Pacifica Pier to Sweeney Ridge, Pacifica CA

• 4-star hike
• 7 mile out-and-back
• Moderate | Gain 1,250 feet
• Pacifica, CA | San Francisco Region
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The image shows a scenic coastal landscape featuring a long pier extending into the ocean, a sandy beach, and a small town with red-roofed buildings. In the foreground, there is a lush green area with trees and a body of water, possibly a pond or a small lake. The background includes a range of mountains across the water.

alt text
The image shows a scenic coastal landscape featuring a long pier extending into the ocean, a sandy beach, and a small town with red-roofed buildings. In the foreground, there is a lush green area with trees and a body of water, possibly a pond or a small lake. The background includes a range of mountains across the water.

Pacifica's pier is the starting point for this hike.

There are several ways up Sweeney Ridge, but you won't find this one in a guidebook, which is a shame because in 90 minutes you can go from surfer's paradise to hill-top Nike missile base overlooking the whole of the mid-peninsula from bay to ocean.

Starting out in the large parking lot by Pacifica, take in the sea air and warm up your hiking muscles on the beach, before taking off past Sharp Park golf course towards Mori Point. Hang a left, stay on level ground and eventually you'll hit Route 1, which you'll have to tackle by heading north to the crosswalk.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Pier To PeakTitle 6.8 mi out & back, moderate, gain 1,250 ft
AllTrails · GPX File · Directions GPX?

Once over the crosswalk head into the houses and bear right, leading to a signed path which in turn leads to a junction between Route 1 and a nursery selling orchids. Though there's nothing to tell you this, head up the hill and you'll find the Sweeney Ridge trailhead.

The trail from here is known as Mori Ridge and it'll lead you directly to the summit where you can take in the views before heading back down again. The trail is a little steep in places, but really nothing to worry about. This is a particularly good evening hike, with the sun setting over the ocean and the city lights twinkling below.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with rolling green hills, cliffs, and a beach with waves crashing onto the shore. The foreground is covered with various wildflowers, predominantly yellow, adding vibrant colors to the scene. The ocean is a clear blue, and the sky is cloudless, indicating a bright, sunny day.

The image shows a scenic coastal landscape with rolling green hills, cliffs, and a beach with waves crashing onto the shore. The foreground is covered with various wildflowers, predominantly yellow, adding vibrant colors to the scene. The ocean is a clear blue, and the sky is cloudless, indicating a bright, sunny day.

Wildflowers on Mori Point.

This image depicts a scenic landscape with layers of fog rolling through valleys during a sunrise or sunset, creating a serene and dramatic atmosphere. The silhouette of hills and trees adds depth to the composition.

This image depicts a scenic landscape with layers of fog rolling through valleys during a sunrise or sunset, creating a serene and dramatic atmosphere. The silhouette of hills and trees adds depth to the composition.

When the fog is around there are still dramatic views to be had.

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

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

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