01
Best overall pick
Montara Mountain via North Peak Access Road
Montara Foothills • Big-View Coastal Mountain Climb • Best Overall Hike
A sustained climb to a prominent summit with sweeping views up and down the coast.
Starting from the Montara side at McNee Ranch, this route earns its payoff with a steady, leg-burning ascent on a wide former fire road. On clear days you can spot the Farallon Islands, the Marin Headlands, and the Peninsula ridgeline from the top. Go early for cooler temps and easier parking, and bring layers—the wind at the summit can be fierce even when town feels calm.
02
Classic coastal bluff walk
Gray Whale Cove Trail
Gray Whale Cove Bluffs • Blufftop Out-And-Back With Ocean Views • Best For Sunset Views
A short, scenic trail tracing the cliffs above the ocean with constant Pacific panoramas.
This narrow singletrack runs just inland from the cliff edge, with postcard views of Gray Whale Cove and the rugged coastline in both directions. It is a go-to choice for a quick after-work hike or golden-hour photo session when the light hits the water just right. Expect some steep, sandy spots and poison oak along the margins, and watch your footing if the fog leaves the trail damp.
03
Easy oceanfront stroll
Devil's Slide Trail
Coastline Between Montara And Pacifica • Paved Cliffside Path On A Former Highway • Most Accessible Coastal Walk
A fully paved, gently graded path along dramatic cliffs where cars once sped by.
Once part of Highway 1, this stretch has been reborn as a wide multi-use trail with jaw-dropping drop-offs and interpretive signs explaining the area’s history and geology. It is ideal for casual walkers, strollers, and visitors who want big scenery without dealing with dirt or steep grades. Parking can fill on sunny weekends, and it is often windy, so bring a jacket even if Montara feels warm.
04
Serious summit climb
Montara Mountain Trail from San Pedro Valley Park
Pacifica – San Pedro Valley Park • Forest-And-Ridge Canyon Loop • Best Workout Hike
A steep, rewarding route that leaves a sheltered valley to crest Montara’s ridges high above the ocean.
Starting in a lush, often foggy canyon in Pacifica, this trail switches from shaded forest to open chaparral as it grinds up toward Montara Mountain’s ridgeline. The climb is demanding but delivers long views over the coast and back toward the Peninsula once you break out of the trees. There is a day-use fee at the park entrance, and the route can feel remote in sections, so carry water and be prepared for quickly changing weather.
05
Quiet local favorite
Rancho Corral de Tierra Open Space
Between Montara And Moss Beach • Rolling Ranchland And Coastal Scrub Network • Best Off-The-Radar Outing
A sprawling open-space area with informal loops, mellow climbs, and fewer crowds than the main coastal hotspots.
This former ranchland offers a web of dirt roads and singletrack that climb gradually into grassy hills and coastal scrub above the neighborhoods. It is a good choice when Montara Mountain parking is jammed and you still want wide-open skies and long views without a punishing grade. Trail junctions can be confusing, so download a map or track your route, and expect little shade on sunny days.