Sweeney Ridge

This recently opened undeveloped space in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area offers steep and rolling coastal hills with ridges overlooking the San Francisco peninsula, San Andreas Lake and the Pacific Ocean. There are three trails, each accessible from the Sneath Lane gate. Total distance is about 10M. The first 1.8M is paved and uphill, you might want to warm up briefly before starting. As you cross over the fog line, you may experience an inversion, where the temperature is hotter as you go higher up.

At the top of Sweeney Ridge, and to the left, a marker commemorates the Portola Discovery Site. The Sweeney Ridge Trail is the easiest path, 1.1M of hard packed dirt to the Portola Gate. On a clear day, you will see the town of Pacifica and the shimmering Pacific Ocean and coastline. As the fog rolls in over the mountains, it looks similar to the lush, green mountain views from the Poly Freeway in Oahu, Hawaii. In the springtime, the hills turn gold with California poppies and other wildflowers.

Turning right will lead you to the Mori Ridge Trail, via the Sweeney Ridge Trail. This trail is very challenging and generally downhill as you start, the return is uphill and sure seems a lot farther! The Mori Trail (2.4M) has sweeping views of Pacifica and the terrain is smooth. The Sweeney Trail (2M) is just weird, like running into a ghost town. There are abandoned buildings at the former Nike Radar Site, and the terrain becomes more inhospitable as you trek up and down the steep hills. The dirt is mostly loose stones and requires careful footing. Fortunately, a trail has been cut out and there are steps to get you through the technical areas. Only the urban views remind you that civilization is near. At the end of the trail you wind up in a parking area of Skyline College.

The Baquiano Trail (1.5M) is to the left of the first trail marker. The trail is not well maintained after reaching the first gateposts.

Facilities None.

Tips:

Best to go on a clear day so you can take in the fabulous views.
Wear layered clothing for rapidly changing weather.
Gloves are handy when descending hills.
A Camelbak drinking system is best for these trails, it is important to have your hands free to avoid slipping.

Directions:

I-280 or Highway 35 to the Sneath Lane exit.
Follow Sneath west to the Sweeney Ridge gate.
Or, you can start at Skyline College, parking area #2 on College for the Sweeney Ridge Trail.
The Mori Trail can be accessed at the Shelldance Nursery (a great place to see a large variety of beautiful, exotic orchids) off of Highway 1, 1/2M south of Sharp Park Blvd.
The Fassler Avenue gate, may be closed at times, call first for information. (415) 363-4020.
Click here for a Sweeney Ridge Trail Map.
Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

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