McNee Ranch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McNee Ranch State Park |
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Coastal view from a trail in McNee Ranch
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 McNee Ranch State Park
Location in California
McNee Ranch State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Montara, California, USA |
| Nearest city | Montara, California |
| Area | 690 acres (280 ha) |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
McNee Ranch is a beautiful natural area in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the United States. It is located close to Montara, California, a small town in San Mateo County. This ranch covers about 690 acres, which is like 520 football fields! It's a great place to explore nature and see amazing views.
Exploring McNee Ranch
The highest point at McNee Ranch is 1,898 feet above sea level. That's almost as tall as some small mountains! You can reach the top by following a dirt path called the North Peak Access Road. This path is also known as a "fire road" because it helps firefighters get around if there's a fire. Hikers love to use this road to reach the top.
From the summit, which is the very top of the mountain, you can see far and wide. On clear days, you can enjoy amazing views of the entire San Francisco Bay Area. Sometimes, if it's very cold, a light dusting of snow might even cover the summit!
Special Plants and Animals
McNee Ranch is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. This is called "biodiversity." The lower parts of the mountain have special "serpentine soils." These soils are unique and help certain rare plants grow.
Some of these rare plants are even "endangered species." This means they are very rare and need protection. Two examples found here are Hickman's potentilla and San Mateo thornmint. Scientists work hard to protect these special plants so they don't disappear.
Part of Montara State Beach
McNee Ranch is also connected to Montara State Beach. This means it's part of a larger protected area where people can enjoy the coast and nature. It's a wonderful place for outdoor adventures and learning about California's natural beauty.
