From the back end of Pacifica, we head for the top (1,898') of geologically unique Montara Mtn and enjoy the 360 degree view 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 Sunday December 7, 2008. 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 The run starts and ends in
San Pedro Valley Park, 600 Oddstad Blvd. Pacifica, 94044. Bring $5 per vehicle for park entrance fee. The middle half of this run is in Montara Beach State Park (formerly McNee Ranch SP).
Take 280 North from Palo Alto (about 22 miles). Exit on CA-35/Skyline Blvd toward Pacifica. Left onto Sharp Park Rd. At the bottom of the hill cloverleaf onto Hwy 1. Left at Linda Mar Blvd (last light in Pacifica). Right on Oddstad. Quick left into the Park and into the parking lot on the right.
Google Map.
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 construction of the Devil's Slide bypass tunnel, and down to a cozy white sand beach. And then back again!
The route is pieced together from several sources. This
map at climber.org shows the entire route. Also the route partially overlaps with the 21KM Route of PC Trail Runs. As always, PC Trail Runs has excellent
trail descriptions and
maps. The excellent "Hiking the San Francisco Bay Area" by Linda Hamilton contains two hikes on many of the same trails. And, as usual, the
Google Maps Terrain View of the park is also illuminating.
| Short Run: 6.8 miles |
| SEGMENT | MILES | TOTAL |
| Start on Montara Mtn Trail | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| L - North Peak Access Rd (unpaved, closed to traffic) | 1.1 | 3.5 |
Enjoy view at top - 1,898'
(the peak to the SE is the higher one with the better view) | 0.0 | 3.5 |
| Back the way you came, down N. Peak Access Rd. | 1.1 | 4.6 |
| R - Montara Mtn Trail* | 1.1 | 5.7 |
| R - Brooks Creek Trail | 0.8 | 6.5 |
| R - Old Trout Farm Trail | 0.3 | 6.8 |
| Long Run: 12.6 miles |
| SEGMENT | MILES | TOTAL |
| Start on Montara Mtn Trail | 2.4 | 2.4 |
| L - North Peak Access Rd (unpaved, closed to traffic) | 1.1 | 3.5 |
Enjoy view at top - 1,898'
(the peak to the SE is the higher one with the better view) | 0.0 | 3.5 |
| Back the way you came, down N. Peak Access Rd. | 1.1 | 4.6 |
| Pass Montara Mtn Trail Jcn* | 0.9 | 5.5 |
R - Old Pedro Mtn Rd - look for a 'gateway' of two posts
This trail has steep sections and is poorly marked. | 0.8 | 6.3 |
| R - Gray Whale Cove Trail | 0.9 | 7.2 |
| Across the parking lot, Hwy 1, and down steps to the beach | 0.3 | 7.5 |
| Enjoy the beach (unofficially clothing optional) | 0.0 | 7.5 |
| Retrace your steps to Gray Whale Cove trailhead | 0.3 | 7.8 |
| Back up Gray Whale Cove Trail | 0.9 | 8.7 |
| L - Old Pedro Mtn Trail | 0.8 | 9.5 |
| L - N. Peak Access Rd | 0.9 | 10.4 |
| L - Montara Mtn Trail | 1.1 | 11.5 |
| R - Brooks Creek Trail | 0.8 | 12.3 |
| R - Old Trout Farm Trail | 0.3 | 12.6 |
| * long and short runs part ways here |
