Sweeney Ridge Trail via Sneath Lane is a 7.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near San Bruno, California that features beautiful wild flowers. The trail is rated as moderate and offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
dogs on leash
birding
hiking
mountain biking
nature trips
trail running
walking
partially paved
views
wild flowers
wildlife
Explores the wonders of Sweeny Ridge. The Ridge trail offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Andreas Reservoir. Of the three different approaches to Sweeney Ridge, the gently ascending paved trail from Sneath Lane is the most forgiving. You may have to share the trail with an occasional cyclist, but you'll appreciated the views over the eastern side of the peninsula as you climb including the long expanse of San Andreas Lake. On top of Sweeney Ridge, you can decide whether to hike north for just under a mile to the Nike missile base, or to take a short walk to the Portola discovery site. The trailhead is located at the end of Sneath Lane which is accessed directly from Skyline Boulevard.
Jazz C.
If you are a runner, this trail is challenging! Steep inclines, Half paved / half trail so if you're more of a trail runner make sure you're wearing trail running shoes! I had to slow down a lot when I hit the dirt since I was wearing road shoes. Mostly open and unshaded so bring sunglasses or a hat if its a clear day. The fog rolls in from the Pacifica side so also layer up! Cool views of the bay! Great workout if you're training for a hilly race! Please keep in mind the one restroom on the trail is unkept and really gross which was very disappointing because it forced me to end my run early.
Exposed but scenic views at the top
amazing views
All paved (for better or worse), nice views, good work out.
Unfortunately, lots of air traffic noise pollution (right by the airport).
Scenery: 2
Views: 4
Difficulty: 3.5
Crowds: 3
Shade: 1
My 1-5 Rating Scale Comparisons for above:
5 for Scenery; Mcway Falls Julia Pfeiffer Burns SP
4.5 for Scenery: Berry Creek Falls Big Basin State Park
4 for Scenery: Steep Ravine Trail
5 for Views: Nimitz Trail Tilden Park
5 for Views: Ridge Trail San Bruno Mtn Park
4.5 for Views Montara Mtn Summit San Pedro County Park
4 for Views Rancho Canada Del Oro Bald Peaks trail
5 for Difficulty: Junipero Serra Peak
4 for Difficulty: Mount El Sombroso Loop Trail
Love the views of the hills & Bay Area. The hills give you a great workout. Interesting to see the Nike Missle site and learning about the history. I'd definitely do this again and hopefully keep hiking down to the Farallones Trail. Love the smells of the nearby plants and eucalyptus trees.
Decent workout, gorgeous views of bay area and pacifico
challenging and worth the effort. we went up the paved way and my 7 year old made it up with me. once you get up to the top the old Nike missle post and buildings are great to look at and take pictures of. the view of course is a awesome.
One of the places I've been to.
Great trail, mostly because it is so close to SF and surrounding area. An easy 20 minutes drive from SF and your in the coastal mountain ridge line. Beautiful!
Yes it’s not dirt but once you get up to the top you can choose dirt and take other trails along the ridge. Great way to spend the morning!
Amy I.
This is Bay Area winter running at its finest. Windy and hilly but still sunny! The views make the concrete worth the effort. The dirt trails begin after the missile area which is now unkempt and heavily graffitied.
Well maintained paved road leads up to spectacular views of Pacifica. Retired missle control station makes for interesting photo oppurtunities. Great spring hike. Pack water as it can get warm.
Great bay/Crystal Springs reservoir views all the way to the top, where you are rewarded with great ocean views. A lone bathroom at the top, right when you need it.
However, pavement doesn't have that natural hike feeling. On foggy days, you will have no views as you walk amongst the clouds.
amazing view and unique monument at the top. steep paved hike to the monument. bathroom at the top was great to have. free parking.
Kathleen H.
Great trail for humans and doggos!
Great view towards ocean & bay
Diana D.
Great hike and a great view!
Very nice trail. It was a beautiful sunny day at the Sweeney Ridge Trail and no fog. The route is all paved and not a dirt trail. I even saw a few families with strollers. Only a few spots with shade. The steady incline was a good work out. There was even a restroom at the top of the trail overlooking the Pacific Ocean. I would definitely go again!!!
Great views! Went to the missile base and back. Paved the whole way, so more of a "walk" than a hike, but the incline is certainly a work out. 99% exposed...sunscreen is mandatory.
The start of the inlcines were pretty rough for a beginner like me And i noticed they barely have seats. However onced i reached the Nike Missile Control Site, it felt awesome seeing the deserted site filled with colorful graffiti. I exited via Sneath Lane, and the view of the lake and the airport was awesome as i make my way down.
All geographic there!
Nice trail. Good gradual incline. Great views!
A great hike. We went to the Nike Missile site and back. About 4.5M RT. Pretty strenuous for kids. Warning: no shade.
I was saddened to see it was all asphalt and not much shade. The view on the top is beautiful.
Nice wide paved trail. Can be quick windy.
I don't like that it follows along 280. It's noisy.
Trail was 90% paved trail starting from the parking lot at Sneath Lane to the top of the Portola Discovery Site. That hike was about 40 minutes (average walking speed of 3mph) with a few pit stops for the dog. There is a bathroom at that point. From Portola to Mori Ridge entrance was another 45 minutes. Going back to the parking lot was a little over an hour. FYI there is very little shade along this trail and there are no water fountains at any point on this trail, so bring plenty of water for yourself and four legged friend(s). Enjoy the hike!
Nice views. Fully paved
good challenging ride.
I think the mileage is off. My guess is that it's only 6 or 6.5 to the gate and back. I used to know exact and its 6.3 from Skyline College. Just FYI