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    McNee Ranch State Park

    4.5 (92 reviews)

    McNee Ranch State Park Photos

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    Tim L.

    I love this place! The Old Colma Road loop is my favorite coastside hiking trail. Beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, Pacifica, Montara, you name it. Uncrowded area despite all the people who fo to Gray Whale Beach. Use the same parking lot but go inland instead of to the ocean.

    Montage of images from McNee Ranch State Psrk
    Ed U.

    The Gray Whale Cove Trail could be my favorite of all the Pacific Coast trails I've recently discovered during my pandemic-driven adventures, so I'm amazed how I almost missed it. I was familiar with the crescent-shaped parking lot off Hwy One but thought it was just for the beach below. Given you have to risk life and limb crossing the high-speed highway, I was never that interested in stopping until I noticed there was a trail to explore. I just couldn't tell where it was, and truth be told, helpful signage was severely lacking. Out of pure ignorance, I had tried the North Trail at first, but it was so brief that I went back to the parking lot searching for another entry point and inadvertently found the Gray Whale Cove Trail, which takes you up the hill gradually and follows a flat mile-long dirt path around the hills that look over not only the Pacific but Hwy One. I found myself surrounded by lush vegetation and surprised by adorable jackrabbits looking for privacy. I just found the combination quite pleasing and the views were quite striking from almost any point on the path. On a subsequent visit, I dared to tackle the steep hillside that took me to the single tree on top of the adjacent hill. That was a difficult climb, but the payoff was an even more spectacular view and the fact that I got that much closer to the summit of Montara Mountain. The lengthier alternative was to take the Old Pedro Mountain Road which still has remnants of the pavement when it accommodated vehicular traffic in a bygone era. The mountain trail hugs the hills on the other side away from the ocean, and the benefit is that you get a lot more FitBit steps with that route. The North Peak Access Road provides another entry point further south on Hwy One closer to Montara Beach and offers a few parking spaces as well as another path to the summit next to a forest of cypress trees and an equestrian ranch. This network of trails was a true find for me and it doesn't depend on a beach to make it a must-stop. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU

    Dafa Z.

    Wow. Phenomenal hiking trail! Was definitely blown away by the views and scenery. The entire trail was full of luscious landscape and greenery. Felt great after completing the 2.4 mile loop which took me and my friend about one hour because we stopped several times to take pics! The terrain changes from flat to inclined depending which route you take. I loved this trail so much that I'll definitely be back more often!!

    Endless overflow parking, circled in white! Oct 2020.
    Ziyan C.

    McNee is great for ocean views with their series of exposed trails right above the ocean and going up to Montara Mountain. Get there before 10am on a weekend, and if you're coming on a hot day, bring plenty of water because there is barely any shade! HIKES WE'VE DONE: North Peak Loop Trail (just the loop part): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/montara-mountain-north-peak-loop-trail Note there benches close to the "2" marking (Pedro Mountain Road North Junction) and the "5" marking (Pedro Mountain Road Junction). I've also circled these spots in blue on my uploaded photo. Note that going clockwise on this loop, the first uphill section is very steep. Essential to have good hiking shoes with good grip, and/or hiking poles! However the downhill (the 2nd part of the loop, going clockwise), being a zigzag path, is much much more gradual. Grey Whale Cove Trail (plus an extra loop going up the mountain to the east - sorry, these trails aren't named! It's the highlighted red trails in my uploaded photo): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/gray-whale-cove-trail EXPOSURE: Almost fully exposed! The zigzag path during the 2nd part of the loop on the North Peak Loop trail has more trees. PARKING: Empty at 4pm on a Friday. Just filling up at 10am on a weekend. However, note that there is a little road that goes uphill on the north end of the parking lot (right as you enter the lot, you'd turn left). This has pretty much endless overflow parking! See my uploaded photo, this road is circled in white. Note this is also where you would park to go to Gray Whale Cove Beach (probably another reason the lot fills up so quickly!). AMENITIES: None at the parking lot. No water, no restrooms. CROWDED: Yes, it gets busy here! And the trails can be narrow, so it's hard to socially distance. People are good about it and will step to the side to let you pass, though.

    Sara G.

    Always a great state park to hike at. We access McNee Ranch State Park from San Pedro Valley Park via the Montara Mountain Trail. The two parks connect on the Montara Mountain Trail and there is a sign on the trail letting you know you entered into McNee Ranch. We have hiked all the way up to the peak that has a giant antenna at the top. The elevation of the peak is around 1900 feet above sea level. It is a great hike with pretty much incline all the way up. It is around 3.5 miles up from the entrance of San Pedro Valley Park. There are great views from the top and it almost feels as if you are right next to the clouds with all the coastal fog. This park is not too crowded. Every time we come here, we only see a few hikers and bikers sporadically on the trail. Parking is $6 if you park at San Pedro, however I know there are a few lots on Highway 1 that offer free parking. Looking forward to more hikes here in the future.

    interesting cacti
    Ann V.

    This is one of my favorite hikes in the bay area! I went mid-june and not only did I get to see so many different wildflowers, but also got a beautiful view of the beach while hiking. You're hiking along the mountain right across from gray whale cove beach so you get a beautiful view. I came here during the shelter at home and didn't see too many people wearing masks on the hike. The trail itself can be narrow so I recommend bringing a mask (if you are particular about that). For logistics you can start the trail at gray whale cove parking lot. The lot is small and fills up quickly, but if you're willing to circle and wait you can definitely get a spot (we circled the lot for about 15 minutes before someone left). I saw some portable bathrooms at the parking lot, but they were very dirty. On the trail there are no bathrooms. The trail itself is open with little to no shade so I recommend bringing a hat, sunscreen and water. On the trail there were a lot of friendly pups and mountain bikers. The hike itself isn't too strenuous and is pretty well paved. There are some steep incline/decline so I recommend bringing a good pair of shoes that has grip as it can be easy to slip from the loose dirt. Overall I highly highly recommend this beautiful hike as you get a beautiful view of the ocean. Should you decide to hike to the top you are also greeted by the golden gate bridge and birds eye view of the peninsula. Would definitely hike this again.

    View along Gray Whale Cove Trail
    Jonathan C.

    Great hike for 2 hours. Seems to be a popular spot for dog walkers and mountain bikers. Parked at Gray Whale Cove Parking Lot, which had plenty of spots on Sunday morning. The Gray Whale Cove Trail to the Pedro Mountain Road Trail is easy/moderate (~1 mile). There is some initial incline and the trail is a bit uneven so not ideal for individuals with mobility issues. Unlike some trails that require you to get to the Vista point to get a view, the trail gives you beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean the entire way. We did part of the Pedro Mountain Road Trail and made a loop back to the Gray Whale Cove Parking Lot (essentially hugging left the entire time). The latter half is quite steep so make sure you have a good pair of shoes and might not be ideal if it just rained. Otherwise, a great hiking area and well worth the visit.

    John G.

    A very special place. I've been saving this place for my 700th review and it couldn't get here soon enough especially with our current political climate that's going on. No worries...I'm not gonna get political here and far from it. I wanted to get away from all the BS and this place will provide that sanctuary and then some. To say that I hike here a lot is an understatement. McNee Ranch is literally in my backyard and it's close enough to get off the grid for a few hours without having to drive great distances. I've hiked here with Maxie, Wifey and my kids, but I find the solitude with just Maxie and I more rewarding more than anything else. Don't get me wrong here since I do love my wife and kids, it's just that sometimes I need to get away and this place can afford me that luxury. Having said that, I have only hiked all the way to the top once and that was a few months after my third knee surgery as I just said the hell with it, took Maxie with me and went for it. Ignorance is truly bliss as I didn't know what I was in for as we made our way to top on a cold, windy and foggy day. The elevation to the top is 1,898 feet and due to the weather condition that day, most of the view was obstructed by the fog, but I wouldn't change a damn thing that day. There are some great views of Linda Mar along the way on the winding hike the felt like eternity. Prior to reaching the top, Maxie and I found a spot behind a rock to protect us from the howling winds and the elements and probably had the best lunch ever with her. We were in a bubble of calmness surrounded by chaos and it was a great feeling to have. We had a special connection that happened at that moment that is difficult to explain. I guess the best way to explain is that it was a happy moment saved in the memory vault similar to the movie Inside Out. I have yet to make a return trip to the top, and hope to go on a day where the fog bank just sits below the mountain as that would be awesome to take photos of that view. However, Maxie and I have have returned a bunch of times and depending on how she's feeling, we'll either take it easy or a little bit more challenging if she's up for it. That's what's great about this place is you can choose to hike it easy, moderate or difficult depending on what trail you take. There's two starting points from here and you can either start all the way from the bottom at North Peak Access Road where there are limited parking on the side of the road along Higway 1 or park across Gray Whale Cove at Montara State Beach where are plenty of parking spaces. We usually take Gray Whale Cove as our starting point and climb on the first incline towards the first tree on the side of the mountain. You'll have great views of the tunnel, the bunker and the beach. I love it when it's foggy and the layer just sits there, but you are on top of the fog bank literally just looking down at it. Keep it mind that there are no facilities here so you better pack for extra snacks, water and layer of clothing as the weather could change in an instant from sunny to foggy. But don't let that deter you since you will be rewarded with some gorgeous views from any angle and on a clear and crisp day, you can see as far south towards Pescadero and as far north as Drake's Bay. Also, there are plenty of rabbits running around here so better make sure your doggies don't chase after them or they can fall along the edge of the cliff onto Highway 1. Overall, it's a great place for humans, doggies and all kinds of wildlife even if your not the avid hiker as some of us. You'll get rewarded with plenty of moments that will be etched in the memory bank that you'll be glad you had.

    Danny H.

    Great hike for a weekend trip if you're in the bay area. The top was a little underwhelming given the locked fence for some unknown building, but the views were nice on the way up. The forested area was a change of scene that was particularly welcome because this place is quite exposed. You'll want to make sure you bring plenty of suntan lotion and water. Pro-tip is to bring a partner or friend and try to see who can name all the different flora you'll see on the way up! Finally, parking was super easy- plenty of spaces at the lot. The only annoying thing was actually getting to the trailhead which involved crossing the highway - so be careful!

    John M.

    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.

    Amanda N.

    CLEAN UP AFTER YOURSELVES! This is a beautiful hike that I take my pup on. Today my dad joined us and we went all the way to the top and he got a sharp pain. We checked his shoe and there was nothing. He kept going and the pain continued. Later we found the piece of glass that went sideways into his shoe and was stabbing him. We all like to have a good time but please clean your stuff up and pack it out (it's even lighter than when you carried it full) So sad, this is a beautiful hike with amazing views that I highly recommend. Just wanted to give a heads up to fellow hikers.

    Tom K.

    When I first saw pictures of the stunning, panoramic view from the top of Montara Peak in McNee State Park, I knew I was way overdue for a hiking excursion of extraordinary magnitude! The day I set out to ascent Montara Peak, it was a crisp, sunny day. The air was crystal clear, and the cloudless sky was blue with just enough wind to keep things interesting. Starting off slowly on a fire road, then following a dirt trail through McNee Ranch, the path to the top goes by a couple of short trails which lead down to bluff-colored sandy beaches with crashing surf and the tang of salt hanging in the air. Passing by the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway, the rate of ascent picks up as both the elevation increases and the terrain gets tougher. Topping out after an ascent of almost 2000 feet, the climb to the top of Montara Peak is definitely not for the faint of heart, but the payoff is totally worth it! Tips: 1) With minimal stops for water and pictures, an out-and-back hike from the trailhead to the peak and back was around 8.5 miles; it took us just under five hours. 2) With climate requirements not unlike Mission Peak, scaling Montara Peak is best done outside of the summer months; extreme heat can cause the sometimes cardio-intensive ascent to become a Sisyphean slog. Given due consideration to temperature, this hike is a beautiful, invigorating, five star experience which I heartily recommend to anyone who thinks they're up to the challenge!

    Starting the hike from Mcnee Ranch- don't take the wide trail
    Megan N.

    Amazing view, epic experience and poor signage pretty much sums up my experience of hiking to Montara Mountain Summit via McNee Ranch State Park. We got there on a semi windy, started from the McNee parking lot in an overcast weather- hiked through semi shady and sunny part of the trail and ended up in foggy and windy summit. Even though the elevation of our hike was around 1800 but since it was steady it didn't feel like a hard trail. (tip: Start your hike on the narrow entrance of the right side of the parking toward Gray Whale Cove- there is a sign- Bring a lot of water- some snacks for mini stops along the way- cap and sunscreen) our total loop was around 9 miles- took us around 4 hours- we improvised a little! The chance of getting lost is pretty slim because you have to go back towards the ocean! There is no sign on how to get to summit- so intuitively just hike up! We passed 3 large electrical pole and we reached a big electrical station where there was no other route behind it. You will reach a flat area that should be the summit.

