McNee Ranch State Park - Montara National And State Park

Descriptions from Across the Web

• McNee RanchView uphill from North Peak Access Road State Park is a beautiful, scenic, and surprising park. Comprised almost entirely of wide, multi-use fire roads, McNee Ranch lacks the facilities we expect from most state parks. No visitor center, signposts, or restrooms (although there is one portable toilet). It's even tough to park here! Instead of these niceties you will find steep, tough fire roads winding through a spectacular assortment of bay area plants, leading to a nearly 1900 foot peak with wonderful views. Accompanying the park's rugged character is unpredictable weather. Fog and cold temperatures blow in from the ocean with little warning. If you go, keep an eye on the fog and bring layers of clothing. Be prepared to cut your hike short if the weather changes. McNee Ranch is a favorite of bay area mountain bikers. Expect to share the trails, and stay alert for bikes blasting downhill as you climb. Equestrians are also often seen on the trails, but usually only on weekends. This is a park that shines in every season. Spring brings a cavalcade of wildflowers. Connecting trails allow you to hike into neighboring San Pedro Valley Park, where winter puts on a knockout waterfall show. During breaks between winter North Peak Access Roadstorms, the views are often clear, with none of the fog typical encountered in summer months. In summer and autumn, McNee Ranch is one of the best bay area parks to visit if you're in the mood for a cool climb. Ocean breezes keep things temperate, permitting the strenuous ascent to Montara Mountain's summit, while in the bay area's inland region temperatures push 100 degrees. The somewhat tough climb to North Peak gets top billing, but there's one other hike I'll recommend at McNee Ranch. Take Gray Whale Cove Trail north from the trailhead to the incredibly scenic rest bench facing west. ... more on www.bahiker.com

Directions

��� From CA 1 in San Mateo County, drive about 4 miles south of the last Pacifica traffic signal (Linda Mar). Turn left into the small parking lot (or park a little further south in the lot on the right side of the road). The trailhead is not well signed, and is easier to find coming north. A couple of Pacifica locals recommend starting hikes into McNee Ranch from Higgins Way, a dead-end street on the north slope of the mountain. Get there from CA 1 by turning east onto Linda Mar, right onto Adobe, and finally, left onto Higgins Way. From here a fire road ascends 3.2 miles into McNee Ranch, joining North Peak Access Road about 2 miles from the summit. I haven't yet tried this, but hope to soon.

Miscellaneous

• Admission: free

Other Web Resources

• www.bahiker.com
• http://www.sanmateocountycvb.com