McNee Ranch: Views and Wide Open Spaces

Not even a sign welcomes you to McNee Ranch State Park, 25 miles south of San Francisco on the San Mateo County coast.

But what the park lacks in such basics as signs and facilities, it more than makes up for in grand views and wide-open spaces. And oh, what views! The coastline from Half Moon Bay to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is at your feet.

The panoramic view is a hiker’s reward for the rigorous ascent up Montara Mountain, whose slopes form the bulk of the state park. This mountain, geologists say, is a 90-million-year-old chunk of granite that forms the northernmost extension of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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A coastal scrub community--ceanothus, sage and monkey flower--predominates on the mountain. The park also boasts several flower-strewn grasslands. Meandering down Montara Mountain is willow- and alder-lined Martini Creek.

The park’s trail system includes footpaths as well as Old San Pedro Road, a dirt road popular with mountain bikers. Little hiker symbols keep walkers on the trail, but since all routes climb Montara Mountain and more or less meet at the top, you needn’t be overly concerned about staying on the “right” trail.

Opposite the state park, across Coast Highway, is Montara State Beach. This half-mile sand strand is a popular surfing, fishing and picnicking spot.

Nearest spot for provisions is the hamlet of Montara, where there’s a cafe and grocery store. Accommodations include the Montara Lighthouse Hostel, which sits right on the coast next to a working lighthouse. The 30-bed hostel has kitchen facilities, a volleyball court and even an outdoor hot tub.

Directions to trail head: Take California 1 to Montara and park in the lot at the north end of Montara State Beach. Carefully walk 150 yards up-coast and cross the highway. The unsigned trail begins at a pipe gate across a fire road on the inland side of Coast Highway.

The hike: Walk up the fire road a short distance and join the trail on your left. It swings north, up-coast, over a seasonally flowered grassy slope. The path drops to join a dirt road, then begins ascending once more.

As you climb, you’ll pass two benches, strategically placed for you to catch your breath. The dirt road eventually swings south, but you join a footpath and ascend to a saddle. Two trails lead left to the peak and to some terrific views.

Below you, up-coast, is the town of Pacifica and, beyond, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco Bay.

Montara Mountain Trail

WHERE: McNee Ranch State Park.

DISTANCE: 7 miles round trip, with 2,000-foot elevation gain.

TERRAIN: Coastal, scrub-covered Montara Mountain, the far northern extension of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

HIGHLIGHTS: Fabulous coastal vistas from Half Moon Bay to Golden Gate.

DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: Moderate to strenuous.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact McNee Ranch State Park, c/o Bay Area District, California Park Service, 95 Kelly Ave., Half Moon Bay, Calif. 94019. (415) 726-8800.