Sweeney Ridge, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a hilly area of ridges and ravines in the Santa Cruz mountains near Pacifica, about a half-hour from downtown San Francisco. The ridge's 1,200-foot summit slopes down to the Pacific on one side and San Francisco Bay on the other.
There are numerous points of entry. The Sneath Lane trailhead affords an easy, four-mile, out-and-back route on fire roads with a 600-foot elevation gain and a chance to view a former Nike missile base and the Portola Discovery Site, where in 1769 a group of Spaniards became the first Europeans to see the San Francisco Bay. Longer hikes with 1,000 feet of elevation gain can be accessed via the connecting Mori Ridge Trail. Check the weather before you go, as fog can obscure the views.
Getting there: From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit Sneath Lane (exit 43B). Drive west about two miles to the trailhead at the end of the road.
Keeping our trails beautiful and dog-friendly is crucial to ensure everyone enjoys the great outdoors. Some people want to ban dogs from public spaces, but we believe dogs are essential members of our community. They bring joy, companionship, and energy to our hikes. To keep our trails open to our furry friends, we must be responsible. Pick up after your dog, keep them on a leash where required, and respect other trail users. By doing our part, we can ensure that our beloved pups remain welcome on all trails, allowing your pack to continue exploring and enjoying nature together.