Basics
- Location:
- Pacifica
- Length:
- 8 - 16 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 2 - 4 hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 100 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 100 feet to 1750 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1650 feet
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
Montara Mountain features mountain bike trails that rise sea level to 1750 feet, offering 360-degree views of the Bay Area.
Montara Mountain can be accessed by two different approaches. The Montara State Park trail system connects to the summit from the south and an old paved service road accesses the summit from McNee State Park to the north. The north route is suggested for the climb to the summit. There are additional technical downhill options once at the summit for riders looking for a challenge.
Montara Mountain’s trails travel through eucalyptus and scrub oak forest and across open meadows that are filled with wildflowers in the spring and early summer months. Horses and hikers are common at Montara Mountain and there are several trails on the mountain that are closed to biking. A map is handy due to the number of trails in the area.
Details
Location:
Length:
Out and back is 16 miles. One way is 8 miles
Difficulty:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Depends on route taken and fitness level
Trailhead Elevation:
Numerous trails with varying elevations
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Additional Details:
Montara Mountain is multi-use and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Hikers and horseback riders are common here. Riders should also carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and extra water and food. A map will come in handy due to the number of trails in the area.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
To access the north side of Montara Mountain, from Highway 1 in Pacifica turn east on Linda Mar. Follow Linda Mar to Adobe and turn right. Once on Adobe, follow to Higgins Way and take a left. Higgins Way dead ends and a fire road heads up the north side of Montara Mountain. Ride up from here.
