McNee Ranch State Park Trails

The McNee Ranch State Park is part of Montara State Beach in the Santa Cruz Mountains. When you visit this 625-acre park, you'll experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Coast, San Francisco Bay, and the coastal hills surrounding the area. There are also two beaches within walking distance of McNee Ranch State Park and several miles of trail within the park. Your dog can come along for your trip to this pawesome park as long as they're leashed.

This state park may be more rugged than others you're used to, as it has no visitors center, no signposts, and only one portable toilet. Parking is also quite limited here. What the park lacks in amenities, though, it makes up for in gorgeous views, making this the pawfect spot for a puppy photo op!

There are four different trails to choose from in the park with a variety of difficulty levels and lengths. Fitter furry friends will pawsitively love the partial loop to the summit of Montara Mountain, the 3.9-mile North Peak Access Road, and the 3.2-mile Old San Pedro Mountain Road. Laidback lapdogs might prefer to trek the one-mile Gray Whale Cove Trail.

Most of the trails here are strenuous, with steep inclines, but if you're just looking for a quick and easy hike, embark on the Gray Whale Cove Trail. This trail has mild inclines, and if you visit during the spring, you'll see all sorts of wildflowers blooming. During whale migration season, you might even spot whales near the beaches!

The shortest trail in the park, Gray Whale Cove, will take less than an hour to complete. The longest trail will take about four hours, so you and Fido have options no matter your fitness level. Locals advise wearing decent hiking shoes as some of the terrain can be slippery.

There's a reason so many California locals say this is their favorite spot to hike, and you and your pooch will see why in no time!