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Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane

San Bruno, California

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

3.88 miles

Elevation Gain

646 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

This is a great (painful) workout, especially if you're driving back up to SF from the peninsula or vice versa. If you get too hot running during the summer, don't worry, the fog will likely be present.

Starting from the parking lot on Sneath Lane Trail, you’ll head through the gate and continue on the path up Sweeney Ridge. This is a 5.7 mile out-and-back trek. There is a 600 ft. elevation gain, which comes mainly in the first 1.5 miles of the trail. Your legs and lungs may hurt a bit, but if there’s no fog, it's worth the reward. On a clear day, you’ll be able to view the Pacific, Montara Mountain, Pacifica, etc. During the summer, try to run or hike this trail earlier in the day as the fog rolls in by the afternoon, making for a pretty cold experience. If you've ever driven north on the 280 up to SF and see a huge fog bank on the horizon, it starts more or less where this trail is. With that said, you may want to bring a jacket just in case. If you need to pick up water, there's a 76 Station right past the off-ramp when you get off at Sneath Blvd.

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Features

Fitness
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Scenic

Sweeney Ridge via Sneath Lane Reviews

I didn't see how this was a 5.7 out and back trail so I'm wondering if I missed something beyond the graffiti'ed buildings at what I thought was the turning around point. I ended up running down the ridge trail to the right of the buildings which added an additional .5 miles down (holy cow that was steep!) and .5 miles up but I still ended up with 5.5 total. Overall, it's a great run and my version gave me 900+ feet of climbing! And it's only 20 minutes driving from the Mission!

I really enjoyed this hike this morning. A few things: dogs are allowed on leash, The trail is also all paved which made for a nice walk without mud after all these rains. At the top is Nike Missile Site SF 51 that was super fun to explore. The view is gorgeous with views of the bay, south San Francisco and the Pacific. Make sure to bring a jacket as it can get pretty windy at the top.

This is a beautiful trail. Even if it's foggy, it'll feel like you're sitting on the clouds.

This run is great hill training. If you start from the trail head, it's a will-shattering (depending on your level) 1.7-mile climb. But the payoff if an beautiful view of Pacifica and the Bay. Tip: Start slow on the hill and then enjoy the run along the ridge.

Thanks David, the driving directions have been updated. Hope you had a good run!

The link in this article for driving directions needs to be updated. I went to go do this run this past weekend and simply followed the intructions on the link which goes to the middle of a trail and ultimately lands you about 8 miles from where you need to be. Luckily I figured it out and only lost about 15 minutes. The correct location that works in Google Maps is: Sneath Lane Trail Parking, Sneath Ln, San Bruno, CA 94066

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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