Home › California › Pacifica › Sweeney Ridge Trail
Sweeney Ridge Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 490 Google reviews · Running trail in Pacifica, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Loop distance
- 7 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sweeney Ridge Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Multi-use trails draw visitors to where San Francisco Bay was first discovered by Europeans.
What runners say about Sweeney Ridge Trail
“The view is beautiful and you can see San Francisco Airport and Pacific Ocean.”
About an hour (or less, if you're fast) hike up to the top. There are some steep areas, just take your time and you'll make it to the end. Very scenic, especially on a clear day, may even see the Pacific Ocean. If you have time, you can continue your hike to Pacifica....
It's amazing to see Mt Diablo above the clouds plus planes flying by. Also great view of south San Francisco and the San Andreas Lake. I believe the scene would vary depending on the weather but equally beautiful.
Highly recommend for runners! Great for those living nearby desiring peace and some nature on the weekend. Route taken; Skyline College -> Notch Trail-> Sweeney Ridge Trail -> Portola Gate -> Horse trail -> Park Boundary and then reverse. Very fun and relaxing hike/run with well maintained trails.
Hiked the Sweeney Ridge trail and the Mori point trail in a 7 mile round trip loop. Amazing views and weather. Views of Mt. Diablo and south San Francisco city on a clear day. Great wildflowers during month of April.
Trail conditions & character
“If I had the time would have also gone to Mori point and checked out the ocean view.”
“Starting with warm temperatures around 3pm meeting the fog on top of the hills and finishing down at the parking lot 2 hours later and low 60's temperatures.”
“Starting with warm temperatures around 3pm meeting the fog on top of the hills and finishing down at the parking lot 2 hours later and low 60's temperatures.”
“The paths are all paved although not perfectly smooth enough for small wheeled scooters and skateboards.”
“*Update (3/24/22 dropped a Star ⭐): Some dog owners are not always leashing or cleaning up after.”
“Hiked the Sweeney Ridge trail and the Mori point trail in a 7 mile round trip loop.”
“Doesn't seem to be a loop trail, so I didn't have to double back the way I came and I saw more.”
Plan your run at Sweeney Ridge Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Loop distance7 mi back to where you parked. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone+1 415-561-4323
- Social Instagram · Facebook
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