MudNCrud Forums
Out'n about... just not Climbing => Biking => Topic started by: Skyline35 on December 31, 2013, 01:45:07 PM
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“Rancho Corral de Tierra, where the trail shreds you!”
That was my impression after I rode up the Spine Trail on Feb 23, 2011. It was overgrown with razor edged pampas grass, spiky berry vines, poison oak, and chamise. I was a mess by the time I got back to the car.
Lately I've been reading that the trails at Rancho Corral de Tierra have improved. Yet another warm winter day provided an opportunity to go check it out. Happily, the National Park Service has cut back the foliage and it's pretty nice now (well, still steep). They've even done some of the transversing PG&E powerline access road. From the top of Spine, I walked a bit of this up to the triple power pole. Awesome view!
Rancho Corral de Tierra entrance at Etheldore Street:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7423/11671969263_0a0a200c4f_o.jpg)
Spine Trail sign/direction arrow in the Ember Ridge Stable:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/11672505516_0487c3ed58_o.jpg)
Llamas are Dolly (left) and Sierra.
Ember Ridge Stable:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/11671962413_94e17c778f_o.jpg)
PSA, please walk your bike through Ember Ridge Stables (just like we do at Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz).
Seismic monitoring station, vandalized since last time:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5541/11671711825_b09c5daf82_o.jpg)
The info sign is gone and a solar panel is bashed.
Going uphill, you pass through a Eucalyptus grove:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3745/11671954753_62045a34df_o.jpg)
You turn left in here which I missed today and had to backtrack a little.
Out of the forest; my destination, the triple power poles, is visible in the distance:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5539/11671945913_ee100d08a6_o.jpg)
Some plants that shred (you), Pampas grass:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/11672074004_b77ec33ef4_o.jpg)
…and spiky berry vines:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/11672066474_5efec896a2_o.jpg)
Over the summer of 2013, they've machine cut back the foliage, this would have been very overgrown before the work:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2836/11671940963_cf3f67f2c8_o.jpg)
Very nice though the Pampas grass has grown back quickly (as you can see in the photo above).
Near the top, here is a section that goes over bare granite (or something):
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2856/11672060594_ba443d4f56_o.jpg)
The broken plywood on the ground is the traditional end-point of the Spine Trail. The triple power poles is up to the right and wow, they've brushed the trail leading there:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7297/11671682575_536525f596_o.jpg)
Also at this spot there are ribbons flagging the start of a trail to North Peak:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/11672057324_635d4a7aef_o.jpg)
The work is very preliminary. It would be tough to just hike it.
The “trail” to North Peak would be a left turn but I went right (leaving the bike behind) and hiked up to the triple power pole. Wow they cut through this:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/11672445426_e9496f3d6b_o.jpg)
On my way back down, I stopped and chatted with an equestrian lady riding up the Spine. She mentioned that this is a barrier for her.
Yellow feathers on the ground here:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/11671662095_3326ea0613_o.jpg)
What kind of bird was this?
Old PG&E access road to triple power poles:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3824/11671679405_d028dd9f40_o.jpg)
At the bottom of the little valley is Dennison Creek and I believe there is a culvert for it. That isolated pine tree is a landmark visible from space!
The old PG&E access road to triple power poles from the other side:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3709/11672036824_9a56665326_o.jpg)
Why am I so focused on this spot? August 11, 2012 I tried to reach the Spine Trail from this direction. It was arduous just to get to here, so close but that valley was fully choked and there was a lot of poison oak. Very reluctantly, I turned back. Picture from that day:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7769105470_dd0bba73d7_b.jpg)
For my August 11 ride report on the MIA mtbguru.com, I made this map. The green lines on the left was the track from Feb 23, 2011 (which is pretty much today's ride), and the red line is the track from August 11, 2012:
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8431/7769568928_1dd3d8434f_b.jpg)
See the gap?
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7769569516_cd1bc6aaef_b.jpg)
It is now passable. Yay! The work isn’t as complete as on the Spine Trail so you’ve got to watch and avoid some Poison Oak branches.
(To the left you can make out hints of the trail to North Peak.)
Photographic proof that I made it to the triple power poles:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/11671675635_b4b7985007_o.jpg)
Some old insulators lying on the ground:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/11672041504_af4ceb7826_o.jpg)
The view from up there:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5512/11671921583_6af550f30a_o.jpg)
This ride was about 9 miles and 1,800’. Pretty short but I now know this piece is in place for a longer route, something like that August 11, 2012 ride.
Half Moon Bay:
(http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/wxStationGraphAll?day=30&year=2013&month=12&ID=KCAPRINC2&type=3&width=800&showtemp=1&showpressure=0&showwind=1&showwinddir=0&showrain=0)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/11674334575_afa4b62c38_o.jpg)
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How do you find this stuff?
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How do you find this stuff?
You know, one hears things around town...
I first heard of RCdT on the old ROMP list a few years ago.
This could turn out to be a somewhat local mtn biking option for you and Meí.
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yep, want to check it out, moved it high up on the list. Did not even know it existed. I guess I need to hang with you around town more since your friends seem to have an in on where to find the goods. Tampas grass is nasty. Maybe someday that can get rid of it but it is somewhat like Scotch Bloom.
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Amazingly, The Cave downhill
http://app.strava.com/segments/1081577
is on the official RCdT map! I recently saw a pretty good vid of this but now I can't find it. Oh well, quite a few pov vids on Youtube or Vimeo.
Let me know if you guys want to ride there with me or if you'd like my .gpx files …
Edit: Ah, here it is, this is the video I was remembering…
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Rancho Corral de Tierra January 15, 2014
To pick-up where I left off....
Today I'm making another attempt at the Rancho Corral de Tierra loop. As far as I've ever gotten with a bike is the top of Spine Trail. So up Spine Trail and here I am:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3775/11982252045_6d0bf47dc4_o.jpg)
Next off to the triple power pole with the bike. It's difficult to say the least!
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/11983093446_8b861de2e4_o.jpg)
…but I made it:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2887/11982556163_f0cf7d596c_o.jpg)
Very windy up here. I couldn't do slow, granny-gear climbing sometimes because I was getting blown around too much.
From here I go to the next big ridge:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/11982243935_2da4ff1290_o.jpg)
The rollers are big with push-the-bike steep uphills:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/11983086216_d80622bc2e_o.jpg)
…but they diminish towards the far end
It is about 2 miles from Spine Trail to the gate at El Granada Boulevard:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7294/11982548293_c3db2b233f_o.jpg)
A little while later I came upon a National Park trail work crew. We had a nice chat about RCdT. The lead guy told me that there is a Free Right of Passage on El Granada Boulevard through the private land up there. Good to know.
