountain & the marine layer get to choose. I don’t.
My few visits to McNee Ranch State Park have all centered around summiting Montara Mountain & those experiences have proven binary. It’s either all about the view from the top or it’s all about the mad scramble to get there. The difference maker is the coastal fog & low cloud deck.
Trail running all the way to the top of Montara Mountain, non-​stop, without ever breaking stride or slowing to a walking pace, is no easy feat. At this point, it’s not something I can do on a clear, sunny day. It gets too warm & I can’t carry enough fluids to keep from overheating & dehydrating.
On those days, it’s a mix of hiking & running while lugging lots of fluids. But the payoff is 1 of the most magnificent views anywhere around the SF Bay. The Mt Tam Observatory, Devil’s Slide Tunnels, Sutro Tower, SF, Daly City, SFO, SF Bay, San Mateo Bridge, Half Moon Bay & the big blue of the Pacific Ocean all the way out to the curvature of the Earth are all clearly visible.
But when the marine layer makes it push inland & the cold gray mist clings close to the ground, you’re getting none of that. Instead, it’s time to run like Hell. With the fog completely blocking the direct heat of the Sun & persistent cool damp air all the way up, I can run light (maybe 40oz. fluids total). I’ll still sweat like a waterfall, but won’t ever actually feel hot. The payoff, in this case, is the accomplishment. It ain’t easy, try it sometime.
So, what’s it going to be next time? I don’t know. Montara Mountain & the marine layer will know. I just need to bring lots of fluids & 3 different pairs of shoes to be prepared for whatever I get.

Awesome workout!
This hike is tough if you choose to do the North Peak Trail — all steep hills up to 2000 ft elevation for 8+ miles! Took us about 3 hours. (If you’re having trouble finding the trailhead, start from the dirt trail at the parking lot and you’ll see signs for N. Peak Trail at the top of the first hill). There’s also the Gray Whale Cove Trail, which is easier/​shorter.
The views of Pacifica are gorgeous on both! I loved the trail too — we saw some really beautiful and unique plants and even a couple of bunnies. Unfortunately it was super foggy when we went, but it was pretty cool to see the fog roll through. At one point, we reached a clearing over all the clouds. That was awesome, but I wish it wasn’t as foggy because we missed out on some other amazing views. I guess it’s probably not best to go during summer? I’d definitely come back though! But maybe on a clear summer day or a different season next time.

Forget mission peak! This hike was a lot nicer and more strenuous! This hike was about 10 miles. I really hope not a lot of people will find out about it. But thank goodness I did!!! Had the best workout and saw the best views of Pacifica. Love my city.

My husband and I went for a hike yesterday and brought our dog. (Dogs must be on a leash) It was very cloudy and foggy but we have been planning to go all week. Overall prepare for some steep inclines however generally an easy hike. We decided to not go all the way to the top but take the trail towards Pacifica. It seemed to be flatter and more scenic. The closer we got to Pacifica the more the fog rolled in so we decided to turn around.
The trail is not a loop so remember you will have to walk back the sane way you came. The ocean views are great. Hopefully you pick a clear day to enjoy it.
We will definitely be back!

Amazing View!!!
7.4 miles round trip, 2200 feet elevation gain.
The Ocean View is just gougeous. I was able to see whales!!! lucky!

Friend: «Let’s do another hike» «Easy 8 mile hike little bit of Hill»
Are you friggin high? This trail is straight up to heaven. It was a serious steep 4 miles plus of unrelenting, mofo grinding, sweaty… did I say steep, Hike.
But the views when clear are so beautiful I forgave him. Be careful of the crazy mountain bikers as part of their régime is aiming at hikers.
Bring Water, wear hiking boots, be in good shape (seriously). and enjoy, my sweaty and out of breath Hiker, enjoy.
Oh yeah small parking lot, u know my fixation with parking, there is another farther down on the right. If that dont work there is another parking lot farther north of the first on the east side.
And to do this hike right grab some Gorilla BBQ down the road afterword.
P.S to all my canine friends out there… Dogs can go on the trails and do… WOOF!

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: San Francisco
Length: 8.1 totalmiles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Trail Type: Out-​and-​back
Skill Level: Mostly moderate
Duration: 4.5 hours
Season: Open year-​round daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk
Local Contacts: Half Moon Bay State Beach
McNee Ranch State Park and Montara State Beach McNee Ranch State Park (625 acres), adjacent to Montara State Beach, Gray Whale Cove State Beach, and Montara Mountain, offers a hillside climb with views and two short walks to caramel-​colored beaches with wild, seething surfs. A stroll on the bluffs above the Cabrillo Highway, with glorious Pacific views, takes you to the historic McNee Ranch, in the shade of Monterey cypress and Monterey pine trees. Prepare to use those calves as you ascend both moderate and strenuous grades to the top of Montara Mountain (1,898 feet). Trails Surface: Sand and stairs lead to the beach. Single-​track dirt trail through McNee Ranch, followed by dirt fire road and broken pavement with some steep portions. Trail floor becomes granite rock, then dirt and gravel at the top of Montara Mountain

Montara Mountain is perhaps not the best place to find solitude, but damn if the views are not special. «Scenic» does not do this spot justice. 1900 vertical feet in about 3.9 miles to the top. Not much more to be said. Pick a cool day, wait for clear skies, and just do it. The steep ascent to the summit is quite simply magnificent, and who cares if other people know it, too?
Look around: it’s hard not to be impressed:
At the top, when you gaze down like an Olympian goddess at Pacifica and San Francisco, with the peaks and valleys spread out at your feet, you can’t help but feel your pulse quicken:
And the death-​defying Devil’s Slide on Highway One never looked as awesome as seen from high above, with the sound of waves crashing on rocks far below:
Look to the south for amazing views of Montara beach, the Pillar Point radar station, Half Moon Bay, and the Santa Cruz mountain ridgelines. if you look carefully (or have binoculars), you can even see the mega waves of Mavericks breaking offshore:
Whether you hike, bike, jog, meander, or just lose yourself in the vastness of open space and fragrant splendor of the chaparral-​covered hillsides, this is definitely a place to reconnect with all that makes coastal California so unforgettably great: