Walking the Dog at Montara Mountain

McNee Ranch, a Unit of Montara State Beach

"And because walking can never be what it was—the motor cars will see to that. . .it is our duty to pay it greater reverence and honor." - Christopher Morley

Directions: From Half Moon Bay, go north on Highway 1 to Montara State Beach. There are two access points to the beach from the bluff. One is located across from Second Street, just south of the Outrigger Restaurant. The second access is located about a helf-mile north of the restaurant. Both are located on the ocean side of Highway 1.

The best parking for McNee Ranch—Montara Mountain—is located at the entrance gate located about 100 yards north of the second beach parking area. But there is room for only seven vehicles at the side of the gate to the north. Don’t park in front of the gate or you will be towed.

The gate parking is usually crowded, so we park in the northerly beach parking area. Walk north along the road and carefully cross over Highway 1, watching for fast-moving cars in both directions.

Grade: Strenuous. Gain of 1,800 feet.

Distance: 7.5 miles round trip to the top of Montara Mountain.

Time: Four hours.

Special Conditions: Trails from the McNee gate are for hikers, dog walkers, equestrians, and bicyclists. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. For information, call 650-726-8819.

Good dog Mack was in dog heaven a few weeks ago. On a beautiful late January Saturday, he enjoyed a 7.5-mile hike to the top of Montara Mountain and back, and then a quick dip in the Pacific. And for a Chesapeake Bay retriever, that’s about as good as it gets.

McNee Ranch is your gateway to Montara Mountain from the oceanside, but you can also hike up the mountain from San Pedro Valley County Park in Pacifica. The big difference is that Mack and his four-footed friends are not allowed on county park trails, so if you are walking the dog, start at the McNee Ranch gate.

McNee Ranch is not your typical state park. No campgrounds, no camfire meetings, no tent cabins, nor the familiar “Campground Full” signs. This 600-acre property was purchased by the state in the late 1900s in anticipation of the need for a bypass around Devil’s Slide, and someday a by-pass road or a tunnel may disrupt the current serenity of McNee Ranch, but in the meantime it’s yours to enjoy and a fine place to walk the dog.

From the entrance gate, you can walk along the road or on the trail that runs parallel to the road. We chose the trail, and soon found a series of informal, unmarked trails running uphill to overlooks along the coast. If you are not interested in the long Montara Mountain hike, this is a great area for detachment and fine views that get better as you gain atltitude.

We found a trail moving to the east and soon intersected an old asphalt road. This road is your route to the top. Of course, there are many switchbacks and a few steep sections ahead, but you will forget the strain by concentrating on the wonderful views.

Along the first half of this hike, you will walk between sections of cypress trees, blown and shaped by the prevailing north and west winds, but offering a bit of shade if you do this hike in the summer. Also along the road is an abundance of pampas grass with sharp, linear leaves and large, showy plumes. These aggressive plants, natives of Argentina, seem to thrive along the roadside and in areas of disturbed soil.

About halfway up is the saddle with an intersecting trail going down to Pacifica, ending at the San Pedro Valley County Park. This is the classic crossing from north to south--serving Native American Costanos, Spanish explorers, Mexican and American cattle ranchers, and people like us, searching for adventure in our Model T Fords.

From the saddle, stay right and continue up the hardpacked dirt and rock road, heavily eroded in some places, but still used for vehicle access to service the antenna farm at the mountaintop. As you climb, views of the Sunset and Richmond districts of San Francisco lead on to the Marin Headlands and Mount Tamalpais. The Linda Mar area of Pacifica is below Sweeney Ridge, and the East Bay is soon in full view.

Manzanita shrubs line portions of the road, and in January they were just coming in bloom—a tight cluster of tiny, bell-shaped blossoms, white and pink in color.

Just below the antenna area is another saddle that affords a little protection from its wind and a fine place for lunch.

Don’t turn back without going to the two high points laden with antennae. Good dog Mack seemed disappointed that there was no more hill to climb, but Veralyn and I looked forward to a downhill run.

For more information on this area, pick up a copy of Montara Mountain by Barbara VanderWerf (Gum Tree Lane Books). This is an excellent account of the historical development of the area, its flora and fauna, and trails on the mountain.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

Email <tom@tomdavids.com>

Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web site at www.weeklywalker.com.