Just south of San Francisco is San Bruno Mountain State Park.  A hike on this local treasure will give you beautiful, sweeping views of Colma, Daly City, and San Francisco, and on a clear day much of the East Bay as well!  The hike is split into two parts which you can do back-to-back in about 3 ½ - 4 hours (including time to stop and have lunch).

Difficulty:  Part I is very easy (wide gravel road with gentle rolling grade).  Part II is more challenging (single-track trail on rocky switchbacking route).

Distance:  2.9 miles for part I only, or 6.4 miles for both parts.

Tips: The trails tend to be very windy.  Nevertheless, on a hot day it’s best to pack extra water (especially if you do both parts) as there is little shade.  Wear decent hiking shoes with a good bit of tread on them for Part II.

The Route:

Part I:

• The hike begins at the Crocker Gate Trail Head.  You can park your car for free along Crocker Ave, near the intersection of S Hill Blvd (Daly City).

• Walk along the paved Old Guadalupe Trail and take the first left onto the Saddle Loop Trail.

• Follow the Saddle Loop Trail all the way around the perimeter of the Saddle, enjoying the views.

• Eventually the trail will deposit you at the picnic area.  This is a great time to refill your water bottle, use the bathroom, and have a snack.

  • If you’re not feeling up to Part II, head back to the start on the paved Old Guadalupe Trail.

Part II:

• From the picnic area, follow the paved road through the parking lot, under the Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy bridge, and continue to the other side.  After you cross the locked gate, take the first right onto Summit Loop Trail.

• Summit Loop Trail will take you down through some thick bushes and eucalyptus trees before heading up.  Wild blackberries grow here and in summertime you might find some to try.

• Take the trail up the mountain.  When you get close to the top, you will cross a paved service road; just keep going, you’re almost there!

• Once you reach the top of the mountain you’ll be at two transmitter buildings which house equipment for the radio transmitters.  These buildings are great for wind protection and sunshade and are a good place to top and rest.

• To go back down, simply cross Radio Rd and head back down the mountain.  Whenever you come to a fork in the trail, just stay to the left–that will keep you on Summit Loop Trail.

  • You can also take Radio Rd down but be sure to walk along the left side of the road as bicyclists tend to fly down the mountain at high speed.

• Eventually you will make your way back to the gate.  Return to the picnic area.

• Go left onto the paved Old Guadalupe Trail back to where you started, through the eucalyptus groves.