    View of Montara state beach from the trail

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - McNee Ranch State Park

    Review Highlights - McNee Ranch State Park

    This takes you to the North Peak Access Road, a wider road - part of it is asphalt but most of it is dirt.

    Mentioned in 7 reviews

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    Mori Point - Mori Point

    Mori Point

    4.7(328 reviews)
    7.0 km

    I am so glad I gave up other SF plans to explore, hike, discover Mori Point, ( Pacifica) . Mori…read morePoint is a 110-acre park with scenic ocean views, stunning coastal bluffs, historic points, and even wildflower blooms. This is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Mori Point itself is a bluff next to the Pacific Ocean that provides scenic views of the coastline. OMG, first time ever hiking while visiting SF, which we normally just eat. drink. & continue, repeat again but this experience was WOW!! Besides the view, I was so happy to get to catch some of the wildflower blooms. perfect time to visit is during Spring for the blooms. My heart is full, thank you for these moments. Mori Point is sure a hidden Gem, @ Pacifica! Wear your comfortable shoes and go explore the wonderful outdoors, "The best things in life are free" !

    Mori Point is absolutely amazing on a clear warm day...which is not that common in Pacifica. Hence…read morethe missing star... Not to mention the arduous task of dealing with parking when one does stumble upon that perfect day. I would still bring a light jacket if you think you will still be here around sunset. The coastal breeze brings a nice chill in the evening no matter how warm the day is. The hiking trail is not hard at all, perhaps a bit challenging for some older folks or someone very out of shape. "Located on a promontory just south of the city of Pacifica, the 110 acres of Mori Point are one of the newest additions to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. High up above the cold waves, the site boasts sweeping views from Point Reyes all the way to Pedro Point. It protrudes several hundred feet out into the Pacific and is plainly visible from any high point in the City of Pacifica." - https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/moripoint.htm I feel like a cheat; cut and paste...lol. Then again, I didn't know all this information about Mori Point. I didn't pay attention and actually thouth it was called Maori point and was somehow related to the Maori folks from the land of the long white cloud (aka New Zealand). "Restoration activities have helped the area recover from invasive species infestation and centuries of use by humans. In the 1700s, the Spanish mined a nearby limestone quarry to supply whitewash for San Francisco's Presidio buildings. An Italian immigrant, Stefano Mori, purchased 19 acres of farmland here in 1888. Mori built a guesthouse/restaurant, the Mori Point Inn, which developed a notorious reputation during the Prohibition days and was operated by the family until the 1940s. Mori Point was a site of gravel and sand extraction during World War II; quarrying and later off-road vehicle use left the landscape scarred. In 2000, with the help of the Pacifica Land Trust, the Coastal Conservancy, and concerned community members, Mori Point was purchased by the Trust for Public Land and added to the Golden Gate National Parks." - https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/mori-point History "For nearly a century, Mori Point served as a haven for settlers, travelers, boot-leggers and diners. Today, after a generation of development battles, this spectacular place serves as a haven for walkers and wildlife and is a link to national parklands on Sweeney Ridge and Milagra Ridge along the San Mateo coast." - https://www.nps.gov/goga/planyourvisit/moripoint.htm " * The terrain here is varied; walks around Mori Point range from a level and easy 0.5-mile stroll to a steep and challenging 1.5-mile hike. * Beautiful wildflower blooms are at their peak in the springtime, with the most flowers usually present in April and May. * Parking is available on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way. * Walk to the tip of the promontory for stunning views; it's quite windy on the bluffs so dress accordingly. * Stroll down to Laguna Salada and listen for the croaking of the red-legged frog. * Walk barefoot on the black sands of Sharp Park Beach. * During WWII, workers used a pulley system of long cables attached to cement anchors to pull buckets of sand ashore. Several of these crumbling blocks remain on the western hillside." ~ "Tips and Highlights" - https://www.parksconservancy.org/parks/mori-point Wish I had read this before. Some good tips and helpful information

