San Bruno Mountain from Top to Bottom

Two Short Hikes

San Bruno Mountain County Park

“One thing about walking is that it costs practically nothing, which is an important item these days.” - John Kieran, 1953

(This is another in the series, “Benches and Other Great Places for Lunch”—short hikes to special places just right for a quiet getaway.)

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: Easy.

Distance: About a mile round trip on each trail.

Time: About an hour with lunch.

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.

A couple weeks ago we wrote about the Summit Trail Loop—a fine walk when wildflowers are in their prime during April. This week we return to San Bruno Mountain to hike two short trails—one high on the mountain and the other low.

The Ridge Trail runs from the summit of San Bruno Mountain (1,314 feet) along a ridgeline to the east. There are no trees, only grass on this ridge, so the views are unobstructed and nearly limitless, depending in the weather. As you hike, the Bay is before you; the skyline of San Francisco is on your left; and the Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean are over your right shoulder. Hawks ride the updrafts, soaring above the grassland looking for dinner below. Depending on wind and air traffic conditions, you may see giant aircraft lifting off from San Francisco Airport and then flying over the mountain.

This time of year (April), wildflowers will be blooming through the green grass. By summer, the grass will dry to a golden brown, but anytime of the year the Ridge Trail offers a certain raw beauty.

To reach the summit parking lot, pass through the entrance station, drive through the first parking lot, and pass under Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Continue on Radio Road to the summit parking area. The trailhead leads from the east end of the lot. Being able to hike the ridge without climbing up to it makes this an ideal outing for almost everyone, including small children. A hike along the ridge to East Peak is a 4.8-mile round trip.

If a ridge hike is not to your liking, check out the Bay Trail located by the main parking lot just in from the entrance station. Or try them both to experience the high and low of San Bruno Mountain. The Bog Trail is only one-half mile and nearly level.

From the parking lot, turn west and cross over the service road just beyond the gate. Start on the Old Guadalupe Trail and quickly turn left on Bog Trail. This is a loop trail. We started on Lower Bog and returned on Bog Trail, which qualifies as a whole access trail.

The views from this trail are limited by the mountain to the south, but the primary interest is a water course, a nice wooden bridge, and several benches, all fine places for lunch. You will find a mixture of open grass areas and overhanging trees at the trailside. This trail is also just right for our young hiking friends and anyone just looking for fresh air.

Your comments and hiking suggestions are always welcome.

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

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