10/27/04. Named in honor of the 2004 World Series MVP Manny Ramirez of the Boston Red Sox, this circuit climbs like a fastball off his bat and ends up slamming into the "Green Monster" at Fenway Park! You'll understand what I mean 2.5 miles into this run. This out and back starts at the trail head for the North Peak Access Road and the entrance to the McNee Ranch State Park in Montara (006). There is parking here for about six cars so I try to get here early. After a good stretch I work my way up a gravel driveway and discover a private residence and a split in the trail (001). I head left and start up San Pedro Mountain Road. Yes, a road! There is pavement in these hills. The cars back in the old days had to traverse this hill somehow. You won't really notice it much as you take in the impressive landscape. Shaded hillsides rolling like corduroy, pacific blue as far as the eye can see and lavish beachlines that gleam in the sunlight. I pick up North Peak again at (002) and start my way towards the peak. Dirt, slopes, vistas, switchbacks, and a couple of burned out cars are found along the way. That wall! It's getting closer. I could see it slicing into the hillside as I drove along Highway 1. I put my head down and look at my Steens as I shuffle along this path, feeling the effects of an abrupt change in it's tilt. I find comfort ahead as things begin to level out. Now is a good time for some fuel. I take a short breather and have a peek at some very nice surroundings. To the west I spot the Farallones, Pt. Reyes and Stinson Beach. Northward I see Mt. Tam, the Marin Headlands, Ocean Beach and parts of San Francisco. Damn nice place to live. Onward! I pass the entrance to the Montara Mountain Trail (003) and maintain a brisk pace all the way to the summit. A sharp left at (004) and a few short steps to the apex (005). Time to enjoy A 360º view of the peninsula and the hidden valley that lies behind these hills. I turn around and start my way back down, taking pleasure in seeing it all over again from a different slant.

Distance and Elevation Profile
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