This is called Gods Trail on Strava:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/11982235525_e8c418a890_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2889/11983077556_09e1d58fed_o.jpg)
The weather was awesome. Clear, mid-70ºs, and the wind was much calmer. I was in no hurry to get home so I JRA'ed around Quarry Park/Wicklow Eucalyptus forest:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/11982230305_6ea7ba0e18_o.jpg)
…and along the coastline/wharf:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7434/11982537063_ee26009c88_o.jpg)
Very calm waters in the harbor:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2805/11982629624_f072b185bf_o.jpg)
Over to Pillar Point Bluffs:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/11982625244_98207e747e_o.jpg)
No one following me:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5490/11982532333_e39fa768dc_o.jpg)
Mavericks interpretive sign:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3728/11983059466_d23030740b_o.jpg)
Seals on the rocks below:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7370/11983241155_c421a038aa_o.jpg)
Couldn't help taking one final little break here:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3812/11982523113_3c610a2aa2_o.jpg)
I should of stayed here for the sunset but I still needed to find my way back to where I had parked my car.
Here is the completed route:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7435/11983565944_8af8a3af69_o.png)
Start at Etheldore Street » Rancho Corral de Tierra » Spine Trail » PG&E powerpoles » El Granada Boulevard » Gods Trail » Harbor Drive » Palm Beach Avenue » Bridgeport Drive » Coral Reef Avenue » Sonora Avenue » Carmel Avenue » Valencia Avenue » Columbus Street » Balboa Avenue » Francisco Street » Del Oro Avenue » Palma Street » Santa Maria Avenue » Quarry Park » Wicklow POST property » Quarry Park » Coronado Avenue » The Crossways » Santiago Avenue » Coronado Street » Coast Paths » Ride on pier » Various paths - Princeton By The Sea » Capistrano Road » Prospect Way » Broadway » Princeton Avenue » West Point Avenue » Various paths - Pillar Point Bluffs » Jean Lauer Trail » Ocean Boulevard » San Lucas Avenue » Le Grande Avenue » Park Avenue » Los Banos Avenue » Airport Street » Cypress Avenue » Hwy 1 » Marine Boulevard » Etheldore Street. 19.50/3:30/5:39/3,152'
Half Moon Bay:
(http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/wxStationGraphAll?day=15&year=2014&month=01&ID=KCAPRINC2&type=3&width=800&showtemp=1&showpressure=0&showwind=1&showwinddir=0&showrain=0)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/11982537983_008f7b9e7d_o.jpg)
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I am interested in riding this and it would be fun to do it together. Not sure what the plan is for this weekend. I would like to ride and I am just getting over the flu so breathing as well as normal. Will stay in touch. There is a new guy in town that is looking to find new trails as he just started to ride but seems fairly fit he may be interested.
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Rancho Corral de Tierra January 15, 2014
To pick-up where I left off....
Today I'm making another attempt at the Rancho Corral de Tierra loop. As far as I've ever gotten with a bike is the top of Spine Trail. So up Spine Trail and here I am:
A little while later I came upon a National Park trail work crew. We had a nice chat about RCdT. The lead guy told me that there is a Free Right of Passage on El Granada Boulevard through the private land up there. Good to know.
Sweet. Interesting to know you can loop that without a fine....
Last Saturday I linked montara to this area on foot (trail run). At the top of montara, there's a trail that follows the power lines with purple flagging. This brings you over two smaller ridges and then down a STEEP hill to (different) triple power poles. At this point it become unpassable by bike for now- it's a bushwack along the old abandoned road that eventually hits the top of the spine trail.
In other words, if you went up the spine trail but at the top went left instead of right, eventually following that old road you pop out at a triple power pole that then goes up a steep, but cleared trail eventually to the top of montara. No trespassing into water district at all. It's just not bikeable yet, and is a hell of a bushwack on foot for about 1/3 mile.
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Hi, KenZ and welcome to the forum
We did the Spine Trail and looped over and down God's Trail on Sunday. Skyline35 and another Coe regular were talking about the purple flagged trail and how it went to Montera Mountain. Turns out the Coe regular and his wife had ridden down that years ago. They did say it was fairly epic and not enjoyable by most people.
The weather out there on Sunday was really nice. Watching the fog bank roll in was pretty cool. It was my first time to ride in the area and I really liked it. The various vista are a nice feature.
There was some kind of "Gun Club" that somewhat harassed some riders that were coming into the parking lot as we left but we did not see them.
Do you ride or are you primarily a runner?
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We did the Spine Trail and looped over and down God's Trail on Sunday…The weather out there on Sunday was really nice. Watching the fog bank roll in was pretty cool. It was my first time to ride in the area and I really liked it. The various vista are a nice feature.
That was a fun ride with a great group, here's my ride report…
Rancho Corral de Tierra January 26, 2014
Today I'm showing a few riders the trails I have found at Rancho Corral de Tierra. Problematic when most are faster than me and disappearing into small dots in the distance:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12183207334_d78146d806_o.jpg)
…but actually the ride went really well.
What It Was Like Out There™
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7338/12182787395_290bf16cbe_o.jpg)
No coastside fog right now. That's Chris, by the way.
At the top; these folks have been up at the triple power poles for a while using big words to describe the exact state of decomposition that the granite is in:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7315/12182785675_a8746a6a2f_o.jpg)
l to r, Erik, Meí, Paul
Perfect group for this ride, no complaints about the big, steep dips in the road:
(http://instagram.com/p/jpVE2MOCiC/media/?size=l)
Photo Meí
Another big dip in the road:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5502/12183201064_fd0f758dae_o.jpg)
Meí and Paul down there.
On a level bit, Chris again, and Paul and Erik:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/12183013653_83836ccf21_o.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5498/12183395986_88a29fd781_o.jpg)
Paul ID's a wrecked pick-up truck:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2891/12183011043_4bc7579de2_o.jpg)
It's not a real mountain bike ride unless there is some climbing over gates:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/12182773775_0930a8520d_o.jpg)
Following Paul down Gods Trail:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2868/12183003253_2f5f386d16_o.jpg)
At the bottom is a little neighborhood park (with a drinking fountain). We take a lunch break:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5508/12183001063_9245799c91_o.jpg)
Meí, Erik, Mike
Next we cross El Granada...
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/12183184404_3c26dc409c_o.jpg)
and I show them the fun Quarry Park downhill. That is Mike right behind me in the photo.
By the time we get back to the coast, Fogzilla has rolled in:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7366/12182765165_553d1ef746_o.jpg)
2 days before, further out a couple miles, was the 2014 Mavericks surf contest.
We JRA'ed around the harbor and Pillar Point Bluffs:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3803/12182763845_1433b6b1e7_o.jpg)
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5523/12183178904_2ee31a10b1_o.jpg)
Afterwards, we drove to a little taqueria ( El Gran Amigo Taqueria (http://www.yelp.com/biz/el-gran-amigo-taqueria-moss-beach) ) for a yummy dinner.
(http://s3-media4.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/2mYaZHIe3cQIqIQpngqTxA/l.jpg)
photo Yelp
A little amazing story; since we were going to a restaurant, I locked my bike to the rack with a cable and padlock. When I got home, I found that I had left the padlock key on my rear bumper and it was still there!!!!
