Sweeney Ridge, coastal hiking area in San Mateo County, California
Sweeney Ridge is a hill in San Mateo County with multiple trails and a summit reaching about 1,200 feet (370 meters). The terrain features coastal grassland and scrub vegetation, with wide paths suitable for hiking, jogging, and mountain biking.
During World War II, the ridge served as part of a coastal defense system with observation posts and cannons to protect against threats. It became part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and continues to mark early exploration routes from the colonial period.
The ridge is named after the Sweeney family, early settlers who lived in the area. Today, locals and visitors use the trails and summit as a place to step away from city life and connect with open land.
The main trailhead at Sneath Lane in San Bruno offers parking and easy access to multiple routes. Bring sturdy shoes and water, as the paths range from short walks under 1 mile to longer hikes exceeding 6 miles, and the area can be windy and cool even on sunny days.
A granite monument near the summit marks the route of Portola, an early explorer who arrived from the south. The marker also identifies distant landmarks visible on clear days, including the Farallon Islands, Mount Tamalpais, Point Reyes, and Mount Diablo.
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