Take a Hike: Weiler Ranch, Valley View, and Hazelnut Trail Loop

Location:
Pacifica.
Distance:
5.7-mile loop.
Difficulty Level:
Moderate.

Know Before You Go:
This is a popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail—which has an elevation gain of 1,246 feet and takes approximately three hours to complete—is open year-round, but in the winter it's not unusual for some sections to be muddy due to rainfall. Leave your pups at home, and be aware of poison oak.
With three connecting trails, there are a few different ways you can start/end your journey.





Begin on the Weiler Ranch Trail from either San Pedro Valley County Park parking lot or Oddstad Blvd., and you’ll quickly come upon the start of Valley View Trail. On your right you’ll find a picnic area, horseshoe pits, and bathroom facilites. You can either continue on the flat Weiler Ranch Trail (out and back) or make your way up the Valley View Trail. On Valley View Trail you'll hike up then back down to Weiler Ranch Trail, continue out, and then pick up Hazelnut Trail on your right. From this starting point it’s all uphill with multiple switchbacks. You'll pass through foliage and take in a range of views, including Montara Mountain, the ocean, Sweeney Ridge, and the park's vast valleys.
This loop is home to wildflowers, including California blackberry, coyote mint, and sticky monkey flower; mule deer; and various trees, including walnut, buckeye, eucalyptus, manzanita, and coast live oak.
Note: San Pedro Valley County Park charges an entrance fee. You can also park next door at the church or on the neighborhood streets located near the outside of the park entrance off Oddstad Blvd.
Why We Love It:
Beautiful ocean and valley views, cute animal sightings, and well-maintained paths, plus a variety of coastal plants and trees to observe along the journey, make this trek a must. For trail runners, either section offers a challenging trek: Valley View for the shorter distance and Hazelnut for something lengthier; or combine them both to really blast those quads. Make sure to wear shoes with ample support and traction.

Fuel Up:
Grab a coffee, breakfast sandwich, smoothie, or acai bowl at Beach Monkey Organic Café (beachmonkeyorganiccafe).

Reward Yourself:
With ample outside (dog-friendly) and inside/bar seating you can’t go wrong with the simple but solid menu and refreshing beers at Humble Sea Brewing Co. (humblesea.com). Try the chicken sandwich with spicy tots, and thank me later.
For more information, visit alltrails.com/trail/us/california/valley-view-weiler-ranch-and-hazelnut-trail-loop
by Gary Zsigo
Photos by Gary Zsigo
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