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/12191035653_326f6b5c27_o.jpg)
Start on Etheldore Street » Rancho Corral de Tierra » Spine Trail » PG&E powerpoles » El Granada Boulevard » Gods Trail » Bridgeport Drive » Coral Reef Avenue » Sonora Avenue » Presidio Avenue » Avenue Alhambra » Avenue Cabrillo » Columbus Street » Santa Maria Avenue » Quarry Park » Coronado Avenue » The Crossways » Santiago Avenue » Coronado Street » Coast Path » Ride on pier » Various paths - Princeton By The Sea » Capistrano Road » Prospect Way » Broadway » Princeton Avenue » West Point Avenue » Various paths - Pillar Point Bluffs » Jean Lauer Trail » Ocean Boulevard » Beach Way » Marine Boulevard » Airport Street » Cypress Avenue » Hwy 1 » Marine Boulevard » Etheldore Street. 19.10 / 3:01 / 4:57 / 3,121'
Half Moon Bay:
(http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/wxStationGraphAll?day=26&year=2014&month=01&ID=KCAPRINC2&type=3&width=800&showtemp=1&showpressure=0&showwind=1&showwinddir=0&showrain=0)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2841/12183179844_2044fd13c8_o.jpg)
ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø,¸.¸,ø¤º°*°º¤ø
Edit to add photos from Mike’s camera…
The view down to HMB harbor:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/12226195296_7d006fa7a3_o.jpg)
Up on the PG&E access road:
Meí and Skyline35:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/12225787723_056a705e25_o.jpg)
Chris and me:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5538/12225601395_e48e6a4434_o.jpg)
Descending Gods Trail:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5533/12226193616_f130c53e41_o.jpg)
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They rode the purple flag trail? Holy crap, that thing is epicly steep right before it hits the north side triple power poles. And then for bikes, it's a dead end; I was literally belly crawling over and under branches to get through to the spine trail along that contour road (does that contour road have a name?). Below are some pics from the trail that is in GOOD condition coming from Montara before the going gets rough
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/RnZL8BO1o7-GzkET5lcIwnSxBtyci7zL47blLVfstQ=w345-h259-p-no
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MIy2EiVyokkA9Ci5rFyyf5uc_rMfKzdVQjqeqc1eQw=w194-h259-p-no
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7AtM2k3t1a3rKamSas3ItTe-8nabOt34RQ8SRwVCHw=w448-h259-p-no
I'm mostly a runner although I do have a sweet SC Blur hanging in the garage... need to get out more!
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PS- the last link is a hand drawn map of the linkup trail overview.
I'm on the Peninsula side, but my wife's mother lives in El Granada just below quarry park, so I'm always looking for long epic adventures on roads less traveled....
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Paul has a well earned reputation.
We are in La Honda, next time we are thinking of riding in that area we can drop a line or if you are looking you can post on the forum. We (well at least I do not) always plan ahead very well. But we can try :)
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Nice pictures and a cool location. I had heard of riding up there, but never knew where.
Hey Mr Mud...Tube socks? Really?
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they make me faster.
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Sweet. Interesting to know you can loop that without a fine....
It is possible to go up through Quarry Park » Wicklow » El Granada Blvd » RCdT.
Last Saturday I linked montara to this area on foot (trail run). At the top of montara, there's a trail that follows the power lines with purple flagging. This brings you over two smaller ridges and then down a STEEP hill to (different) triple power poles. At this point it become unpassable by bike for now- it's a bushwack along the old abandoned road that eventually hits the top of the spine trail.
Awesome! Not too many people willing to do such things. (I'm guessing you're not too bothered by Poison Oak?)
PS- the last link is a hand drawn map of the linkup trail overview.
That map is pretty interesting. I hope you don't mind me direct-linking it in (650 wide seems to be as big as it will go):
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7AtM2k3t1a3rKamSas3ItTe-8nabOt34RQ8SRwVCHw=w650)
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I wonder if the trail Paul was thinking of is the trail that comes down from Montero then goes right?
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looks like fun
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Rancho Corral de Tierra February 1, 2014
Today we set out to explore the north side of Rancho Corral de Tierra and beyond. We started up the Seton Hospital side on a trail which has been named on Strava as Horselaugh. On a whim, we ride all the way up to the dead-end which looked it had been prepared for someone's dead-end:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2869/12273328046_768dbd601f_o.jpg)
Going back, we found a gate on to Alamo Street and rode through the town of Montera over to the south end of historic Old San Pedro Mountain Road:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/12273325066_851fe301db_o.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7371/12273323316_0e2532003a_o.jpg)
After a wrong turn and ending up at Hwy 1, it was time for a big climb. Paul had full rigid single-speed today:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/12272757245_670d5ace12_o.jpg)
It is a long, steep dirt road climb up North Peak Service Road, Chris & Erik:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/12273201384_512c655b29_o.jpg)
We take a break here before trying the first of my list of trails to explore, the switchback alternative to Crack. The downhillers here were dismissive of it but it was awesome:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/12272751595_4908fc5a01_o.jpg)
The next item on my list was the Old Colma Bike Road so over to the San Pedro Mountain area, What It Was Like Out There™
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/12273311736_cf6ecfae34_o.jpg)
Old Colma Bike Road, ca 1895:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/12273192504_8e8ca17973_o.jpg)
Opps, going the wrong way at this point:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12272900063_1d28419d81_o.jpg)
…but we eventually got to the stairs:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5536/12273301546_eed64362f6_o.jpg)
(which were a pretty big pain with bikes.)
A few days after our ride, a friend took this video of the Old Colma Bike Road:
Pretty great trail, huh?
The trail and staircase are right over the new Tom Lantos Tunnel:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/12272734635_93acab390f_o.jpg)
We cross an open land stabilization field and end up in a riparian corridor with some heroic brushing; someone cut through walls of poison oak. The trail empties out on to a service road:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2865/12272888953_cab3f6557d_o.jpg)
…which takes us to the Gray Whale Cove Beach:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/12273291026_baa066e7a9_o.jpg)
That pillbox on the bluff is the Little Devil's Slide Military Reservation site, google that sometime.
