Sweeney Ridge, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is a hilly expanse of ridges and ravines in the Santa Cruz Mountains near Pacifica, about a half-hour drive from downtown San Francisco. The ridge’s 1,200-foot summit slopes down to the Pacific Ocean on one side and San Francisco Bay on the other, delivering panoramic views that rank among the most spectacular in the entire Bay Area. On clear days, you and your dog can take in sweeping vistas of the Farallon Islands, Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes, Mount Diablo, the Montara Mountains, and San Pedro Point. Dogs are welcome on the trails but must be kept on leash at all times, as this is part of the National Park system.
There are several points of entry to explore Sweeney Ridge, each offering a different character and level of challenge. The Sneath Lane trailhead, accessed from Interstate 280 in San Bruno, provides an easy four-mile out-and-back route along wide fire roads with about 600 feet of elevation gain. This is a great option for dogs of all fitness levels and rewards hikers with a chance to view the remains of a former Nike missile base and the historic Portola Discovery Site, where in 1769 a group of Spanish explorers became the first Europeans to lay eyes on San Francisco Bay. The broad, well-maintained fire roads give you and your leashed pup plenty of room to walk comfortably, even when sharing the trail with other hikers and cyclists.
For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Mori Ridge Trail from Pacifica offers a roughly 4.7-mile out-and-back route with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain. This trail climbs steeply through coastal scrub and grasslands, providing a genuine workout for both you and your dog. The effort is well worth it, as the views from the ridgeline are truly extraordinary. You can also connect to additional trails in the area to create longer loop hikes if you and your dog have the energy for extended exploration.
A few tips for visiting Sweeney Ridge with your dog: check the weather before you go, as fog frequently rolls in along the coast and can completely obscure the views that make this hike so rewarding. The best times to visit are generally from late spring through fall, when you have the best chance of clear skies. Bring plenty of water for both yourself and your pup, as there is no water available on the trail and the exposed ridgeline can get warm on sunny days. Getting there from Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit Sneath Lane (exit 43B) and drive west about two miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. For more information, call (650) 726-8819 or visit the National Park Service website.
