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South Ridge Trail

4.5 ★★★★★ 4 Google reviews · Running trail in Half Moon Bay, California · Hours vary

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Not reported

We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of South Ridge Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

South Ridge Trail — running trail in Half Moon Bay, CA, photo 1
Scenic

What runners say about South Ridge Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (4 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

The view from the top is incredible. Keep going past where Google Maps takes you and look for the arrow and sign pointing to the right for the Vista Overlook. There’s a big wooden bench. I had the whole place to myself, which is quite remarkable given the breathtaking view of the valley and farms and beach below.

★★★★☆ — Vince , Nov 2022

I run this almost daily and the climb never disappoints. Gorgeous view from the top.

★★★★★ — Callisto , Jul 2023

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 4 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 5 mentions

“The view from the top is incredible.”

More trails like this →

Plan your run at South Ridge Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Where to find South Ridge Trail

Half Moon Bay, California

Get directions

Running trails near Half Moon Bay

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

El Granada Coast Trail

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California Coastal Trail

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Half Moon Bay

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Hiking area with picnic tables and a beach offering sunset views, plus opportunities for wildlife spotting.

2.1 miles away

Half Moon Bay Coastal Trail

4.8 ★★★★★ 348 reviews

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PavedScenic

Scenic coastline featuring beaches and trail-laced bluffs for hiking and biking.

3.1 miles away

Crystal Springs Park

4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews

Palomar Park, CA

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Relaxing place to cycle, jog, hike or walk featuring views of the reservoir.

4.9 miles away

Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 289 reviews

Redwood City, CA

3 miPavedShadedScenic

Flat paved pathway running alongside a lake and reservoir, with views, deer sightings and benches.

5.1 miles away

All running trails in Half Moon Bay, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.