Mori Point Hike: Pacifica’s Best Hidden Gem Near SF
Are you looking to hike more around San Francisco? Are you figuring out what to include on your SF itinerary or California coast road trip? Are you a fan of coastal views? Are you trying to figure out what to do on your date? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you should absolutely hike the Mori Point Trail in Pacifica, a beautiful yet underappreciated area near San Francisco.
How long is the Mori Point Loop Trai
According to All Trails, the the Mori Point Loop Trail is 2.5 miles with an elevation of 396 ft. There are a few steep sections of the hike, so I would personally rate it at easy-moderate. It is a part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.
I would give yourself ~1.5 to 2 hours to enjoy this hike. Also, keep in mind there are many side trails that one can take to make the hike longer. Some people take can take a detour along the Bluff Trail to the highest point in the area, which will surely add to the length of the hike. For the purposes of this blog, I will focus only on the Mori Point loop trail.
Weather at Mori Point
The weather here is typically great. It is right next to the coast, so there may be a chance of overcast. It can get windy too, so bringing a windbreaker might come in handy.
Of course, you should check the weather before hiking.
Can I bring my Dog to Mori Point? Is Biking Allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed as long as are on a leash.
There is a mountain biking trail in the area, but it isn’t exactly the same hiking loop described in this post. If interested, the Mountain Biking Project has detailed information about the mountain biking trail at Mori Point.
Mori Point Parking
Most importantly, parking at Mori Point is FREE. Bless.
Parking Spot #1: Each time I hike this trail I park here. As shown above, the address is 4600 Pacific Coast Highway Pacifica, CA 94044. The pin is on the street. Just turn into the road heading east, and you will immediately see a small parking lot to your left, next to the “running trail” icon. It fits about 10 or so cars. I have always managed to snag a spot.
Parking Spot #2: If there isn’t any available parking at spot #1, there is another spot just a bit north. Search Mori Point Parking Lot on Google Maps. Weirdly enough, it isn’t really a parking lot. It is basically a road with ample parking on both sides of it.
Mori Point Loop Trail Hiking Map
I highly recommend using the hiking map on the All Trails app.
If you haven’t already, simply download All Trails on your phone and then search “Mori Point Loop Trail.” The main benefit of utilizing this map is that you can see your exact location in relation to the trail in real-time. You can also record your hike to find out your exact hiking distance, elevation, and time.
You can also view the map by clicking here.
Points of Interest Along the Mori Point Trail
Starting from Parking Spot #1, take the road that heads south. It looks like a bike path with a yellow line down the middle, as pictured below. If you are starting from Parking Spot #2, just follow the trail (for about 10 minutes) south to Parking Spot #1 and you will be caught up.
Soon you will be greeted by these tall and skinny, yellow-white weeds. I have no idea what they are actually called. I don’t even know if it’s correct for me to call them weeds! They are scattered all along the hills and make for a pretty sight. I apologize if I offended anyone who knows what they are called! Let me know in the comments section!
Rockaway Beach
The first real point of interest is Rockaway Beach. You won’t have direct access to walk along it, but you will have beautiful views of the beach below you as you make your way alongside the cliff. I remember when I first did this hike, the view really wowed me. I was not expecting it! Pacifica beach is just on the other side of the bay.
To get here, there is a somewhat steep, but very short section of climb. At the top, it can feel quite narrow, as cliff side is on either side of you. The section does get wider, though, as you travel down. Any place here makes for a great photo-op.
The Labyrinth at Mori Point
This next point of interest also took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it. There is a labyrinth made out of rocks. It is a circular maze, at the center of which, visitors can drop a peace offering. This is very similar to the labyrinth at Lands End in San Francisco. I also made a Lands End hiking guide, so make sure to check that out because I also highly recommend that trail.
You will have to make your way down on a somewhat steep slope to reach the labyrinth. It doesn’t help that the rocks lack the traction needed for this to be easy. Also, the area that juts out west from the labyrinth is cool to check out. I took my friend here and we had a conversation for about 15 minutes while taking in the cliffside beauty. Be very careful though because it is made of a looser type of rock and the cliffs are steep!
After the labyrinth, you will come across a steep, narrow section of trail. It’s like a small canyon. It feels out of place. It’s interesting. You’ll know what I mean when you check it out!
Coastal Views
The next section of the hike offers pristine coastal views of the Pacific Ocean, as you head north and follow the crescent shaped bay. The views never get old and pictures simply do not do it justice! In the springtime, wildflowers make the scene even more colorful.
The peninsula pictured on the other side of the bay is the next point of interest. I’m not too sure what it’s technically called because it is unnamed on Google Maps, but I am going to call it this…
Mori Point Lookout
I’m calling it the Mori Point Lookout because it arguably offers the best views of the entire hike. In a way it feels like the “grand finale.”
To get there, you will walk down a path, named the Mori Headlands Trail, heading westward along the peninsula.
The path eventually slopes downward and WHAM. You are hit with Pacific Ocean views on all sides of you. You definitely want to take a few photos here or simply take a break and soak it in.
There will likely be other people here because this is the most happenin’ spot, but I bet if you go in the early morning or sunset, you might enjoy this all to yourself. I enjoyed it with my boyfriend and birds in the distance.
Sharp Park Beach
After Mori Point Lookout, as I famously dub it, you will start making your way back to the car, finishing the loop. You will see the sandy and long Sharp Park beach to your left. If you want, you can certainly make your way down to the beach and enjoy the sand. There is also a pier and walkway, called the Coastal Trail, which would be perfect to add even more steps to your day.
You could also take a side trail up the mountain to get a better aerial view of Mori Point.
The last bout to back to the car isn’t the most scenic, as you don’t have coastal views to look at. However, it is somewhat shaded, so it will help cool you down.
The Verdict: Should I Hike Mori Point?
Yes. Overall, Mori Point gets a 9/10 for me.
It’s diverse. The views are plentiful. It’s not too long (if that’s your sort of thing). It’s perfect for showing your friend a tour of the area. It’s not as crowded as Lands End. It’s good for your cardiovascular health.
It packs a lot of beauty in a short amount of miles.
So yes, I definitely recommend checking out Mori Point when you get the chance. I even think it’s in a way more special than Lands End! While this trail is not technically in San Francisco, I am describing it as one of San Francisco’s best hidden gems, because it is close enough and I think more people should know about it. And as a local, I implore you to check it out yourself.
Til’ the next adventure,
— Keanu (aka 9 to 5 Travel Guy)
