Sweeney Ridge Trail

PACIFICA, CALIFORNIA

Sweeney Ridge Trail

Coastal hills, open sky and a climb above Pacifica.

Explore the Trail

AI-generated landscape illustration

Trail Overview

Climb from the Pacifica side into Sweeney Ridge’s open coastal landscape. Grassland and scrub cover the hills between the ocean and San Francisco Bay.

This guide starts at the Mori Ridge trailhead beside Shelldance Orchid Gardens. It follows the uphill approach to Sweeney Ridge, with the return along the same route.

Starting point
Shelldance / Mori Ridge
Route style
Out and back
Landscape
Exposed coastal hills

The Hike

  1. Start beside Shelldance

    Find the Mori Ridge trailhead near Shelldance Orchid Gardens off Highway 1. Check the National Park Service map before heading uphill.

  2. Follow Mori Ridge uphill

    Stay on the established Mori Ridge route as it climbs toward Sweeney Ridge. Choose a comfortable pace and keep track of junctions for your return.

  3. Choose your ridge turnaround

    At the ridge, consult the map before adding an extension toward the Portolá site. Set your turnaround according to daylight, weather and energy.

  4. Return to the same trailhead

    Retrace Mori Ridge to Shelldance. Other trails lead to different access points, so confirm your return route at junctions.

Getting Here & Parking

Use the trailhead parking area adjacent to Shelldance Orchid Gardens near Highway 1 in Pacifica. Follow posted parking directions and keep nursery access clear.

The linked Maps listing is on Mori Ridge Road. Sneath Lane in San Bruno is a different approach; its distance and elevation figures do not describe this starting point.

Open this trailhead in Google Maps

Google Maps Reviews

4.7 / 5 · 92 reviews, checked 2026-10-14.

Read current reviews on Google Maps

A Few Common Questions

Is this the Sneath Lane route?

No. This guide starts beside Shelldance on the Pacifica side and climbs Mori Ridge.

How far should I plan to walk?

Choose your ridge destination on the NPS map before starting, then allow for the return. This guide does not assign the distance from another trailhead to Mori Ridge.

Will the coast always be visible?

Views depend on weather. Bring layers and be ready to turn around if visibility or conditions deteriorate.

Trail Information Sources

Independent trail guide. Check the land manager’s current notices before visiting.