Sweeney Ridge, Golden Gate NP Conservancy

Of the three different approaches to Sweeney Ridge, the gently ascending paved trail from Sneath Lane is the most forgiving. You may have to share the trail with an occasional cyclist, but you'll appreciated the views over the eastern side of the peninsula as you climb including the long expanse of San Andreas Lake.

1.7 miles later you'll be atop Sweeney Ridge, deciding whether to hike north for just under a mile to the Nike missile base, or to take a short walk to the Portola discovery site.

The trailhead is located at the end of Sneath Lane which is accessed directly from Skyline Boulevard.

The trail from Skyline College to the Nike missile base leads from suburbia to coastal chaparral to hilltop in 1½ miles, rewarding the hiker with impressive views in all directions.

The initial climb immediately reveals westerly views overlooking Rockaway Beach and the ocean beyond, and only half a mile into the hike there are impressive views of San Andreas lake, the San Francisco peninsula and the distant east bay.

After dipping into a valley the trail ascends again towards the ridgeline destination where you can either choose to explore the abandoned and dilapidated missile base or continue along the ridgeline.

The trailhead is located between parking lot #3 and lot #4 south of the college buildings. Take care to utilize the parking spaces set aside for trail users.

The Mori Ridge trail climbs steadily up through over 1,000 feet of height - some of which is steep enough to make a regular walking gait difficult, and only the most kamikaze trail runner would attempt.

This trail is a perfect choice for an out-and-back trail, if you're planning to head back as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, and the unencumbered views are nothing short of stunning.

Alternatively you could begin a 7 mile loop trail here, heading up to Sweeney Ridge and then returning along Baquiano Trail and the unofficial Cattle Hill trail.

Finding the Mori Ridge trailhead is easy, but only if you really know what you're looking for. Approach on Route 1 from the South, pass the traffic lights at Reina Del Mar Avenue (by the Gorilla BBQ) and just after the Pacifica Police station there's a very sharp exit onto a road which is signed for the Shelldance Nursery. (Remember to slow down & signal, because it really is a sharp exit!) At the top of the short windy road you'll reach the trailhead.

We recommend only using this trailhead as part of a return 7-mile loop trail from Mori Ridge. The faint and fairly steep trail which runs from the top of Cattle Hill to the Church next to Route 1 is difficult to identify from below.

Also note that this trail crosses private land and may be considered an unofficial trail. No parking is available at this trailhead.

The 1.4 mile hike up Baquiano trail covers the distance to the Portola discovery site in the shortest distance and least elevation gain (500ft).

A great route into the hills for local residents, or those who'd like to combine a hike of Sweeney Ridge with a day at the great Linda Mar beach nearby.

In the fall of 1769 it was on this ridgeline that Spanish army officer Gaspar de Portola recorded the discovery of the San Francisco Bay, which became a defensive stronghold for the Spanish military and a valuable sheltered port.

Built during the 1950s to defend San Francisco from Cold War era threats, the Nike missile base built here on top of Sweeney Ridge was one of eleven defensive Nike sites located around the Bay Area.

Left derelict in the mid 1970s, the buildings here remain relatively intact - possibly held together by the generations of graffiti paint which now daub the walls.

Sweeney Ridge ends abruptly at a gate, and the start of the protected Crystal Springs Watershed. Pressure is on local authorities to open the trail from here to Montara Mountain, but until that happens this is as far as you can go here.