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A tough 13-miler featuring the summit of North Peak and a tough climb up the Alta Vista Trail.


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Map Key

13.2

Miles

21.2

KM

82%

Runnable

1,806' 551 m

High

85' 26 m

Low

2,947' 898 m

Up

2,950' 899 m

Down

8%

Avg Grade (5°)

68%

Max Grade (34°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

Please note, the 2021 event has been cancelled this year.

Overview

A tough 13-miler featuring the summit of North Peak and a tough climb up Alta Vista Trail. There are spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding hills.

Description

The Hella' Hard Half Trail Run is a challenging 12.5-mile semi-loop with 3,908 feet of elevation gain and sweeping views of the California coastline.

In addition to the loop in San Pedro Valley County Park AND a trip to the summit of North Peak, the Hella' Hard Half includes the infamous Alta Vista Trail, which climbs 1,200 feet in just over a mile and is, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Outdoors writer, Tom Steinstra, "the steepest trail in the Bay Area, bar none!" The Alta Vista Trail was opened to public use only a few years ago, and PARCA was honored to be the first organization permitted to use the trail by the National Park Service for an organized athletic event.

The Hella' Hard Half Marathon route will test your climbing skills and you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping panoramas of the San Mateo County coast, in addition to the all-you-can-eat lunch afterwards!

There are four aid stations along the 30K course at mile 2.4, 5.8, 10.6, and 12.9.

Contacts

Shared By:

carl arft with improvements by Cayla McGinnis and 1 other

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#3155

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#435

in California

#3,155

Overall
3 Views Last Month
593 Since Mar 11, 2016
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Photos

Near the top of Pt. Montara.
Nov 9, 2015 near Montara, CA
Awesome view of Pacific Ocean
Dec 29, 2018 near Montara, CA
View of the water.
Nov 10, 2015 near Montara, CA
Sunset from the junction of where the North Peak Access Road Trail breaks off from the Old San Pedro Mountain Road.
Nov 9, 2015 near Montara, CA
This is the beginning of the trail. In the distance you can see a sign displaying the name of the campsite to the right(campsite not shown in photo). Beyond this sign there is another telling the history of the Old Trout Farm.
Dec 3, 2020 near Pacifica, CA
Pacifica from Montara Mountain Trail.
Jul 17, 2022 near Pacifica, CA

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