Hiking is Badass Vol. 1

by hi_liner
-
January 07, 2009

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I like to hike. I like to hike a lot. I like letting other people know about hiking so that other people can like to hike a lot. The first entry in "Hiking is Badass" is from my hike last weekend near Half Moon Bay in McNee Ranch State Park. With an elevation gain of 2000 feet, the trail will definitely leave you winded, but the amazing views all the way up are more than worth it.

Get Yourself There:

• From CA 1 in San Mateo County, drive about 4 miles south of the last Pacifica traffic signal (Linda Mar). Turn left into the small parking lot (or park a little further south in the lot on the right side of the road). The trailhead is not well signed, and is easier to find coming north.
We parked in the beach parking lot on the right side of the road 1/2 a mile up. Even if the lot at the trailhead is full, you can find parking up the road.

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The Butt-Kicking Begins

The trail to the top of the mountain has a lot of uphill because, even though its obvious, you are going to the top of the mountain. After a smooth trot up a dirt road you’ll keep right at the fork and venture on to the first uphill trek. Be on the lookout for mountain bikers as this is a favorite for many local cyclers.

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View All The Way Up

Before gaining 500 feet the views already come into play. Many hikers never make it to the top because the serene ocean views draw them in. Be warned that outlooks and picnic tables may get in the way of your mountain top dreams. Avoid these at all costs. The only way to be a certified hiking badass is to reach the summit!

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Top O' The Mountain

After climbing 2000 feet in approximately 90 minutes, you’re greeted with a 360 degree view of the bay. On clear days you can see 10 miles out into the ocean. Look this way and see the Farallon Islands. Look that way and see the Golden Gate Bridge. Look over there and see Oakland. Look behind you and see the coast running back toward Half Moon Bay. Standing on the top is like taking a mini-tour of the entire bay in 20 seconds.

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LUNCH!

After the hike our stomach’s were throwing fits. We immediatley drove into Princeton by the Sea to grab some fish and chips at Barbara’s. This little restaurant is almost always packed, but with the new to-go window you can grab some food and eat in the car or outside. Remember to bring cash as they don’t accept checks or credit.

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Discussions

: by hi_liner 01/17/2009 Reply

Maybe Volume Two will be Big Sur. We’ve never hiked down there so it would definitely be worth the trip.

: by elguapo 01/17/2009 Reply

Looks like a nice trip. You should head south and hike in Big Sur.

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About The Author

hi_liner

Bay Area

Past: I left Montana in the summer. I couldn't wait to get to San Francisco. Future: I left San Francisco in the fall. I couldn't wait to get to Montana.