At nearly 4,000 acres, Rancho is one of the largest undeveloped parcels of land on the San Mateo peninsula. Once planned for development, this land is now protected as part of our nation's natural legacy.
The National Park Service manages Rancho in cooperation with the local community, California State Parks, and San Mateo County Parks to improve trails, trailheads, and trail connections.
Tips and Highlights
- Visitors should be aware that the stables and farms in the area are working operations. Visitors should not enter these properties or approach the animals without permission.
- The dramatic ascent of Montara Mountain, from the sea level to 2,000 feet in just over 1 mile, is a spectacular sight not duplicated anywhere else in the Golden Gate National Parks and in few other places on the California coast.
- While visiting Rancho, please note that the NPS management of the area is in its early stages. Many of the existing trails are very steep and eroded and may be difficult to traverse until they are repaired or re-routed.
- For access to Rancho, park at Gray Whale Cove and hike through McNee Ranch State Park. Check back for updates and new access points.
- In an emergency, call 911 or the National Park Service's emergency dispatch at (415) 561-5656. Local authorities may respond faster than park rangers.
