Mori Point, Sharp Park & Rockaway Beach 2015-05-13

Mori Pt, Sharp Park Beach

If a coastal hike right by the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views from hilltops is what you are looking for, then the hike from Sharp Park Beach - Mori Point - Rockaway Beach in Pacifica will fit the bill perfectly. Plenty of roadside parking is available on Beach Rd, Paloma Ave and other roads that run parallel to Paloma. From 280, taking Skyline Blvd - Sharp Park Blvd - Francisco Blvd - Paloma Ave will get you right to Beach Rd.

Sharp Park Beach

Apollo and I started our walk on the Beach Rd sidewalk that runs by the sea wall. In about a quarter-mile, the Pacifica Municipal Pier will be on the right, a popular spot with anglers. Just ahead, there is access to Sharp Park Beach. From here, you have the option of walking on the beach or by the promenade that runs by it. 

Bootlegger's Steps

About a mile into the hike, you will come to Mori Point, which is part of the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. We'd been in the neighborhood yesterday at Sweeney Ridge. It is possible to hike between Mori Point & Sweeney Ridge. Mori Point has several trails running criss-cross - a good plan of action is not a bad idea unless you don't mind walking around a bit. 

Mori Point

We took the Bootlegger's steps to reach the hilltop from where we went right to "the Mori Point." It's an amazing spot, and you can go very close to the edge for some breathtaking views of the bluffs, rocks and the ocean. Exercise caution, though, as there is nothing to stop you should you make a mistake!

After retracing our steps to the hilltop, we took the Coastal Trail heading south. The trail will pass through two huge boulders. Right after that, bear left, that will lead you to the bike trail. We made a mistake here! We continued straight and came to a point where it would have required getting down on all fours to safely climb down the hill. With Apollo on leash, it wasn't the prudent thing to do, so we went back and took the easier trail. 

When the coastal trail connects to the bike path, stay on the paved bike path going south. We made another mistake by heading right on the dirt trail that is just a small loop around a flat quarry like valley. This mistake allowed me to see a small snake slithering by our feet with Apollo barely being aware of why I tugged on him so hard!

Rockaway Beach

The walk down the bike path was uneventful and we came upon Rockaway Beach, our destination for today. As the name implies, majestic rock formations will make your visit here worthwhile. We turned back at the beach and headed north. For variation, we took the Timigtac Trail, a slightly steep climb, to Mori Peak - the highest point here - and the Mori Peak Trail on our way back. You can find a map in the link I included above to navigate this small park with a somewhat tricky trail system.

As we exited Mori Point Park and made our way on the promenade, I saw a flock of ravens. An unusual sight, for ravens are known to be solitary birds in general. 

Our 6.3 mile hike in about 2 hours involved couple of ascents, one of 200 ft to Mori Point and another of 350 ft to Mori Peak. This is a very scenic hike, especially on a sunny, spring day like today. Do exercise caution, specifically in the Mori Point Park area.

More pictures from the hike today.
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