Sweeney Ridge in Pacifica, CA is famous for spring wildflowers. It offers great views of San Andreas Lake and Pacific Ocean on clear days. During my last visit in May 2010, the eastern side of the ridge was windy and cold while the western side was fairly calm and warm.

Best Months to Visit: Spring and autumn. Too hot in summers. Too cold and windy in winters. For great views of the ocean, choose a non-foggy day.

Notes: In May 2010, Sneath Lane was quite cold and windy. In contrast, Mori Ridge Trail was warmer and not windy at all. Layered clothing to protect against wind and cold recommended.

Adjacent Parks: Hikes in Sweeney Ridge may be extended into three adjacent parks / preserves (see hike descriptions below):

1) (West) Mori Point: Website — Brochure — Yelp Reviews: Mori Point lies to the west of Sweeney Ridge, right across Highway 1 at Shelldance Nursery trailhead. There's a cliff (like Arch Rock in Point Reyes) jutting into the ocean that provides great views and is peppered with hundreds of wildflowers in spring. A staircase connects the cliff to a large beach at Mori Point. There are bike trails next to the beach (see map). As of May 2010, no online map was available for hiking trails in surrounding hills. From the entrance on Highway 1, you may generally walk in the direction of the ocean, either on top of hills on the left or on a relatively flat trail taking you to the beach. Crossing Highway 1 would be unsafe in heavy traffic. About half a mile south of Shelldance Nursery / Mori Point, there is a traffic light.

2) (North) Milagra Ridge County Park: Trail Map — Yelp Reviews. Milagra Ridge is a small park next to Skyline College trailhead. Offers a short walk to hilltops with great views. You may add this walk to some of the hikes in Sweeney Ridge for increased length.

3) (South) Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail: Website — Trail Map. Sweeney Ridge Trail extends beyond Portola Gate into San Francisco Peninsula Watershed, where it is called the Fifield-Cahill Ridge Trail. Hikes along this trail may be done only through advance reservations (see website) — you would have to make an account to see hiking schedules. A 13-mile one-way hike starts at Skyline College trailhead in Sweeney Ridge and terminates in Skyline Quarry (see trail map).