Pacifica, CA: Northern California Chapter, Sweeney Ridge Hike

Join us on the coast in Pacifica for a hike up to Sweeney Ridge where the first recorded European sighting of the San Francisco Bay was made by the Portolá Expedition on November 4, 1769. We’ll begin our loop route from the Safeway in Pacifica Manor and ascend 1,200 feet on the Milagra Ridge Trail to the top of the ridge. From there, we’ll continue on a gentler rolling path through mostly coastal scrub on the Sweeney Ridge Trail past Skyline College and abandoned buildings of a former Nike missile control facility. Fingers crossed for a clear day so we can see both the ocean and the bay from Mt. Diablo to the Farallon Islands. After our visit to the Ohlone-Portolá Heritage site commemorating the “discovery,” we’ll head back down to sea level on the Mori Ridge Trail and take a beachside stroll back to complete the loop.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:30 AM in front of the Pacifica Manor Safeway. We’ll stop for lunch along the ridge and expect to arrive back at Safeway by 4:00 PM. In the event of rain, the hike will be cancelled and registered participants will be notified by email.

Level of Difficulty: This is a difficult hike of about 11 miles and 1,437 feet of total elevation gain. It starts with a 1,200-foot steady and sometimes steep climb and the descent is rocky and also steep. A combination of dirt and paved trails and city streets. If you haven’t started training yet or just getting started, we strongly recommend first joining one of our monthly Lake Merritt walks and/or getting more hiking experience on your own. This hike is suited for those who can hike for 4-5 hours and have recent experience with hills and/or mountain climbs.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, please 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 update our list.

Getting There

By Car: From SF and points north and east: Take 101 South, 280 South and Hwy 1 South to Pacifica. Take exit 507 and continue on Palmetto Ave to Safeway in the Manor Plaza shopping center. From points south: Take Hwy 1 North to Pacifica. Take exit 507 toward Monterey Road. Turn left onto Oceana Blvd. Turn left onto Manor Drive then right into the Manor Plaza shopping center. Use Google Maps for exact directions from your location.

Parking is available on the streets surrounding the shopping center. Be sure to double check signs for any restrictions. The shopping center has its own parking lot, but since we will be gone most of the day, park at your own risk.

By BART and Bus: Take BART to Colma. Exit the station and turn left to the first bus stop berth and board the SamTrans 112 bus that leaves at 8:32 AM to Sharp Park Pacifica. This is the first and only departure that will arrive in time for the hike. Get off at the Palmetto and Manor stop (after McDonald’s), which is directly in front of Safeway. It is about a 25-minute ride.

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Bring a bag lunch (or arrive early and buy at Safeway), snacks, and plenty of water (there is no water available on the trails). Hiking poles will be helpful, especially for the steep and rocky descent from the ridge. Clipper if you take BART and/or the bus.

Leader: Guy Joaquin

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