Summit Trail

San Bruno Mountain

Directions: 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 $3 entry fee.

Grade: Moderate.

Distance: 3.1 miles for the Summit Trail loop. Add 4 miles for a side trip on the Ridge Trail.

Time: One to three hours.

Special Conditions: No dogs allowed. Bicycles limited to Radio Road and Saddle Loop trails. Rest rooms and picnic tables at the trailhead. Dress for windy weather, and bring your camera and binoculars.

This trail is operated by San Mateo County Parks and Recreation Department. Call (415) 363-4020 for information.

Quote: "None but ourselves." (George Mallery, after winning a summit)

What stands 1,314 feet above sea level, has 10 radio transmission towers, is visible from Highways 101 and 280 every time you drive to or from San Francisco, 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 of us view it daily during our 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. Most 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 spring, before the rain stops and the grass dries to golden brown. The trails are in excellent condition, and the wildflowers will soon be in full bloom.

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 January included the 3.1-mile Summit Loop Trail with a 4-mile side trip on the Ridge Trail. We parked in the large lot beyond the pay station off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. The entrance fee is $3 per vehicle. Nearby are rest rooms, picnic tables, and a signboard with information on park history and on the rare butterflies resident 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 parking area 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 quickly capture your interest. We hiked this trail on a clear day in January, 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 to your left. We followed this trail, which soon becomes a wider fire road, for two miles (one-half mile short of its terminus) and enjoyed fine views to the south and west. Planes from SFO were taking off to the west that day, and it was exciting to stand above their flight line and look down on them as they ascended to the west. Farther south, we could see the South Bay and Mount Hamilton, the ridge line above Interstate 280 and the Pacific Ocean due west.

Returning to Radio Road, we were in the middle of "antenna farm." Ten towers point skyward. Take a moment to stop and study the myrad of antennas and communicating devices on these towers. Tucked below the summit are many satellite dishes beamed to some remote space object above.

We continued on 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. 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 April Brook and Radio Road. As the trail continues to the parking area, examine the trees, ferns, coastal iris, and stream-side vegetation, quite different from the upper reaches of the mountain.

On our next walk, we will feature trails on the north part of San Bruno Mountain. The trails are lower and shorter, but the views continue to be outstanding.