Sweeney Ridge, Pacifica, CA

Near the coastal town of Pacifica, Sweeney Ridge provides views of the Pacific ocean as well as the San Francisco bay. The ridge can be approached from the west via the Mori Ridge Trail (described below) or the east via Sneath Lane (see April 9th hike).

To get to the Mori Ridge trail head, Take Highway 1 and turn east onto Mori Ridge Road and continue uphill past Shelldance Nursery. Parking is available at the end of the nursery.

Take Mori Ridge trail 1.3 miles until reaching Sweeney Ridge trail. From here you may turn back, or continue on Sweeney Ridge trail until you hit a Nike Missile Control site or reach Sneath Lane or Bacquaino trail further beyond that. Total elevation change is around 1000ft.

Pacific coast, west side


SF Bay. Note Sign Hill Park in the distance.

Trail: Mori Ridge + Sweeney Ridge trails, 4.6 mi round trip
Difficulty: Moderate (elevation change)

Photos courtesy of Mike Y.

Shark Fin Cove, Davenport, CA

Along Highway 1 near Santa Cruz, Shark Fin Cove is an ideal hangout spot for a weekend.

I started my hike at Bonny Doon Beach. Walk north less than 0.5 miles to reach Shark Fin Cove. Both beach areas are accessible by a steep, short trail.



There are also many photo opportunities in the surrounding area.


Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (steepness)

Thanks to my Uncle David for suggesting this beautiful hike!

Cisinshan, Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Cisinshan ("7 star mountain"), a dormant volcano, is known for its fumaroles that emit sulfur gases.

To get there from Taipei, take the 260 bus from the Taipei Main MRT station 35+ stops to Yangmingshan. Take the internal 108 bus to Xiaoyoukeng ("small oil pit").

After taking in closeup views of the fumaroles, begin your hike at the trail head. Walk uphill over a 1.6 kilometer-long series of steps to the summit. Take note of the steam vents, rocky landscape, views of Taipei, and vegetation. At the summit, you can turn back and retrace your steps or descend along Lengshuikeng ("cold water pit") trail. I did the former due to time constraint.

Fumaroles at Xiaoyoukeng


View from the summit




After completing the hike, take the 108 bus back to the Yangmingshan bus stop at the park entrance.

Trail: Xiaoyoukeng, 3.2km round trip, 286m elevation gain
Difficulty: >Moderate (steepness)

Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Located in Northern Taiwan, this natural wonder is valued for its unique rock formations and coastal views. It was formed millions of years ago in the Miocene.

"Queen's Head" rock formation


Yehliu Cape/Promontory


Difficulty: Moderate

Thanks to my Uncle David for playing tour guide on this hike and also the previous post!

Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, New Taipei City, Taiwan

Located in Northern Taiwan, this area makes for pleasant strolls with views of the Tamsui River and Taiwan Strait.

Difficulty: >Easy (afternoon heat)