Montara State Beach and McNee Ranch is a California State Park that includes Gray Whale Cove and hiking trails to the east in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Parking Lot at Montara State Beach. Kick back and watch the waves, or stroll for miles along the sand. 3 of 4 The parking lot at Montara State Beach, along with all other California state parks, has been closed to limit visitors during coronavirus outbreak in Montara, Calif., on Sunday, March 29, 2020. Hikes on Montara Mountain in Half Moon Bay. The 690-acre McNee Ranch (Montara Mountain) encompasses coastal mountain habitat with sweeping coastal vistas. There are two parking lots to access the trailheads, one on either side of Montara Mountain. From the south end of the parking lot, follow the trail up through the coastal scrub. The map on this page has the loop drawn in the appropriate direction. Directions: Google Map Hwy 1, 8 miles north of Hwy 92. Hike Description: Montara Mountain is part of McNee Ranch State Park, a large expanse of open space connected to POST-protected Rancho Corral de Tierra just north of Half Moon Bay.There are many great trails to choose from in this area – on my search for great views, a tough climb and wildflowers in bloom, I decided to try the Montara Mountain North Peak Trail for a wildflower hike. Pristine sands and heavy waves entice San Franciscans to make the half-hour journey down the coast to Montara State Beach. Mileage: 6.5 miles. Awesome view, can be muddy, most of the trail has shade. Park at Gray Whale Cove State Beach on the inland side of Highway One, 1.4 miles north of La Costanera Restaurant in Montara. Gray Whale Cove Trail is a flat, pleasant stroll that begins at the trailhead across from Montara State Beach and ends at a parking lot across from Gray Whale Cove beach. 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. We leave the downhill trek home to your … The most direct access to the beach is to walk directly towards the ocean from Montara State Beach parking lot and down a small ravine. There is a small parking area at the trailhead, with a $6 fee to park. Arrived at 10am and there was plenty of space, you need to pay the $6 parking fee in cash. 1, across from McNee Ranch/Montara Mountain trail area (also landmark of Ocean View Farms), or further south near 2ndSt., Montara. Discover ocean views, coastal plants, wildlife, and historic sites. Hike to the summit of North Peak Montara Mountain via North Peak Access Road from Montara State Beach through McNee Ranch State Park and you’ll win a superb panorama of the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Ocean, including the Farallon Islands. Pacifica, CA. The granitic rocks of Montara Mountain are the main source of sand for this beach. Dogs on leash are permitted. 4.1 miles from Farralone Cutoff, Montara. There was a small parking lot off Rte 1, so we didn't have to cross the dangerous highway to find the trail. Address: 37°33'48.7"N 122°30'45.7"W Parking: Free parking lot available at the address above (across from Gray Whale Cove State Beach). As you switch back up the mountain, you will come across a trail down to the right which is the one that is part of this route. "One of the best returns on uphill-hiking investment in the Bay Area has to be the Montara Mountain Trail," says SFGATE homepage editor Greg Keraghosian. Montara Mountain - Pacifica Hike. A lighthouse operated as a hostel is part of the state park. As you leave the lot and head through the gate north, you pass through a long straight road corridor. Montara Mountain hike at McNee Ranch is a fabulous 7-10 roundtrip mile walk up to the 1898 foot North Peak summit. Parking at Montara State Beach. "The reward for completing this 6.7-mile loop is a stunning panoramic view that includes Montara State Beach to the west, the Golden Gate Bridge to … Absolutely gorgeous! wenlin. Accessibility: The wheelchair and stroller friendly portion of this trail travels south and can be viewed here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/devil-s-slide, #6 - Peak Mountain and Montara Mountain via Alta Vista Trail, #8 - Gray Whale Cove State Beach [CLOSED], Peak Mountain and Montara Mountain via Alta Vista Trail. Great trail. Image of mountain, state, view - 94431597 4.8 miles from Graywhale Cove SB. Park Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset. Montara Mountain Trail is a 10.8 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Pacifica, California that features a great forest setting and is rated as moderate. A fun way to spend half a day. Leader: Sam Kaufman. Dress with layers. From there, the trail continues onto McNee Ranch State Park property where it intersects at the ridge of the Mountain with Montara Mountain Road and continues west down to Montara State Beach. Order this book from Amazon.com. Overall, its a 5! 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. Hike-in Required. Hike Description: Montara Mountain is part of McNee Ranch State Park, a large expanse of open space connected to POST-protected Rancho Corral de Tierra just north of Half Moon Bay.There are many great trails to choose from in this area – on my search for great views, a tough climb and wildflowers in bloom, I decided to try the Montara Mountain North Peak Trail for a wildflower hike. 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. This route offers incredible views of the Pacifica/Montara area. Look for the yellow signs that say Montara State Beach -McNee Ranch. This trail is actually part of original Old Colma Road as well. For directions to the beach check out the CA Parks and Recreation page for Grey Whale Cove State Beach, they also include longitude and latitude coordinates. Montara State Beach is located along the San Mateo County Coast, a little bit north of Montara. Montara Beach, Montara, California, 94019 (scroll to bottom for photo gallery) Location: CA Rte 1 in Montara, CA, across from McNee Ranch/Montara Mountain state park area. Map choices/more info: • A variation of this hike is described and mapped in 60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Francisco, by Jane Huber (yup, that's me, the creator of this website). MONTARA MTN XMAS HIKE. Point Montara has a lighthouse that offers overnight accommodations. Although the Montara Mountain Trail is a wide fire road, you start off with the feeling of walking along a bluff, looking down at the ocean and Montara Beach. You’ll also see an impressive array of wildflowers and chaparral plants along the trail. Please check here for updates and more information: https://parks.smcgov.org/press-release/trail-closures-san-pedro-valley-park For McNee Ranch State Park information check out Bay Area Hiker’s guide to a nearby trail. Gray whale cove trail is a splendid, short, and easy hike for the entire family with beautiful ocean views. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. It is shared with horses and cyclists so be careful. Lots of uphill, but overall an amazing hike. Hiking Montara State Beach/McNee Ranch for good views. AllTrails has 8 great hiking trails, trail running trails, views trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers like you. Montara Mountain Hike at McNee Ranch State Park, between Pacifica & Montara, CA. They often show their tail flukes just before they dive. 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