Hike Rancho Corral de Tierra

Rancho Corral de Tierra is the newest addition to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

On August 5, we’ll go take a look. It’s usually foggy on the coast in August but I read a review by Tom Stienstra about the Spine Trail and he claims that we will probably climb out above the fog level.

We’ll start our hike in Moss Beach east of Highway 1 and walk up Ranch Road to Ember Ridge Stables. Passing the stables, we emerge at a small pond and start a short climb leading to a hilltop that is our first good lookout point. We’ll hike along a narrow ridge, valleys plunging dramatically down on each side, and continue up the southwest flank of Mt. Montara, from where we hope to see a spectacular view of the coast.

The total hike distance is 6.5 miles but, if we’ve still got energy, we can hike around the 1.5-mile Farmer’s Daughter loop on the way back. Estimates of elevation gain vary so I’m guessing about 1,500 feet. Parts of the trail are eroded so we’ll have to watch our step.

We’ll leave from UUFRC (2124 Brewster at Lowell) in Redwood City at 9am, Saturday, August 5. Arrive early to arrange carpools. We’ll park on Etheldore Street in Moss Beach where we’ll begin our hike. The drive to Moss Beach will take about 45 minutes.

Bring lunch and water. Dogs on leash are welcome.

kaye