When I founded the Peninsula Hiking Club in June 2021, I was fastidious about confirming attendance. Two and a half years later, my attitude is more laissez-faire. We carpool from my house or meet at the trailhead. I provide GPS coordinates, and if you’re there, you’re there. Today, our crew consisted of 21 humans and 4 dogs. I expected a good turnout, and this one did not disappoint.
It is a common misconception that the coast is always foggy. Not so. Yes, from May to August, you might not see the sun, but for the other 9 months, it can be incredibly clear, as today, with the Farallon Islands, 28 miles west of San Francisco, seemingly not more than a stone’s throw away.
Parking at McNee Ranch, about 15 miles south of San Francisco, on Highway 1, is limited, 5-6 spots tops. There is ample parking a quarter of a mile south, at Montara State Beach, and more than a few spots, usually, at the Whale Cove parking lot, about the same distance north.
The hike itself, a 6 mile out and back, probably a mile or two short of North Peak, is relatively easy, but for a few not insignificant inclines on North Peak Access Road. As intimated above, there are few spots in the Bay Area which provide as wide an aperture of the coastline, with Half Moon Bay to the south; Pacifica, San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, Point Reyes, and Mount Tamalpais to the north. Look east, and Mount Diablo beckons. So many options, but usually best to focus on the trail in front of you.
Conversation topics ranged widely, as one would expect, given our numbers, and professional and personal interests. I am always happy to discuss IP or privacy law topics, or travel, books, or other interests, but even more so on a cool Saturday morning, relatively light wind, climbing gradually, under a cathedral of cypress and fir trees, before the coast opens up, and the mild late autumn sun warms me.
Of course, a Peninsula Hiking Club adventure would not be complete without post-hike beverages and lunch, this time at La Cumbre Taqueria in San Mateo. Arguably, the lunch negated the calories burned during the hike, but who’s counting?
Our next monthly hike, December, will be in San Francisco, starting at Lands Ends and continuing to Fort Point, at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, before looping back through the Presidio, stopping for lunch at Gordo’s Taqueria on Clement, and ending where we started, at Lands End. This will be our second annual San Francisco holiday hike. January and February will likely be Mission Peak (the “double” option) and Mount Diablo, respectively.
Comments welcomed.
The Peninsula Hiking Club 