SAN BRUNO MOUNTAIN STATE AND COUNTY PARK

San Bruno Mountain State and County Park

Located in Daly City, this mountain has approximately 12 miles of trails accessing various vista points throughout the park. All the trails are interesting, but the Summit trail is the most scenic. Elevations range from 250 to 1,314 feet at its summit, which offer outstanding views of San Francisco and the central Bay Area. Fog and winds are prevalent, but this can be a wonderful reprieve from the hot and dusty East or South Bay trails. Temperatures are moderate, ranging from upper 40's to the mid-80's. It is a good idea to layer your clothing as it can suddenly become quite cool and misty, especially on the descent.

The park was established to protect endangered plant life and two species of butterflies. You are sure to have raptors soaring low overhead, and with luck, you will see a tiny gray fox that frequents the radio towers area. At spring, the wildflowers are magnificent. If you enjoy solitude and nature, try this park. Generally, only the picnic area is occupied.

Currently, the park is undergoing a massive tree and vegetation clearing to restore the natural habitat. The Bog, Old Guadalupe, Ridge, Eucalyptus, Summit and Saddle Trail are unaffected, but uprooted trees and brush have blocked the other trails. The park volunteers have done an excellent job of clearing the weeds and widening the paths. Radio Road is still accessible; on a clear day you see panoramic views of San Francisco, the East Bay and Northern Peninsula. You will always be reminded of this run when in this area because the radio towers can be seen for miles. The Ridge Trail can be accessed through the Eucalyptus Trail; this takes you on the east side of the mountain. At the vista point, the trail continues east, but the path is very steep, with slippery gravel and uneven terrain. It is best to get on the Summit Trail by descending Radio Road and turning left at the gate to the private road. A marker for Summit Trail is off a little ways to the right side. The terrain is fairly stable which allows you to have a fast, exhilarating wild ride on the west side.

The Saddle Trail is a two-mile dirt loop with gentle rollers. It has side views of the mountain, and also a vista point to view the San Francisco skyline. The path is often ablaze with yellow wildflowers.

Facilities: A restroom and a drinking fountain are located at the picnic site near the park's Guadalupe entrance. San Bruno Mountain Park.

Tips:

From the Crocker Road entrance, take the bog trail in; it is well maintained and charming.
Return on the paved Guadelupe Trail through the grove of Eucalyptus trees.

Radio Road is also fun to bike, from East Market Street; it turns into Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Continue until you see the entrance to San Bruno Mountain Park. Or, test your hill climbing speed starting on Brisbane and Guadalupe on the East side of the hill against the current course record of 15:17 for 3.5M of uphill climbing.

Directions:

The park entrance is off of Guadeloupe Canyon Parkway, however; try entering off Crocker Road.
From 280 take the Westlake/John Daly Blvd. exit, go east on John Daly.
Turn left on Mission.
Turn right on Crocker and proceed up the hill.
At the top, continue past some townhouse developments and Rampart Street. Go about a 1/4M and look for the gate to the park on the right side.
Vehicles at the park entrance are charged $3.00.

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