Milagra Ridge, Pacifica CA

• 4-star hike
• 1 to 2 mile options
• Easy | Gain 210 to 350 feet
• Pacifica, CA | San Francisco Region
.
The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with a dirt path leading down a hill towards the ocean. The path is bordered by wooden posts connected by ropes. The foreground consists of grassy and bushy vegetation, while the background features rolling hills, a sandy beach, and the vast expanse of the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with a dirt path leading down a hill towards the ocean. The path is bordered by wooden posts connected by ropes. The foreground consists of grassy and bushy vegetation, while the background features rolling hills, a sandy beach, and the vast expanse of the ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Echoes of two past wars are still present on Milagra Ridge, and can be easily identified on this short hike above Pacifica. Thankfully the military emplacements don't detract from the beauty of the park, nor do they obscure the excellent panoramic coastal views which make this short hike a worthwhile experience.

Gun Battery 244 served the San Francisco Bay as part of the area's World War Two defenses, primarily to defend against the Japanese threat in a post Pearl Harbor world.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 3★ Milagra Ridge 1.6 mi loop, easy, gain 210 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Milagra Overlook Trail 1.2 mi out & back, easy, gain 350 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions

In stark contrast to this is the cold-war era Nike Missile Site SF-51L which was introduced to defend against the new technologies of the jet age. The site has long been decommissioned, and most of what remains of the base lies underground and inaccessible. For those wishing to see more of a Nike missile bases, you only need to travel another two miles to Sweeney Ridge.

As with any northern peninsula hike, be sure to check the weather before setting out as these coastal hillsides are not exactly a stranger to low clouds and fog. Parking can be a little tight too, since there's only room for around 5-6 cars. More parking can be found on the street outside the park but this would add an extra half-mile to your hike.

The image shows a concrete structure, possibly an old military bunker or pillbox, that has been heavily covered in colorful graffiti. The graffiti includes various designs and characters, with prominent colors such as red, green, blue, purple, and pink. The structure is situated in a grassy area with trees in the background and a clear blue sky above.

The image shows a concrete structure, possibly an old military bunker or pillbox, that has been heavily covered in colorful graffiti. The graffiti includes various designs and characters, with prominent colors such as red, green, blue, purple, and pink. The structure is situated in a grassy area with trees in the background and a clear blue sky above.

WWII bunker on the Overlook Trail. Not original color scheme.

The image shows two people sitting on a wooden bench overlooking a scenic coastal town. One person is pointing towards the town and the ocean, which stretches out to the horizon. The town is nestled between green hills and the ocean, with a pier extending into the water. There is a sports field with a track and a blue-roofed building visible in the foreground.

The image shows two people sitting on a wooden bench overlooking a scenic coastal town. One person is pointing towards the town and the ocean, which stretches out to the horizon. The town is nestled between green hills and the ocean, with a pier extending into the water. There is a sports field with a track and a blue-roofed building visible in the foreground.

Pacifica from the Overlook Trail.

Tangents:
• Official: Milagra Ridge
• AllTrails Public: Milagra Ridge
• Facebook Group: Comment, Follow Us

Trailspotting Nearby
4★ Mori Point (1-2 mi) · 4★ Pedro Point Headlands (2-3 mi) · 4★ Montara Mountain (7-11 mi) · Show Map

California Coastlines
California coastal hikes and beaches to check out.

Best hiking trails and rail trails in California

Best Trails of California
See our favorite hiking trails for each region of California.