Gray Whale Cove Trail – McNee Ranch State Park loop from Portola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay
Gray Whale Cove Trail – McNee Ranch State Park loop from Portola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay
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Gray Whale Cove Trail – McNee Ranch State Park loop from Portola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay
02:40
27.3km
640m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
9.65 km
Old San Pedro Rd & North Peak Rd junction
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Tip by
9.97 km
Gray Whale Cove Trail
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Tip by
10.9 km
Old San Pedro Rd trail junction
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Tip by
13.5 km
McNee Ranch State Park
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Tip by
27.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
18.4 km
4.84 km
3.14 km
781 m
156 m
Surfaces
18.6 km
5.62 km
2.77 km
368 m
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Elevation
Highest point (280 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Thursday 25 June
16°C
12°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're envisioning a smooth, traditional touring cycling experience, the Gray Whale Cove Trail – McNee Ranch State Park loop from Portola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay might surprise you. This 17.0-mile (27.3 km) route, rated difficult with 2114 feet (644 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 39 minutes, combines varied terrain that is often better suited for mountain biking or hiking, making it a challenging proposition for a standard touring bicycle.
What to expect on Gray Whale Cove Trail – McNee Ranch State Park loop from Portola Discovery Site of San Francisco Bay
Expect a diverse and often demanding journey. The Gray Whale Cove Trail itself offers stunning ocean views and wildflowers as it hugs the bluffs above Highway 1, though its singletrack nature is more suited for mountain bikes. As you climb into McNee Ranch State Park, you'll encounter wide fire roads that can be steep, sandy, or rutted, leading to significant elevation changes up Montara Mountain. From nearly 1,900 feet, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific, San Francisco Bay, and even Mount Diablo on a clear day. The Portola Discovery Site on Sweeney Ridge also provides panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, but access is primarily via hiking trails and fire roads. This route is best suited for experienced mountain bikers with robust bikes, not traditional touring cyclists.
Planning your visit
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions, as fog and strong winds are common in this coastal area, so layers are essential. Poison oak is prevalent, especially on less-groomed trails, so stay aware of your surroundings. While specific parking details for a combined loop are not explicitly defined, access points for the individual areas exist. Given the technical nature of much of this route, ensure your bike is appropriate for challenging off-road conditions.
Trail details
- Distance: 17.0 miles (27.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 2114 feet (644 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 39 minutes
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