Paul & Erik:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2821/12272882133_892816583f_o.jpg)
It’s now 3:30pm and we realize that with a ~5:30 sunset, the last trail on my list (Alta Vista) will have to wait for another day. One last look back at the coastline before heading home:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3818/12272719675_9fb9e0aafd_o.jpg)
…on the Old San Pedro Mountain Road:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/12272876023_306e345d18_o.jpg)
A little mischief along the way, Erik @ the Farallone View Elementary School:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/12272713225_188873d71b_o.jpg)
Riding through Montara:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2829/12273274216_5d1f66423b_o.jpg)
We were back to the cars at 4:30pm which gave us time for 2 post-ride stops, beers at Hop Dogma Brewing Co and dinner at Mezzaluna Italian. (http://ficdn.mtbr.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Start at Etheldore Street » Horselaugh Trail » Alamo Street » Harte Street » Sunshine Valley Road » East Montera Boulevard » George Street » Birch Street » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » North Peak Access Road » Crack - switchback alternative » Trail to peak of San Pedro Mountain » Old Colma Bike Road » Gray Whale Cove Trail » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Farallone Trail » Farallone View Elementary School » Le Conte Avenue » Aracia Street » 4th Street » George Street » East Montera Boulevard » Sunshine Valley Road » Harte Street » Alamo Street » Horselaugh Trail » Etheldore Street. 19.40 / 3:12 / 5:36 / 3,086'
Half Moon Bay:
(http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/wxStationGraphAll?day=01&year=2014&month=02&ID=KCAPRINC2&type=3&width=800&showtemp=1&showpressure=0&showwind=1&showwinddir=0&showrain=0)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/12272897143_606f6e4468_o.jpg)
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Looks like you had a beautiful clear day. I like the views of Olema Trough and Pedro Rock. They seriously need to open that stretch of closed hwy 1 associated with the tunnel to hikers and bikers - I don't get what the holdup is - wtf are they doing in there? Great geologic features up there if you know what to look for - ancient faults and the mighty San Andreas :)
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I think they are going to open it up later this year.
The Old Colma Bike Road just might be my new favorite trail in the area. Not super technical but there is still some fun stuff and the views are fantastic. I was looking way north for SF then I saw the bridge and realized I was looking right at it. Could see so far north. Really fun day.
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I can't wait to go back!
I was looking way north for SF then I saw the bridge and realized I was looking right at it. Could see so far north. Really fun day.
(http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram.com/6fdbebbe8ba311e39ac712a693e082b8_8.jpg)
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Thanks Charlie,
We really enjoyed the ride. This morning it rained and we cancelled our ride in Santa Cruz and just hung out. I uploaded some photos from the last couple of rides.
But to kick things off, here's a photo from a bike commute home last week:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/IMG-20140124-WA0003_20140124190449825_zpsibpskv5q.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-01/IMG-20140124-WA0003_20140124190449825_zpsibpskv5q.jpg.html)
Horse Laugh
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1122_zps3jawl91p.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1122_zps3jawl91p.JPG.html)
Eric
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1123_zpsn0javl95.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1123_zpsn0javl95.JPG.html)
mudworm
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1130_zpsoauimgdu.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1130_zpsoauimgdu.JPG.html)
Olds Cutlass (Not a Pacer)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1133_zps0rugox7e.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1133_zps0rugox7e.JPG.html)
Regroup in a pretty neighborhood.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1136_zpsigr55vvo.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1136_zpsigr55vvo.JPG.html)
Regroup at San Pedro Rd
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1138_zpstjihhdvj.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1138_zpstjihhdvj.JPG.html)
More terrain
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1139_zpsnvvpzmzz.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1139_zpsnvvpzmzz.JPG.html)
A look down to Hwy 1
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1148_zpsvu2jnpsl.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1148_zpsvu2jnpsl.JPG.html)
Eric on the switchbacks
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1153_zpssa7fqcti.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1153_zpssa7fqcti.JPG.html)
Charlie on the switchbacks
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1160_zps8ylmz4xg.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1160_zps8ylmz4xg.JPG.html)
Chris on the switchbacks
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1155_zpsqmmgwqw8.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1155_zpsqmmgwqw8.JPG.html)
mudworm on the switchbacks
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1166_zpsaq8chqrh.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1166_zpsaq8chqrh.JPG.html)
Colma bike path
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1167_zpsgwrmmeru.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1167_zpsgwrmmeru.JPG.html)
A sign
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1173_zpsrgoaakkr.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1173_zpsrgoaakkr.JPG.html)
Along the way
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1175_zps3g9rh27z.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1175_zps3g9rh27z.JPG.html)
Immersed in the coast
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1176_zpsazkfrcrv.JPG) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/SAM_1176_zpsazkfrcrv.JPG.html)
Stairway to nowhere
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g427/SorcererExpeditions/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/9724e9c0-2a39-433c-8aab-a7cf1e410e50_zps4367717e.jpg) (http://s1101.photobucket.com/user/SorcererExpeditions/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-02/9724e9c0-2a39-433c-8aab-a7cf1e410e50_zps4367717e.jpg.html)
A confounded bridge
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Nice pics Paul and welcome to the forum. The sunset picture is crazy good. Looks like it should be a vacation picture.
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Those are fun. I always wondered what that trail is like above Gray Whale - been by there more times than I can count commuting to Skyline and on field trips along the coast but have never hiked it. You might enjoy this. I think your "immersed in the coast" shot is looking right down on it from the back side.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dPAs14lc8YsqIvDR_9BGNrJkZF7th2OrLSnX7r30S1DV3FA651u-XrFM6YPUXOWTmHZpun8cZMHpTRbI2uQLB8gJzJwyf0tmC6-5VvNDFg2opdMIvX9EbcA7lpRxR0kaI-AANejZ13VuhThprPvxo_=w664-h461-no?authuser=0)
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I think they are going to open it up later this year.
That would be cool. I have always wanted to walk along that section of road and map all the faults in the turbidites. It would make a great field trip exercise but unfortunately I am planning to retire from Skyline after this semester unless they make some drastic changes - I doubt that will happen since the admins have their heads wedged firmly where the sun doesn't shine.
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Here is a San Jose Mercury News article on the conversion to trail:
Devils Slide Trail takes shape
By Aaron Kinney
Posted: 07/24/2013 03:27:31 PM PDT
MOSS BEACH -- San Mateo County is poised to give the public its most detailed look yet at plans to transform Highway 1 at Devils Slide into one of the most dramatic coastal trails between the Marin Headlands and Big Sur.
County parks officials will present a conceptual plan for the trail Thursday evening at a meeting in Moss Beach, giving nature lovers and others their first opportunity to give feedback. The county is preparing to take over from Caltrans the notorious cliffside road that linked Pacifica and Montara. The Parks Department aims to open the trail in early 2014.
The Devils Slide Trail will run 1.3 miles between parking lots Caltrans has constructed near the northern and southern portals to a pair of bypass tunnels that opened in March. The 4,200-foot Tom Lantos Tunnels rendered obsolete the old stretch of Highway 1, which was prone to landslides during winter storms that caused lengthy closures.
The county's plan calls for the trail to be about 24 feet wide, with two 6-foot bicycle lanes to the east and a 12-foot walking path closer to the cliff's edge. The county envisions building two scenic overlooks, each with coin-operated spotting scopes and benches, as well as restrooms and drinking fountains.
"I think this is a great opportunity out here," said Gary Lockman, superintendent of county parks. "The views are spectacular."
The trail will be fenced on either side, mostly with 3-foot concrete barriers known as K-rails, according to the plan. The county may paint the barriers an earth tone to blend in with the scenery. The overlooks will be surrounded by metal guardrails strung with cables.
