Peak Pacifica

Hike to Pacifica's Montara Peak from Gray Whale Cove

05.17.2018

Lingering wildflowers and sweeping Pacifica views … this 1,900-foot peak hike up Pacifica’s Montara Mountain has it all, including a beach ending! Start at the Gray Whale Cove trailhead on the southeast side of its namesake parking lot (arrive early, parking fills quickly here). About a quarter mile in, you’ll get to an unsigned junction.

Head left up a steep path, then left again once you reach the top. The trail opens up onto the car-free N. Peak Access Road, which goes all the way to the summit. At 3 miles you’ll approach a fork leading to Montara’s oddly iconic radio towers, which mark the apex. Take the trail to the right and continue up the last 0.2 mile to the peak. Soak in the near-360-degree Bay Area panorama. On clear days, you can see the vast expanse of the rocky Pacific coastline and all the way to the two towers of the Golden Gate Bridge peeking above San Francisco’s dotted hillsides.

Follow your steps back down N. Peak Access Road towards Montara Highway One (named this way on the signage), then down on the Gray Whale Cove Trail. At 2.7 miles into the descent, you’ll again be at the top of the unmarked junction of the steep trail you originally came up. You can take this steep trail down, retracing your steps back to the parking lot, for a 6.4-mile (round-trip) hike. Or for an easier downhill option, stay left and continue down the trail for a 7.1-mile (round-trip) hike. End the day by (carefully) crossing Highway 1 on foot, then walking down to Gray Whale Cove beach, where dolphins and whales are regularly spotted.

From 1-280 South, take exit 47B for CA-1 South towards Pacifica. Continue on Hwy. 1 for 9.8 miles, then turn left for the Gray Whale Cove parking lot. From I-280 North, get off on exit 41 for Skyline Blvd. (CA-35) towards Pacifica. Continue 3.5 miles, then take a left onto Sharp Park Rd. In 2.1 miles turn right on Francisco Blvd. towards CA-1 South, then immediately take a right to merge onto CA-1 South towards Half Moon Bay/Santa Cruz. Continue on CA-1 for 5.3 miles, then turn left for the Gray Whale Cove parking lot. Free Parking. Beware of poison oak! Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Perles Beach Angel Island San Francisco Bay

    Secret Beach

    A hidden beach and a killer view? Those are hard to come by, but that’s exactly what you’ll get at Perles Beach on Angel Island. Bike or hike to this beautiful pocket cove.

    View

  2. Peak at the Flowers

    Terrific views and vibrant hues define this 4.8-mile out-and-back journey on Mount Diablo.

    View
  3. Hike Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve

    Mellow in the Marsh

    Beach, birds, ice plant popping purple flowers: That’s a hiking slam dunk! Hike about 2 miles at Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve using their easy to navigate (well-signed) Sequoia Audubon Trail.

    View
  4. A man is looking through his binoculars at sunrise at the Bayland Nature Preserve in Palo Alto

    Baylands Bird & Art Loop

    Combine an outdoor art walk and wildlife sightings at the Baylands Nature Preserve in Palo Alto. This 5-mile loop through Byxbee Park and the Emily Renzel Wetlands features striking installations by artists Peter Richards and Michael Oppenheimer—where the landscape itself becomes part of the canvas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  2. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

    View
  3. Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia

    Fountain to the Falls

    There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge, with a lovely old town stroll included.

    View

  4. A Better Way to Baldwin

    The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.

    View