An incredible and unique quality to the San Francisco peninsula is that literally half of it is natural open space preserve. Among this open space is Sawyer Camp Trail, running six+ miles, parallel between hwy 280 and Crystal Springs reservoir, between San Mateo at the south and San Bruno at the north, with multiple access points inbetween. The gently undulating paved "trail" is shared by walkers, joggers, and bikers. Winding mostly along the bank of Crystal Springs, it's a great place for exercise, a leisurely walk, or to sit and enjoy the view of fog as it rolls over the costal hills almost every afternoon.
View is amazing. It is a very nice trail, good for jogging and biking. The only problem is parking, it is pretty hard to find parking on weekends.
You can walk or bike the full six miles or just one - The San Mateo section of the hike is flat, easy and scenic - plenty of birds and you may also see squirrels and deer - pretty reservoir surrounded by treesWell worn popular trail but never overcrowded - great for walking, jogging, or biking!
We came here in the spring and everything was so green. There's construction going on so you can't go through the whole loop. We wouldn't have done it anyways since we were just walking. There's still at least 6 miles of the loop you can do. Such a peaceful place and lots of benches around for rest. Two porta-pottys that we saw.
For your camping a great place to walk or bike or run with a beautiful view of the mountains to one side and the four on your other side
Sawyer Creek Trail is a very popular beautiful trail that is for multi-use purposes. In fact there is a sign that says: "Welcome" "This is a MULTIUSE trail." You can expect to see joggers, walkers, bicyclists, skaters, equestrians, and other types of non-motorized use." In this visit I was in the "walker" category.The trail is quite nice and has a very scenic view of Crystal Springs Reservoir. Further into the walk, trees and seeing deer is common. One can do part or all of the six mile hike. From a historical perspective it used to the stage coach route from San Mateo side to what was then known as Spanishtown (Half Moon Bay). It was originally built in 1888.The day I was there was mid week so all I saw was walkers and people having a picnic at the start of the trail. There are a couple of benches there (no tables) and a restroom.Parking is on the road way and can be super popular on week-ends - so parking can sometimes be an issue then. Good to plan on an early start.
easy walking and bike (paved six mile) trail in beautiful nature - following Crystal Springs Reservoir. highly recommended for health and relaxation.
Thumbs up for this paved hiking and running trail between San Mateo and Millbrae, where you won't have to contend with automobiles and have the convenience of mile markers to track your mileage.
Beautiful trail, great for a bike ride or walk with kids. Lots of shade, wide road, beautiful views.
I grew up in San Mateo so I guess I took this place for granted. I spent many days walking, running and biking along the reservoir. After moving away 15 years ago, I am back in town and went there for a run. People of the Peninsula - YOU ARE SO LUCKY!!!! This place is awesome.