A View Comes into Re-focus

Hike to Sweeney Ridge Between Pacifica and San Bruno on Sneath Lane

07.22.2020
Hike Sweeney Ridge Trail Sneath Lane Discovery Site

Situated at 1,200 feet on a ridgeline between Pacifica and San Bruno, the scenery from Sweeney Ridge and the San Francisco Bay "Discovery Site" is quite grand. Combine views and some history on this outing.

On clear days you can see out to the rolling waves of the Pacific in one direction, and the tranquil bay waters and pyramid-shaped Mount Diablo in the other. You can get to Sweeney Ridge a few different ways. We recommend starting from the end of Sneath Lane in Pacifica. It’s a simple paved, winding trail uphill for 2 miles (one-way).

Way back in November 1769, Spain sent Captain Juan Gaspar de Portolá on an expedition to this part of California. Along the journey they came across several friendly Native American tribes, including the Ohlone peoples, who lived on the San Francisco Peninsula. A few years later Spanish missionaries and the military showed up, along with the start of colonization and the eradication of the people that called this their home for millennia. The information boards at the Discovery Site give a description of this time.

TIP: This place gets foggy and windy. Check the weather beforehand to visit on a clear day, preferably in the morning before the wind picks up.

Parking is limited at the Sneath Lane trailhead (map). The hike is dog-friendly.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco

    Medallion Walk SF

    The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.

    View

  2. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

  3. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

    View

  4. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View

  2. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

    View

  3. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View