Don Horsley, a member of the county Board of Supervisors whose district includes the Devils Slide area, said he is excited about the vision for the trail. But the former San Mateo County sheriff has concerns about safety.
The cliffs at Devils Slide are precipitous. At least a dozen people died in car accidents there between 1990 and 2012, some plunging several hundred feet to the rocks at surf's edge.
"We're going to have to do a lot of education and a lot of management to make sure people stay on the right side of the K-rails," Horsley said.
The supervisor said he is also worried there may not be enough parking spaces -- there will be just 38, according to Lockman. If parking demand far exceeds capacity, Horsley said, the county may need to consider a shuttle.
The county has budgeted nearly $2 million to prepare the trail, though Lockman said the job currently is estimated to cost roughly $1.2 million. The work will begin after the county takes over the roadway next month.
The work includes "microsurfacing" the pavement, or coating it with a polymer to create a smoother surface, which will benefit bicyclists. It also includes signs, trail striping and some cyclone fencing to shield peregrine falcons that have been nesting on the southern end of Devils Slide.
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_23724773/devils-slide-trail-takes-shape
p.s. Great to see your photos, Paul !!!
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Wow that is sad to have to be fenced in - but thanks for posting the info.
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why are they micro-surfacing the pavement for bicycles. It is already paved. That seems like a waste of money.
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why are the micro-surfacing the pavement for bicycles. It already paved. That seems like a waste of money.
Someone is probably making some serious coin on that. I think the whole thing is a waste - I mean - it was already a road - make a parking lot and let the public enjoy it. I don't like the idea of restricted access but I also don't know what the liability issues are and I know how stupid people can be - so you can't really blame them. Fences definitely ruin it for me as a potential field trip site - but there are plenty of other unrestricted sites nearby - so ultimately no biggie. Definitely have to take the big uni up there some time for a cruise after it opens :)
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Nothing technically open but then again nothing technically closed. Fun stuff and everyone out in that area seemed friendly even to bicyclists. Had more than one hiker tells us to come back. Imagine that, kind of like Canada, but closer and no snow.
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oops again. lol
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The group for this week's ride at Rancho Corral de Tierra went to 11:
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/12750501854_9677494709_o.jpg)
L to r: Mike, Jill, John, Roy, Patrick, Chris, Paul, Erik, Bruce, and Meí (and me behind the camera makes 11).
Drawing heavily on Patrick’s excellent photos (his can be identified by the vignette edges/no borders, full collection here (https://picasaweb.google.com/106734738449712481100/MontaraSweeneyRidgeFeb2014?noredirect=1)), here’s a photo mash-up/summary of the day:
Up "Horselaugh"…
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P0GiZaobXyI/Uwrp_S9YlpI/AAAAAAAA2DA/XZyibz5B0c8/s800/P1000657.JPG)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/12750199333_57890614f7_o.jpg)
(http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/12750195443_2b94ff0d23_o.jpg)
…through Montara and up Old San Pedro Mountain Road & North Peak Service Road (with a couple side trails mixed in)…
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/12750801144_861d5d4376_o.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iWNV9lDUD4o/UwrqHtosziI/AAAAAAAA2D4/EAmfYweCUGU/s800/P1000669.JPG)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--OOU82SOQvk/UwrqjoOUq9I/AAAAAAAA2Ec/jPF7eLg7DOQ/s800/P1000675.JPG)
(http://distilleryimage5.ak.instagram.com/77a3641c9cdd11e396f3121282ee2c71_8.jpg)
Jill, photo by Meí
Most opted for descending the switchback version of Crack, followed by Boyscout:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_FjOau8IKC4/UwrqsVpWeEI/AAAAAAAA2Fc/Jxvv9DG3-kw/s800/P1000685.JPG)
Crespi Drive was a long road climb:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3800/12750188203_9c70a7971e_o.jpg)
But there were some interesting things along the way:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Fw1Ry1nROsI/Uwrl5xuv52I/AAAAAAAAJTs/X0ogsgz3t0k/s565-no/14+-+1)
photo Paul
At the top is Sweeney Ridge and the Baquiano Trail:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/12750052465_b72bb6fda8_o.jpg)
Lunch break/nap time at the Portola Discovery site:
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/12750044445_5ffc7857b3_o.jpg)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vv_iAvK8Fss/UwrqyZMcGLI/AAAAAAAA2GQ/HkbPnS18Phc/s800/P1000697.JPG)
The view over to SFO:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/12750180243_212cdd4296_o.jpg)
More riding around Sweeney Ridge:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ok_9WwDGpsQ/Uwrq4pwK-YI/AAAAAAAA2HA/RGVVB1j8ig0/s800/P1000706.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-buMfpTX_Abg/Uwrq8Ol5aQI/AAAAAAAA2HY/oGSTW1o5UA0/s800/P1000713.JPG)
Descending Cattle Hill:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/12750845824_99ef8fb160_o.jpg)
A friend’s video of this trail:
[ Invalid YouTube link ]
At this point we realized that Mike was missing. Meí stayed and tracked him down by phone. The rest JRA'ed the Coastal Trail out & back to the Mori Point area.
