Pacifica, CA: Northern California Chapter, Pacifica to Half Moon Bay Hike

May 14, 2022 9:00AM—6:00PM

Location

Linda Mar Shopping Center at the Bank of America side parking lot (behind Safeway).

Event Contact Guy Joaquin | Email

Categories

Join us for an epic trek down the San Mateo County Coast from the Linda Mar neighborhood in Pacifica to Pillar Point Harbor at the north end of Half Moon Bay. On this sea-to-summit-back-to-sea route, we’ll climb up and over Pedro Mountain on the remnants of old State Route 1 to Montara and take a peak at the historic Point Montara Lighthouse. We’ll then trod along the dramatic coastal bluffs, passing by the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve and the storied Moss Beach Distillery, and end with a beach stroll in the town of Princeton-By-The-Sea. With sweeping ocean and mountain views, charming little neighborhoods, café pit stops and pilgrim camaraderie, this all-day hike is guaranteed to bring us back to those wonderful days on the Camino! Registration required.

Schedule: Park and meet at 9:00 AM for sign-in and briefing in the Linda Mar Shopping Center at the Bank of America side parking lot (behind Safeway). We’ll have lunch at the base of Pedro Mountain on the Montara side and expect to arrive at Pillar Point Harbor around 5:00 PM. We’ll catch the SamTrans 17 bus at the stop near La Costanera restaurant and arrive at the Linda Mar Park & Ride (across the street from the shopping center) around 6:00 PM. For those interested in dinner afterwards, we’ll convoy over to Pacifica Brewery in nearby Rockaway Beach. Here’s a map from Linda Mar to the brewery.

Level of Difficulty: Moderately difficult. Total elevation gain is 1345 feet (about 134 flights of stairs!) that is mostly over Pedro Mountain, but the ascent and descent are gradual since the path was originally designed for cars. However, because the total distance is long at around 13 miles, this hike is still somewhat challenging. It is suited for those who have been actively training and have recent experience with comparable hikes.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button above to sign up by Thursday, May 12. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There: From points north of Pacifica and the East Bay, go through San Francisco, connect to Highway 1 South and take a left onto Linda Mar Blvd. in Pacifica. From the Mid-Peninsula and the South Bay, go through Half Moon Bay, connect to Highway 1 North and take a right onto Linda Mar Blvd. From either direction, make an immediate right into the shopping center. Go past the Safeway and Ross Dress For Less and take a left to the Bank of America side parking lot. The area is always clear on weekends to park and you can easily spot our group.

Note: Please arrive early enough to allow time to pick up lunch, if needed, and/or visit the restroom at the Safeway before the meeting time. The next opportunity won’t be until the lunch stop.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one and/or coordinate cars at the start and end points as an alternative to returning by bus.

What to Bring: A bag lunch, snacks, water and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Good hiking shoes and hiking poles will be helpful. Some warm clothes for sitting outside if you join the dinner (leave in car). Bus fare for the return to Linda Mar: Clipper ($2.05 Adult/$1.00 Senior) or Cash ($2.25 Adult/$1.10 Senior).

Leaders: Chapter members Guy Joaquin, Merula Furtado and Marilyn McCartney

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.