Brooks Creek Trail

Brooks Creek Trail quickly climbs out of the San Pedro Valley through groves of eucalyptus and native Manzanita trees. Measuring just over 1 mile, Brooks Creek Trail is a rewarding hike with expansive views of San Pedro Valley County Park and, at its highest point, the Pacific. As a there-and-back or paired with a return on Montara Mountain Trail, Brooks Creek is a moderate, shaded hike of about 2 miles. A prominent slab of granite on Montara Mountainas north face looks undoubtedly climbable, although there appears to be no route through the thick costal scrub, and rangers have no record of it ever being ascended. You'll find signs along the trail indicating directions to Brooks Creek Falls, but there is not much to see in a drought-stricken California summer. White mineral deposits and a bit of rock peeking through the chaparral are the only indicators of the falls in the dry season. When water is present, Brooks Falls is a 175-foot, three-tiered cascade and the beginning of Brooks Creek, a tributary of San Pedro Creek. Steelhead trout make the journey upstream from the Pacific to spawn in these fresh waters. San Pedro Creek is the only habitat for the threatened anadromous species in the 25 miles between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay. Brooks Creek Trail is open to hikers only. Day use picnic areas, restrooms, and an information center are located at San Pedro Valley County Parkas headquarters. Park day use is $6 per vehicle. NOTE: The California drought has dramatically affected Brooks Creek and Brooks Falls. Visit the park within 48 hours of heavy rainfall for a glimpse of the waterfall.