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    Mori Point - Mori Point

    Mori Point

    Mori Point - Mori Point Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    Mori Point Golden Gate National Recreation Area

    Mori Point - Mori Point

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    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    4.6(295 reviews)
    4.2 km

    If you're looking for a peaceful coastal escape, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is such a hidden gem…read more The tide pools here are the biggest we've ever explored--so much to see and wander through (definitely best when the tides are low!). We even spotted a baby seal, which made the whole experience feel extra special. The beach itself is calm, quiet, and beautifully blue--perfect if you're trying to avoid crowded, touristy spots. I personally skipped swimming since there's a lot of visible coral/rocky areas, but honestly, this place is more about exploring than swimming anyway. Just a heads up: there's about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot, but it's totally worth it. Overall, such a cute, peaceful place to spend a day by the ocean.

    A beautiful place to come to for tidepooling or just for a hike through the trees. On a sunny day,…read morethe trees will provide you cool shade but the sunlight will filter in and bathe everything in the most gorgeous light. We brought the kids tidepooling here and they loved it. Check ahead for what time low tide will be so you can plan accordingly. The main entrance to the beach from the visitor center is closed but you can walk 10 minutes over to the Seal Cove staircase and go down to the beach and rocks from there. Bring rainboots or shoes with good grip as the rocks are slippery. You'll see plenty of anemones and hermit crabs and will spot a couple of small fish darting by. If you're lucky, you'll even see a starfish! After being on the rocks for a bit, you can relax on the beach before heading back. Parking is a bit limited - there is a private lot but it fills up quickly but it shouldn't be too difficult to find street parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

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    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve - Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

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    Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge

    4.3(190 reviews)
    8.5 km

    There are a few entrances, but I think the most popular one is on Sneath Lane. This trail is paved…read moreand pretty steady and not too difficult for about a mile but then gets a bit steeper for the next mile to the top. On the way up you can see views of the San Andreas Reservoir Lake. After the rain you can hear the water flowing and see some little streams and wild mushrooms. To the ridge is a little under 2 miles. I like the fact there is a small bathroom which I find quite rare on trails like this. To the left is the San Francisco Discovery Site which has a plaque with some information. Apparently, this was the place the Spanish settlers first saw the San Francisco Bay. To the right the trail goes along the ridge to the remains of the old Nike missile site. The views are stellar, and one can see for miles on end, Marin, the city, Pacifica Mount Diablo, etc. I love watching all the planes coming in and out from nearby SFO. From Sneath the hike is about 5 miles and 2 hrs. I've also gone the Mori Trail route which is nice because it's not paved but this trail is steeper. It's worth checking out the funky Shelldance Orchid Gardens which is located at the trailhead but they are only open on the weekends.

    This is a nice enough spot to go for a hike. It was easy to find my way to the Sneath Lane Trail…read moreParking using google maps, a small lot within a residential neighborhood, that fits about 10-15 vehicles. It was foggy, cold, and incredibly windy during my visit last week, and of course, there's an incline as the trail wraps around the mountain. But it wasn't too bad, the actual climb up didn't feel as difficult as it looked from a distance, starting with the sneath lane trail then connecting to other trails higher up. In fact, there are many options for different trails to take. The Baquiano Trail had a dirt pathway while the Notch Trail toward the Nike Missile Control Site was paved. Near the SF Bay Discovery Site, there's a small restroom building (it was pretty clean for a park facility, on a Thursday afternoon). The gorgeous foliage lining the various paths was captivating, along with lovely views of the hills, lake (san andreas reservoir), and sunlit scenery in the distance. Too foggy to enjoy the views the higher you get though, just a giant cloud of fog everywhere. I barely made it three miles out before turning back. It was just far too windy and foggy to wanna be out there very long (I'm sure hot days would be even worse with zero shade to be found). Plus my legs definitely had a workout from the uphill trek. Luckily the jog back down was a breeze. And I did slow down to appreciate the vegetation and vast array of plant species, once again, before leaving.

    Photos
    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Plants and flowers along the trail

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    Plants and flowers along the trail

    McNee Ranch State Park - parks - Updated May 2026

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