SAN PEDRO VALLEY PARK LOOPS (Pacifica)
Hike Date: Saturday, April 9, 2022
Leader: Bill Prince
Leader Email: sendbillsomenews@yahoo.com
Leader Phone: 415-812-8703
Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Departure Time: Shortly after 9:00 AM
Rating: Level 4
Mileage: 8.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1900'
Description: Many people think of San Pedro Valley Park only as a trailhead to climb Montara Mountain, but the valley itself is a real gem. It abuts Pacifica but is isolated from it by the northern ridge. It offers views that only get better the farther you go and the wildflowers along the way should be at their peak. The three trails we link together show the valley off in its finest. We start on the Valley View Trail which climbs mostly exposed up the ridge separating Pacifica to the north from the valley itself. We then say good-bye to Pacifica and plunge down into the valley. We cross to the other side to hike the Hazelnut Trail which winds and switchbacks its way back to the parking lot. We top it off by hiking the Montara Mountain loop trail with a return to the parking lot on the Brooks Creek Trail. There's a 1.1 mile extension that takes you higher up the mountain from the intersection of Montara and Brooks Creek for those who'd like to extend the hike a bit. Sorry - no dogs allowed.
Bring / Wear: Please bring LOTS of water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, and hiking poles if you use them. The trail is well-designed and maintained so that trails are flat, ascents and descents are gradual, and there are no sections to speak of with rocks and/or roots that make the trail treacherous.
Weather Policy: Canceled in the event of heavy rain.
Alternate Meeting Place: From SF take 280 until Daly City/Colma where you get on Hwy 1 to Pacifica. Take this until you arrive at a large intersection in Pacifica where you turn left onto Linda Mar Blvd. Take that almost to the end where you turn right onto Oddstad where you'll see the park entrance kiosk. Google Maps Link
Alternate Meeting Time: 9:40 AM
Alternate Departure Time: 9:50 AM
Total driving distance, there and back: 39 miles.
easiest < 5 miles < 500' gain