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZD6PPrdTaUc/Uwrq-FJhwOI/AAAAAAAA2Ho/cSY9ggdoh-U/s800/P1000718.JPG)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3827/12750484174_2819b302bf_o.jpg)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/12750036415_f9e5126dd3_o.jpg)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3817/12750475934_1649604fc3_o.jpg)
Meí learned that Mike had got decoupled from the train when he stopped because his chain dropped and didn't see the group making an unmarked turn onto Cattle Hill. He was now heading back on his own. The remaining 10 rode up the hill behind the bowling alley:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0LKebv1a7S8/UwrrDnXHpnI/AAAAAAAA2Ik/JO-BZDhLbT0/s800/P1000728.JPG)
We descended yet another gem of a singletrack. Then after a fruitless search for a water fountain at the Linda Mar Elementary school, we rode up to the peak of San Pedro Mountain and into the fog:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Aynh3VqEiZk/UwrrIRLMc7I/AAAAAAAA2JI/O9vcff6hx68/s800/P1000737.JPG)
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3722/12750031255_0d6300023b_o.jpg)
For the first-timers, the full effect of the Old Colma Bike Road was a bit diminished:
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IuD19qeI5YE/UwrrNrllUoI/AAAAAAAA2Jw/0kH-8pVRZMw/s800/P1000744.JPG)
Next time, without the fog, Bruce will give it two-thumbs-up:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3719/12750028875_c4b14868fd_o.jpg)
What It Was Like Out There™:
(http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5510/12750023435_3842aa61c7_o.jpg)
Gray Whale Cove Beach
Heading back now…
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3721/12750157613_8aa640fbaf_o.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HLPjzpcCeH8/UwrrR3dxmKI/AAAAAAAA2KY/3CvSBJjrZN4/s800/P1000755.JPG)
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cO8REucCQk0/UwrrTI8ltRI/AAAAAAAA2Kg/rDV0r35MbaA/s800/P1000757.JPG)
We finished the day with dinner at the Half Moon Bay Brewery (http://ficdn.mtbr.com/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
(http://distilleryimage2.ak.instagram.com/4acc69409cf911e3849212b8c83db4d6_8.jpg)
photo Meí
Start on Etheldore Street » Rancho Corral de Tierra » Horselaugh Trail » Alamo Street » Harte Street » Sunshine Valley Road » East Montera Boulevard » George Street » Kanoff Street » LeConte Avenue » Fog Whistle Trail » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » North Peak Access Road » Crack - switchback alternative » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Boyscout » Higgins Way » Adobe Drive » Seville Drive » Crespi Drive » Fassler Avenue » Baquiano Trail » Portola Discovery site » Sweeney Ridge Trail » Sweeney Meadow Trail » out & back Sweeney Horse Trail » Sweeney Meadow Trail » Baquiano Trail » Farallon View Trail » Cattle Hill » Hwy 1 » Rockaway Beach Avenue » Coastal pathway out & back to the Mori Point Area » Rockaway Beach Avenue » Hwy 1 » Sea Bowl Lane » No name trail up and over by the water tanks » La Mirada Way » Crespi Drive » Seville Drive » Rosita Road » Linda Mar school looking for water » Rosita Road » Adobe Drive » Higgins Way » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Trail to peak of San Pedro Mountain » Old Colma Bike Road » Gray Whale Cove Trail » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Drake Street » Cedar Street » George Street » East Montera Bolavard » Sunshine Valley Road » Harte Street » Alamo Street » Horselaugh Trail » Etheldore Street. 35.90/5:27/7:18/6,431'
Half Moon Bay:
(http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/wxStationGraphAll?day=23&year=2014&month=02&ID=KCAPRINC2&type=3&width=800&showtemp=1&showpressure=0&showwind=1&showwinddir=0&showrain=0)
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7388/12754783714_1019ba98dd_o.jpg)
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A fun day! Thanks Charlie for documenting it so well.
In case anyone decides to go buy a mountain bike and out for a ride after seeing how fun it can be as shown in the pictures and video, a full disclosure is necessary. Here is an OTB (Over The Bar) video from the same ride where the previous video was captured by our friend on their earlier ride. We rode the same trail in bright daylight.
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Great ride mudworm and an excellent job. Not as good as our Valentines Day ride but, hey that could not be beat.
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Re That pic of Paul on the fatbike riding the barends, if you look at the terrain, you'll see the pampass grass we yanked there last week.
Great to see everyone out there enjoying the trails, warms the cockles of my heart.
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Hi Jim (or, is it Sully?), just wanted to thank you for your good work. We thanked Charlie for introducing us to the area, but we understand that it was you who introduced him, so we should just thank you directly. :)
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yes, thank you. Incredible trails.
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Riding coastside in an attempt to beat the heat – it didn’t work.
There is a new fence at Seton Coastside Hospital to keep the 4-wheelers out of RCdT:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/14083485174_68b5af7b0c_o.jpg)
Pictures from the ride from Etheldore Street to the Old Colma Bike Road…
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2917/14079805421_452522172c_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5554/14083481254_1082e72f15_o.jpg)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2897/14103062363_92dc39a597_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/14079843782_12ef1ced5a_o.jpg)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2907/14059885626_15ba34d2d1_o.jpg)
The Old Colma Bike Road winds along the slope below me:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7393/14079834682_4bf2dc6578_o.jpg)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2923/14079840402_b267f58272_o.jpg)
Since I was here last, there are more loose rocks and vegetation; this forest of Stinging Nettle was, uh, sensational:
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2931/13896378029_70bf779156_o.jpg)
Quite a bit of Poison Oak too.
Now for some disappointment, the staircase up to the tunnel tailings landfill has been removed:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5109/14079797991_3ab25196f5_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5101/14083475944_3d38b7f676_o.jpg)
Turning 180º, you see that we are right above the new parking area for the Devil's Slide "Trail" (old Highway 1):
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/14079796161_afaa039130_o.jpg)
Looking up from the parking area, the staircase and it's user were very visible:
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14083458754_dc9470b6e6_o.jpg)
Later in the day I rode the Devil's Slide "Trail". There are lots of signs saying Keep Off the Cliffs so I imagine removing the staircase was part of their setting boundaries for visitors.
As you can see, without the staircase it is a tough climb. I opted to turn around, ride back up the Old Colma Road, and on up the North Peak Access Road:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/13896361457_dfd73d5a4b_o.jpg)
Near the top, a NPS trailcrew truck:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/13896393988_4fff6c35c1_o.jpg)
Hmmmmmm. wonder what's up?
From the staircase to the top of North Peak was a big effort in the heat and I was cooked by the time I was there. While resting at the top, I was constantly buzzed by a thousand flies so soon I was off to explore the nearby Peak Mountain (on foot).
Here is the Cave Trail's namesake:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/14059875336_78e368a577_o.jpg)
Weird ghost thistle:
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7392/14079830272_af61e67529_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7449/13896367439_5cc1a395cc_o.jpg)
This fresh trailwork told me that I had found the Alta Vista Trail aka Cave Trail:
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/14082969135_1d9ec821cc_o.jpg)
The trail is steep and rutted (amazing that this one will be allowed to stay open). The water diversions were carved in about every 30' - 40'; ha, at that rate there will be thousands on this trail! The dirt was loose, that soil just doesn't bind together.
The crew wasn't too far down the hill and I had a nice conversation with one of the workers (while he was on break); he was volunteer (Conservation Corp, I think he said) from Colorado and rides mtn bikes. He mentioned that he had put in a couple days on the Soquel Demo Flow Trail and was excited about it. As for Alta Vista, "It doesn't seem like much fun, you'd just be riding the brakes the whole time" which I thought was an accurate assessment. Nice that they are brushing it but that treadwork needs to season and compact.
Breaktime ended and he went back to shoveling dirt in the heat. Tough job!
It was 3pm and there was one more thing I wanted to do today - ride the Devil's Slide Coastal Trail. I was beat and was content to coast down the fireroad to Gray Whale Cove Beach.
