Sweeney Ridge Trails

This system of trails is located in beautiful Sweeney Ridge, a prime bicycling and hiking area in San Mateo county. From the trailhead in the Crestmoor neighborhood of San Bruno, a paved path ascends two miles to the top of the ridge, gaining 500 feet of elevation in the process. Views are almost immediate and feature the San Andreas Reservoir as well as the San Francisco Bay and the East Bay Hills. San Bruno Mountain looms imposingly over the bay, while airplanes take off every few seconds from the San Francisco Airport. From the top of the ridge, a few strategically placed benches invite the traveler to pause and take in the views. Montara Mountain, Pacifica, and the ocean are visible on the other side of the ridge. The coastal scrub habitat present throughout the area harbors mountain lions, bobcats, rabbits, voles, and shrews, while providing a bloom of wildflowers in the spring. While the trail becomes dirt near the Nike Missile Site, the signed Mori Ridge Trail can be followed all the way down to Highway One. If one wishes, the trail can be extended further by making a somewhat hazardous crossing of Hwy One to enter the Mori Point coastal trail system. Fog and wind can be an issue on this exposed ridge, especially on the side facing the coastline. Check the weather before heading over and make sure to always bring an extra layer, even on seemingly gorgeous days. The paved portion of the trail runs from the trailhead up to the intersection at the top of the ridge that features a bathroom. There's another paved portion on Sweeney Ridge Trail that runs from the intersection to the Nike Missile Site. These paved sections are about ten feet wide and excellent for bicycle riding. The rest of the trails are moderately strenous dirt trails.