The hook
Thousands of acres of wild coastal hills rising straight up behind the Highway 1 towns, a big empty backcountry hiding in plain sight above Montara.
01Why it's worth it
Behind the little coastside towns of Montara, Moss Beach, and El Granada, the land tilts up into Rancho Corral de Tierra: a former ranch, now part of the GGNRA, of grassy ridges, hidden valleys, and rocky peaks that most people driving the coast never realize is there. Trails climb hard from the neighborhoods into wild-feeling terrain, with big drops back to the ocean and, on clear days, huge views up and down the coast. It's newer to public access and less trafficked than the marquee headlands, so it stays quiet, and the sense of stepping from a beach town straight into empty mountains is the appeal. It's exposed and can be windy and foggy, and there's little in the way of facilities.
02How to experience it
Access is from trailheads in Montara and El Granada; the climbs are real, so bring water and layers, and go early since parking is limited. Clear days and spring green are best. Pair it with the coast at Montara or the Fitzgerald tide pools below.