….where the Hetchy Hetch aqueduct meets Crystal Springs Reservoir. You can look down in the “temple” and see the water flowing that flakes the thirst of millions! “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people” says the inscription on the temple……Tranquil park with beautiful reflecting pool, perfect for a stopping spot on a hike along Canada road.VERY LITTLE PARKING….
It was a noon and I had nothing better to do. Checked google maps and found this cute little free park. The weather was great, and the park was quiet. Nobody was there but me. Totally refreshing experience.
Pulgas Water Temple is a lovely spot to take in the sunshine and reflect on the beauty of nature. The majestic columned temple marks the terminus of the canals and pipes that bring water from the Hetch Hetchy canyon near Yosemite to Crystal Springs reservoir. The long reflecting pool and grassy lawn provide a serene area to take a lunch break or read or nap. Parking is limited, but there's rarely a crowd on weekdays. The site is closed to the public on weekends, perhaps reserved for private parties including weddings.
This is one of those rare places that was built to simply be pretty. Unfortunately, it is rarely open due to the economics of the state. So don't be disappointed if the gate is locked.
Basically, what you have here is a nice area with a monument and a water pond. That's about all. Parking is restricted to 30 minutes...not long enough to even have a picnic.
Clean quiet and not very crowded. Bring a lunch and a bottle of wine for a great couple hours of r&r.
Perfect for weddings (permit needed), great for kids to run around, historic part of the massive Hetch Hetchy water system for San Francisco and surrounding communities.
The Pulgas Water Temple is a fascinating place along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The Hetch-Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra-Nevada foothills is the source for the exceptional quality water in most of the peninsula. The Pulgas Water Temple not only aerates that water, but is a tribute to the role of water in our lives.
I stopped to rest in the road .and was surprised by this Pulgas Temple .it is a quiet place wher you can relax and walk around the estructure and gardens.......nice play in the road.
If you are interested in California history, you might want to visit the Pulgas Water Temple. The structure commemorates the completion of the water transport project (Hetch-Hetchy Dam) that delivered water from the Sierra Mountains to San Mateo county. It is one of only three water temples in the USA and is in the Greek style. The temple is off a country road just west of Highway 280. It's a lovely, unspoiled area near Filoli Estates, a historic property well worth a visit. There are several lunch options in the nearby town of Woodside: Buck's, The Woodside Bakery and an upscale grocery store are all less than 10 minutes south.