Pacifica to Half Moon Bay Hike

Join us for a spectacular coastal adventure from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, exploring one of the most scenic stretches of the San Mateo County coast. Starting in Pacifica’s Linda Mar neighborhood, we’ll climb over San Pedro Mountain on the remnants of Old Highway 1 before descending back to the sea, with sweeping ocean views the entire way.

Along the route, we’ll pass through Montara and Moss Beach, stopping by the historic Point Montara Lighthouse, the dramatic bluffs of the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, and the legendary Moss Beach Distillery. We’ll finish with a short beach stroll into Princeton-by-the-Sea to Pillar Point Harbor at the north end of Half Moon Bay.

Expect stunning coastal scenery, charming neighborhoods, café pit stops, and plenty of Camino camaraderie on this full day hike.

Schedule: Park and meet us at 9:30 AM in the Linda Mar Shopping Center at the Bank of America side parking lot behind Safeway. We’ll have lunch on the trail in Montara and expect to arrive at Pillar Point Harbor around 4:00 PM. We’ll catch the SamTrans 17 bus together and arrive back at the Linda Mar Shopping Center by 5:00 PM. This is a rain or shine event! However, severe weather will cancel.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately difficult hike. Total mileage is about 13 miles with total elevation gain of 1,512 feet. Paved paths, sidewalks, and dirt trails (often uneven).

This hike is not suitable for those who are new to hiking or have not been training regularly. To participate, you must have recent experience completing hikes of similar distance and elevation and be able to sustain a consistent pace of 2.5 mph. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to turn back in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you’re not at this fitness level yet, please do not sign up. Instead, focus on building your endurance on your own with less demanding hikes or on our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Every participant must sign up online. No drop-ins permitted. Because space is limited, register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There

By car: 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 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 and take a left to the Bank of America side parking lot.

By bus (from Daly City BART): Take the SamTrans 110 bus to the terminus at Linda Mar Park & Ride (across from the Linda Mar Shopping Center). Leaves every 30 minutes and takes about one hour.

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.

Please arrive early to use the restroom inside the Safeway before the meeting time. The next opportunity won’t be until the lunch stop.

What to Bring: Bring a bag lunch, snacks, water and sun protection or rain gear, if weather calls for it (we walk, rain or shine). Hiking poles will be helpful. Clipper for your transit rides. You can also “tap and pay” with a credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay.

Leader: Guy Joaquin

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