Golden Valley
Hike the Valley View Trail at San Pedro Valley County Park in Pacifica
Crisp fall days can bring out the best in the rolling hills of Pacifica. And the Valley View Trail at San Pedro Valley County Park is particularly fetching with autumn’s warm lighting making the scenery glow on a 2-mile loop hike.
From Plaskon Nature Trail, hike along a creekside path to Valley View Trail and begin a 500-foot climb in a series of switchbacks through a eucalyptus grove. The terrain changes to open grassland and hillsides covered in chaparral.
At the trail’s highest point (about a mile in) take in views of coastline, with particularly good glimpses of the Pacific to the west. Vistas of Montara Mountain and San Pedro Creek Valley greet you as you continue. Benches beckon along the route, so stop and admire the scenery. The descent into the valley has some rocky sections which can be slick, so mind your step.
Wrap things up on Weiler Ranch Road, where a half-mile stretch traverses the valley, made extra golden in late afternoon sun.
BONUS BEER & FOOD: Post-hike, get some takeout food and beers in Pacifica at Devil’s Slide Taproom. Specializing in the West Coast craft scene, this place has a lot of beers on tap and a tasty menu with everything from burgers to salads and a tasty fried chicken sandwich. They are also working on setting up outdoor dining.
San Pedro Valley County Park's day-use fee is $6 per vehicle. No dogs.