A gap in the plan is that accessing the Devil's Slide Coastal Trail from Gray Whale Cove Beach can only be done by diving in to Highway 1 traffic (much of that stretch has no shoulder and a trail option is years away). Not sure I'll do that again! Here are a few photos…
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2898/13896385378_98779147aa_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/14079783791_f9184971b8_o.jpg)
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/13896360379_443d24368d_o.jpg)
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2910/14103038153_73317acf25_o.jpg)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5529/14082962425_ec79c61444_o.jpg)
Rancho Corral de Tierra, start at Etheldore Street » Horselaugh Trail » Alamo Street » Harte Street » Sunshine Valley Road » East Montera Boulevard » George Street » Birch Street » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Trail to peak of San Pedro Mountain » out & back Old Colma Bike Road to where the staircase used to be » Trail to peak of San Pedro Mountain » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » North Peak Access Road » North Peak » Expore Peak Mtn to find Alta Vista Trail aka Cave Trail » North Peak Access Road » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Gray Whale Cove Trail » Hwy 1 » out & back Devil's Slide Coastal Trail » Hwy 1 » Gray Whale Cove Trail » Old San Pedro Mountian Road » Cedar Street » George Street » East Montera Boulevard » Sunshine Valley Road » Harte Street » Alamo Street » Horselaugh Trail » Etheldore Street. 29.75/5:11/8:34/4,389
Half Moon Bay:
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Wow, a lot of information in this latest report! Glad that we rode the Old Colma Bike Road when the ride could still go through.
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Wow, a lot of information in this latest report!
Yes, MunNCrud is the number one source of information on the internet!
Glad that we rode the Old Colma Bike Road when the ride could still go through.
You will need to go try the Alta Vista Trail now before it becomes off-limit to bikes. More news....released today:
Rancho Corral de Tierra Interim Trail Plan
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Introduction
The National Park Service (NPS) is developing an Interim Trail Plan for Rancho Corral de Tierra (Rancho) in San Mateo County, which is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA). The 3,800-acre property was acquired by the National Park Service in December 2011 from the Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST). Rancho is home to many informal trails that have evolved over time, prior to NPS acquisition of the property. Rancho is rich in natural resources and ideally situated to provide a variety of recreational opportunities.
When NPS acquired Rancho, trail use designations were established per current use of the park taking into consideration a variety of factors related to the presence of sensitive resources, safety, and existing conditions of the rails. These uses have been in place since December 2011. This project will establish the official Interim Trail Plan for Rancho until a Long-Range Trail Master Plan is completed in the next three to five years. GGNRA will conduct environmental compliance for the Interim Trail Plan, which will confirm uses including hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, for the designated network of existing trails. This will include a public review and comment period. The Interim Trail Plan does not address or regulate dog walking activities and defers to the Dog Management Plan.
Once the Interim Trail Plan is established, NPS will begin to develop a more comprehensive Long-Range Trail Master Plan, which will build upon the Interim Trail Plan, identify opportunities for new trail connections and networks within the property and with adjacent lands, and reevaluate permitted recreational uses for each trail segment. The Long-Range Trail Master Plan will include extensive public outreach, coordination with partner agencies, and long term visioning for future uses of this property. NPS intends to prepare this document in the next three to five years. In addition, NPS will begin environmental compliance on two new trail head locations to provide public access to Rancho. The proposed trail heads will be incorporated into the Long-Range Trail Master Plan but will be standalone projects with their own public outreach schedule.
Purpose
The purpose of the proposed plan is to confirm a well-functioning network of trails, identify which trails will be maintained by the NPS, minimize use of and establishment of social trails, and to enhance experience of Rancho while preserving the area’s resources. These goals are in line with the 2014 General Master Plan (GMP), which stresses the importance of providing diverse recreational opportunities heavily reliant on a system of trails (GMP, 1:S-ii). The Interim Trail Plan would also provide guidance for the management of trails in Rancho until the LongRange Trail Master Plan is completed. For the Interim Trail Plan to be successful, it must meet the following objectives:
• Improve the efficiency of trail management by identifying and designating official trails for use by visitors
and maintenance by the NPS.
• Establish official trails names to aid park visitors and improve management.
• Assign acceptable uses for trails to avoid conflicting uses or improper use of park land.
Need
Present conditions include a vast network of informal trails that receive frequent use by the local community as well as a growing number of new users. The Rancho trail network is an inherited system of informal trails that were not planned and received minimal maintenance prior to NPS management. Many of the trails are steep and eroding, and in need of improvements and/or realignment. The Interim Trail Plan proposes to recognize 16 miles of trails that will be maintained at Rancho which will allow for strategic trail management. Prior to becoming part of the GGNRA, Rancho was managed by POST, which maintained use restrictions but was unable to enforce compliance. This resulted in conflicting trail uses within the park in an unmanaged capacity. This plan will help mitigate these conflicts by establishing accepted trail uses (bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian use).
Project Objectives
The Interim Trail Plan is intended to serve as the approved plan for the property for the next three to five years. Once completed, the Long-Range Trail Master Plan will replace the Interim Trail Plan. The management objectives for the plan are intended to:
• Build public awareness on the appropriate use of the site, and protect habitat from unauthorized and/or destructive use.
• Build public awareness on the unique values and recreational opportunities.
• Reduce conflict and safety concerns raised by shared use of trails.
• Ensure access throughout the site without compromising slope stability or sensitive habitat.
• Establish trail names to be recorded on trail maps, brochures, and websites.
• Establish trail network to be maintained by the NPS trail crew.
In developing this plan, the NPS has gathered public input on trail locations, names, and uses during a public open house and informal neighborhood gatherings, and continues to seek public input on the Rancho Interim Trail Plan through June 14. The proposed trail locations, names, and permitted uses account for a variety of trail experiences while protecting park resources. Your input is requested on the following:
• Trail network to be maintained by the NPS. Do the maps accurately reflect the trails most used by visitors? Are there additional trails not shown on these maps that are frequently used?
• Designated trail names to be recorded on maps, brochures, and websites. Are the proposed trail names consistent with local designations? Are there alternate names that are used, or proposed names that should be considered?
• Proposed permitted use. Please review the attached map, and provide specific feedback on the range of trail uses. Some trails are proposed to be multi-use (bicycle, pedestrian, and equestrian), while others would restrict bicycle use (pedestrian and equestrian only) because of safety, user conflicts, and access.
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Yes, MunNCrud is the number One(?) source of information on the internet!
You will need to go try the Alta Vista Trail now before it becomes off-limit to bikes.
Not sure I want to after I read "As for Alta Vista, 'It doesn't seem like much fun, you'd just be riding the brakes the whole time' which I thought was an accurate assessment. "
I did read your report carefully.
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well at least not to many bicycle closures although closing the Wicklow fire road to bicycle seems a bit senseless.
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Now for some disappointment, the staircase up to the tunnel tailings landfill has been removed:
Hi Charlie, how is the backtracking of Old Colma Rd? Is it equally fun (since I've never ridden in that direction)? I'm thinking about showing two friends (one from out of town) Montara riding, and want to show them the best. But usually, out and backs are avoided unless it's nice both ways. I don't remember anything super steep going town towards the stairs, but then I had always been going downhill, so may not have noticed if it's hard for climbing.
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Now for some disappointment, the staircase up to the tunnel tailings landfill has been removed...
Rode there this weekend by myself, and managed to go through and didn't have to back track (good thing because otherwise, Mr. Mud had to sit at SFO for at least half an hour extra), although I tried to move off of the drainage field as fast as I could. It's a pity that when they built that drainage field, they did not build a through trail in it that complies with conservation practice.
