SUNDAY DRIVE

Spine Ridge Trail

What you see: The Spine Ridge Trail towers over coastal hills with a view of remote canyons to Pillar Point Harbor and the ocean. In just an hour or so, it can feel like you have walked through an escape hatch to a world of peace that you can always count on.

Location: Spine Ridge climbs above Moss Beach on the San Mateo County coast and rises to meet the south flank of Montara Mountain.

Making it yours: This trek shows off a segment of the Bay Area’s newest major parkland, Rancho Corral de Tierra. Poor signage, no designated parking and no maps on site make Rancho Corral de Tierra the least understood of the tracts in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The rancho spans 4,000 acres, much of it spectacular. But outside of locals, many don’t know where to park or hike, despite multiple trailheads.

When you get there: The best access for Spine Ridge is near the Ember Ridge Equestrian Center. Do not park at the stables. Instead, park along Etheldore Street near Ranch Road and walk from Ranch Road to the stables. It’s fine to then walk past the stables to the parkland; do not pet, feed or approach the horses, and if you have a dog, keep it leashed.

The trail: Just past the stables, there’s a farm pond on the right and a view of the coastal flats leading into the hills. Ahead and to the left, an old ranch road leads up to a hilltop and beyond it rises along Spine Ridge. As hikers gain 1,000 feet, valleys plummet below each side. The payoff view is at a rock outcrop on the flank of Montara Mountain. It can also make for a trail picnic site with a spectacular view of the coast. Estimated 5-mile round trip, 1,500-foot elevation gain. Cost: Parking, access are free. Map: A PDF of a general map is available at website; map shows no parking areas, mileages, elevations or topography.

Trail rules: Leashed dogs, horses are permitted. Mountain bikes are permitted, but the terrain is challenging and the surface eroded in spots; riders must dismount at a few places.

Contacts: Rancho Corral de Tierra, Pacific West Information Center, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, (415) 5614700, www.nps.gov/goga.