Welcome to Travel Tuesday! I’m taking you (virtually) on a hike up the Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail in McNee Ranch State Park! (What a mouthful, right?)
Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail in McNee Ranch State Park
Distance: 7 mile loop
Elevation: 1804 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: ~2.5-3.5 hours
Trailhead Address: McNee Ranch State Park, Montara, CA 94037
Parking: Small lot available — if it’s full, look for the lots north/south of this one alone the highway!
This was the first hike I ever got to do with The Greenfoot Hiking Club! The hike itself actually occurred back in January of 2019, but as you probably know by now, I am forever simultaneously catching up on posts while scheduling posts into the future.
The Montara Mountain North Peak Trail starts off with lots of beautiful views of the Pacific coast before you start climbing up.
About 2 miles in, it starts getting pretty darn steep, but if mountain bikers can do it, so can you! (I believeeee.)
There isn’t much shade to be had here, but I didn’t ever get cold because it’s pretty windy here (and also by the coast!). Make sure you dress in layers (e.g. long-sleeve base layer, mid-layer, soft shell jacket)!
Some parts definitely get really steep/slippery, so make sure you wear shoes with good traction and/or bring your hiking sticks.
Dogs are allowed if they’re leashed, but be aware that there may be ticks!
We stopped over at Gorilla BBQ in Pacifica afterward as our “return to civilization meal.” The food there is amazing!
- Have you ever been to Montara/the Santa Cruz area?
- When’s the last time you were by the ocean?
22 comments
Skip to comment form
I am always up for a hike that provides such great ocean views. It looks like the length of hike that would work perfectly. I like your point that if mountain bikers could do the steep climb, then so could you! And maybe me. Good to know there is a spot to fuel up after hiking Montara Mountain North Peak Trail.
hehe, it helped to keep me motivated! :P I recently started biking so maybe one day, I’ll be as cool as those bikers! :P The BBQ place was so good!!
Farrah recently posted…Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail
This looks like a great hike. And I’m definitely stopping for food after!
I’m all about the return-to-civilization celebratory meal! :P
Farrah recently posted…Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail
Wow! The views on this hike are just fabulous!! I would love to do it. Reminds me of some hikes that I was fortunate to do along the Pacific Coast in Oregon, but looks like far fewer trees and much more sun in California.
I love CA, but I’d love to do more hikes in the Pacific Northwest too — it’s such a gorgeous area!
Farrah recently posted…Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail
I live in California and have never heard of this hike! I can’t wait to check it out–beautiful views!
Yay! I hope you like it! :]
Farrah recently posted…Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail
Wow! I’ve never heard of this state park before! It’s so beautiful!
I hadn’t either til I went here! :P It was so pretty there!
Farrah recently posted…Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail
What a beautiful hike! Those coastal views look stunning! Thanks so much for sharing this route! I hope I get an opportunity to try it in person!
Yay! I hope you get to as well! It was such a pretty hike!
Farrah recently posted…Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
I love hikes with beautiful ocean views, this is definitely a hike if like to do some day
I hope you get to sometime! I love hikes with ocean views too–I need to find more of em’!
Montara Mountain North Peak Loop Trail in McNee Ranch State Park looks like a great place to hike! Love the views of the water!
Me tooo! I need to find more ocean-view hikes! <3
Farrah recently posted…Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
I love going on hikes that also pose as a workout, I find them very rewarding! I’m also a sucker for a hike that has either lake or ocean views too so this one looks great to go on!
Same here! :D I love body-of-water hikes, hehehe.
Farrah recently posted…Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Looks absolutely stunning! I haven’t been to California for a few years but would love to go back and do some more hiking.
I’m hoping to escape on more CA adventures over the weekend! I hope you get to come back sometime! :]!
Farrah recently posted…Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park
Heh! I am so not used to seeing greenery in your hiking posts – this is a nice refreshing change! The Montara Mountain North Peak Loop looks looovely! You just need an ice-cream to finish off (there is something about hiking near the sea/ocean that makes me crave icecream!
haha, isn’t it weird!? I’m not used to it either even though this is wayyyy closer to me (~1ish hour) than all the ones you’ve been seeing lately! :P I’m kinda craving ice cream now… *-*
Farrah recently posted…Hiking Half Dome in Yosemite National Park