Another Great Wildflower Walk

Summit Trail Loop

San Bruno Mountain County Park

“A man’s walking is a succession of falls.” -Old Proverb

Directions: Take Highway 101 to the Brisbane/Cow Palace turnoff. Continue past Brisbane to Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Watch for park entrance on your right. There is a $4 entry fee.

Grade: Moderate.

Distance: 3.1 miles for the Summit Trail Loop.

Time: Two hours.

Special Conditions: No dogs allowed. Bicycles limited to Radio Road. Restrooms and picnic tables at trailhead/picnic area. Dress for windy weather, and bring your camera and binoculars. Park opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. This park is operated by San Mateo County Parks Department. Call 650-363-4020 for information.

What stands 1,314 feet above sea level, has 10 radio transmission towers, is visible from Highways 101 and 280, offers the best views of any summit in the Bay Area, and is a wild and wonderful place that many of our walking friends have never visited? San Bruno Mountain!

Some Bay Area residents view San Bruno Mountain daily during their commute. Others are especially interested in the fact that the nation’s first Habitat Conservation Plan was approved to protect the mountain’s rare and endangered species. Many of us saw its flames or smelled its smoke during periodic summertime wild fires. But few of us, especially from the central and south county areas, have walked to its summit, traversed its ridges, and experienced its great views.

Try to schedule a visit to San Bruno Mountain this month (April) or next, before the rain stops and the grass dries to golden brown. The trails are in excellent condition, and the wildflowers will soon be at their peak.

The San Bruno Mountain State and County Park includes 2,326 acres at elevations ranging from 250 to 1,314 feet above sea level. Twelve miles of trails are available, including two trails/roads for bicycles. The park features many native plants (at least 384 have been counted), nearly 50 varieties of grass, and four rare butterflies, including the endangered mission blue, the San Francisco silver spot, and the San Bruno elfin.

Our hike in April covered the 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail. We parked in the large lot beyond the pay station off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. The entrance fee is $4 per vehicle. Nearby are restrooms, picnic tables, and a signboard with information on park history and on the rare butterflies that reside here. At the east end of the parking area, join the Summit Loop Trail, and pass under Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. You can also drive under the road and park in a smaller lot at the entrance to Radio Road. The Summit Trail begins at the second parking area (south side of Guadalupe Canyon Parkway) and quickly starts uphill. You will climb a short distance parallel to Radio Road, then swing east and follow a series of switchbacks to the summit. Along the way, great views open up as you gain altitude. Candlestick Park, downtown San Francisco, and points north and east capture your interest. We hiked this trail on a clear day in April, and the view was truly remarkable.

As you approach the summit, be aware that 400 feet before you join Radio Road, you will intersect with Ridge Trail. We continued on the Summit Trail Loop to Radio Road, which is in the middle of “Antenna Farm.”

Ten towers point skyward. Take a moment to stop and study the myriad of communicating devices on these towers. Tucked below the summit are many satellite dishes beamed to some remote space object above.

We crossed the road and continued down the Summit Loop Trail with views opening up to Pacifica, Daly City, Colma, San Francisco, and Marin County. We could clearly see the cliffs above the Pacific stretching on to Point Reyes and the Farallon Islands to the west. The trail gradually descends along a ridge and doubles back to cross April Brook. Watch for a rich carpet of wildflowers during March and April on the slope between Radio Road and April Brook. As the trail continues to the parking area, examine the trees, ferns, coastal iris, and streamside vegetation, quite different from the upper reaches of the mountain.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

Email to:< tom@tomdavids.com> Note new email address.

Footnote: Check out the Weekly Walker Web site at www.weeklywalker.com.

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