Crystal Springs: Sawyer Camp Trail

Location

Crystal Springs Reservoir runs North-South along Highway 280 for several miles. The Sawyer Camp Trailhead is West of Burlingame. To get there, take the Black Mountain / Hayne Road Exit from Hwy 280. Off the exit, head West. The exit road ends after several hundred feet; turn South (left) onto Skyline Blvd. Follow Skyline until the junction at a stop sign with Crystal Springs Road. The trailhead is at the West corner of this. Park on the street North, East, or South of here (there are marked spaces at the trailhead, and a small lot just South of it).

There is also a Milbrae trailhead, at the end of San Andreas Trail (see www.strollerhikes.com/Hikes/SanAndreas/SanAndreas.html).

Attractions:

Beautiful Crystal Springs Reservoir (too bad you can't get close enough to dangle a toe in).
Fantastic, smooth, wide two-lane trails.
Nice bathrooms at the trailhead, plus port-a-potties frequently along the trail.
Benches aplenty with great views of the reservoir and surrounding nature.
Shade along much of the route - this is a great hike on a hot day!
Wildlife includes deer, squirrels, various birds, lizards, and fish (see them jump, while you're way up on the trail!).
Bicycles allowed - makes a great place to learn to ride!
Connects to San Andreas Trail to the North via a short unpaved section. (See www.strollerhikes.com/Hikes/SanAndreas/SanAndreas.html)
Shaded picnic area at 3.5 miles with water and payphone.

Limitations:

No dogs allowed
No smoking
No off-trail excursions here - though they do not stand out, the trail is bordered by fences.
Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and poison oak!

Season:

Year round, about 8 am to sunset

Fees:

None.

Maps & More Information:

Trail is very clear, so no maps are needed. Still, there is a map and information posted at the trailhead kiosk.
County of San Mateo Website with Information: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305993_12328403,00.html
County of San Mateo Map: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/vgn/images/portal/cit_611/14396111Crystal_Map.gif

Handicapped Access:

There are handicapped parking spots and bathrooms at the trailhead. The trail is fantastic - more than suitable for handicapped use.

Recommended routes:

Sawyer Camp Trail:
Begin at the trailhead (if you park in the lot South of it, the trail extends a few hundred feet to this lot) and hike West and North. Mile markers occur regularly, as do benches and port-a-potties. Enjoy those views and the wonderful shade. There is a picnic area with tables at the 3.5 mile mark. When you're ready, return the way you came. Up to 12 miles total if you turn back when the pavement ends. Otherwise, you connect to San Andreas Trail to the North (see www.strollerhikes.com/Hikes/SanAndreas/SanAndreas.html).