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Sorry, I didn't see your message. Or an alert (I might not have opened the thread since the prior alert, just read the text in the alert email).
I'm glad you got past the staircase slope, you are more comfortable with heights than I. Riding back uphill was not steep but pedaling into thick foliage is more difficult. Trying it uphill was something I wanted to try so did not mind it when it happened.
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Sully says this is the gun club property:
Scarper Ridge Purchase Extends Protected Lands on San Mateo Coast
June 6, 2014
(Palo Alto, Calif.)—Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced its purchase of the 896-acre Scarper Ridge property in El Granada for $4 million. The property links other preserved lands in the area and has potential for future public recreational trails.
On its western edge, Scarper Ridge is adjacent to POST-protected Rancho Corral de Tierra (part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area since 2011) and a 204-acre POST-owned property [Gregerson Property]. To the northeast, it borders the watershed lands of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.
Scarper Ridge To aid with the acquisition of the property, Resources Legacy Fund's Living Landscape Initiative Grant Program gave POST $300,000 and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation provided $180,000.
“POST has been interested in Scarper Ridge ever since we protected Rancho Corral de Tierra in the early 2000s,” said POST President Walter T. Moore. “This is a natural extension of the work we’ve already done in the area. We’re committed to connecting lands that preserve critical wildlife habitat as well as provide new opportunities for people to experience our unique coastal landscapes and incredible views.”
The terrain of Scarper Ridge is steep, with a mix of northern coastal scrub and chamise chaparral. The property contains the headwaters for Frenchman’s Creek, which flows into the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and offers potential habitat for steelhead trout. Scarper Ridge may also be home to the endemic Montara Manzanita and several federally threatened or endangered species including the San Francisco garter snake, California red-legged frog, and Myrtle’s silverspot, Mission blue and San Bruno elfin butterflies. The highest point on the property, Scarper Peak, rises to 1,944 feet and was, at one time, a climbing destination.
In fact, Scarper Peak has long been recognized for its scenic views and dramatic natural setting. In a Sierra Club Bulletin from 1903, a hiker named William A. Brewer recounted his November 5, 1902 trek from Moss Beach up to Scarper Peak. With a group of four others, Brewer biked up a steep wagon road to the ridge and hiked more than a mile to Scarper Peak, where they could see as far as Mt. Tamalpais to the north, Mt. Diablo to the east and Mt. Hamilton to the south. Brewer wrote, “Thus we behold, in one sweeping glance an ocean, a bay, lakes, and mountain-peaks and forests, and above the blue sky of California. Our climb is indeed worth while.”
Currently closed to the public, Scarper Ridge has potential to increase outdoor recreation opportunities for the public by linking pieces of a hiking trail that one day may lead from the town of El Granada north through the adjacent public utility and protected lands, ending at Montara State Beach.
Expectation Management…that seems to be carefully worded to avoid any implication that bike riding will be allowed. :-/
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I have absolutely no faith in our public governing boards and agencies to support the bicycle community. I actually think they will do as much as they can to make existing non-situations a problem. The overall area is huge and it has quite a bit of fun riding. Sadly I can see this going away.
After recently discovering the greater Half Moon Bay area as a bicycle destination I now read of the new interest in the area from outside agencies with a heavy heart.
I have really enjoyed riding in that area since it is one of the few area's in California and the only area in the greater Bay Area where everyone I have met has been very friendly toward bicyclist. We have stopped and talked with hikers and horse back riders and all meetings have been friendly and they have openly invited us back.
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fyi, "NPS Trail Crew is improving the Spine Trail to create a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all visitors"...
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(Sorry about the giant pic.)
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Thanks for the update and no worries on the large pic.
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(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8614/15990509034_2013d355c3_o.jpg)
On an earlier ride in this thread (report for February 23, 2014) we went to well known Portola Monument on Sweeny Ridge. I learned that there is another one hidden away in Montara:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/16612053342_cd39d8f7b7_o.jpg)
Apparently that is a page from San Mateo County Coast (CA) (Images of America) by Michael Smookler Nov 14, 2005. (http://www.amazon.com/Mateo-County-Coast-Images-America/dp/0738530611)
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Looking abandoned, here is it:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8639/16425683860_6d16a79445_o.jpg)
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Okay, not much but it's fun to go find these things, full frame photo of it:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16612075322_ccc3616c16_o.jpg)
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Sadly gone now but as of 2012 there was a statue in the middle arch:
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Photo Deb Wong, facebook
The location is 37.540362°,-122.494423°. There are no signs and the old dirt road to it is overgrown. Go there or use those coordinates in your favorite satellite image app.
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Also spotted in Montara, beauty, eh?
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From Montara I started up the 1,800' climb to North Peak. What It Was Like Out There™:
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I came across this photo on the web (https://www.facebook.com/HMBreview/photos/a.143201519026545.26785.133013016712062/998180533528635/?type=1&theater) and on the way up I stopped a few times to try to do a then-and-now photo...
“In 1915, a twisty paved road was constructed over Montara Mountain to connect Montara and Pacifica. Brave travelers continued to use the route until 1937 when the defunct railroad line was converted to a road bed creating a straighter, but more harrowing, path. Courtesy Dave Cresson of the HMB History Association."
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8657/16611540651_c3949fbc71_o.jpg)
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8569/16612688075_98e5324ab7_o.jpg)
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North Peak was initially in the clouds but they are dissipating:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16426886809_23b9b8b841_o.jpg)
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At the top, clouds are gone but the coastal fog is increasing:
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Well, not actually North Peak but rather nearby Peak Mountain. This is the beginning of the Alta Vista Trail, the one trail in Rancho Corral de Tierra I hadn't yet ridden. Earlier in this thread (report for April 30, 2014) I found the trail crew working on it and have been wanting to go back once they'd finished. It's also known as Cave Trail; here is a recent video of it:
[youtube=640,360]Z8Lok8otuMI[/youtube]
Much of the surface, especially the upper part, is course sand over hard-pack and/or granite. It didn't take me long to slide out on it, I suck! Hard to believe but the fast guys get down this in 5 or 6 minutes.
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Finished the day with an out and back on the Spine Trail. The foliage grows back fast here but the trail was still clear. Star Lilies pop up in areas which have been recently cleared (by man or by fire), there were many growing here today
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8565/16425496218_a573c21553_o.jpg)
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One of the most common flowers along this part of the coast is the yellow Oxalis:
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They cover the landscape:
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8619/16612678775_a97259085b_o.jpg)
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The photo above is on what is now called Farmer's Daughter Trail. The trail names seem to change on each new version of the NPS map! Here is the most recent version:
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Note that the old hunting club land (right edge) is now shown as POST property.
place-mark for route 21.16/4:08/6:12/3,858'
Half Moon Bay:
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(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16611545261_be3479151e_o.jpg)
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Nice find. Excellent work on the re-creation.