May Trail Run
Montara Mountain
Saturday, May 5, 2007
From the back end of Pacifica, we head for the top (1,898') of geologically unique Montara Mtn and enjoy the 360 views before heading down to cozy Gray Whale Cove Beach. Mountain tops and sandy beaches - a classic California coast run. Also, we overlook the Devil's Slide Tunnel construction.
When   Saturday May 5, 2007. Meet at 8:15am for an 8:30am start.
Those who want to carpool meet at the Park&Ride lot at 280 and Page Mill Road. This month, the carpool leaves at 7:30am.
Where   San Pedro Valley Park, 600 Oddstad Blvd. Pacifica, 94044

Bring $5 per vehicle for park entrance fee. More park info.
Take 280 North from Palo Alto (about 27 miles). Exit on CA-1 S toward Pacifica (7 miles). Left onto Linda Mar Blvd (1.9 miles). Right on Oddstad. Quick left into the Park and into the parking lot on the right.
What   A long (about 12.6 miles, 3,300 feet vertical) and a short run (about 6.8 miles, 1,800 feet vertical).
This is a remote trail run and each runner must carry at least one water bottle. To avoid having to search for lost runners we ask every runner to find other runners of approximately the same running ability to form a group. The runners in each group must be able to account for their partners to make sure nobody is lost.
As usual, there will be a potluck after the run, so please bring food or drink to share.
Why   A California Coastal Epic - from an Oak and Eucalyptus shaded Valley to Mountain top Bay and Pacific views, past Highway 1 tunnel construction, and down to a cozy white sand beach. And then back again! The hills are still green, its always cool and breezy - perfect for running.
Trail Directions
The route is pieced together from several sources. This map at climber.org shows the entire route. Our route partially overlaps with the 21KM Route of PC Trail Runs Upcoming (6/30) event. As always, PC Trail Runs has excellent trail descriptions and maps. And the excellent "Hiking the San Francisco Bay Area" by Linda Hamilton contains two hikes on many of the same trails.

Short Run: 6.8 miles
SEGMENTMILESTOTAL
Start on Montara Mtn Trail2.42.4
L - North Peak Access Rd (unpaved, closed to traffic)1.13.5
Enjoy view at top - 1,898'
(the peak to the SE is the higher one with the better view)
03.5
Back the way you came, down N. Peak Access Rd.1.14.6
R - Montara Mtn Trail (part ways with long run)1.15.7
R - Brooks Creek Trail0.86.5
R - Old Trout Farm Trail0.36.8
Long Run: 12.6 miles
SEGMENTMILESTOTAL
Start on Montara Mtn Trail2.42.4
L - North Peak Access Rd (unpaved, closed to traffic)1.13.5
Enjoy view at top - 1,898'
(the peak to the SE is the higher one with the better view)
03.5
Back the way you came, down N. Peak Access Rd.1.14.6
Pass Montara Mtn Trail Jcn (part ways with short run)0.95.5
R - Old Pedro Mtn Rd - look for a 'gateway' of two posts
This trail has steep sections and is poorly marked.
0.86.3
R - Gray Whale Cove Trail0.97.2
Across the parking lot, Hwy 1, and down steps to the beach0.37.5
Enjoy the beach (unofficially clothing optional)07.5
Retrace your steps to Gray Whale Cove trailhead0.37.8
Back up Gray Whale Cove Trail0.98.7
L - Old Pedro Mtn Trail0.89.5
L - N. Peak Access Rd0.910.4
L - Montara Mtn Trail1.111.5
R - Brooks Creek Trail0.812.3
R - Old Trout Farm Trail0.312.6