San Bruno State and County Park

Location

1) From the Mission exit of Hwy 280, drive North (left) on Junipero Serra Blvd, then right on San Pedro Blvd. San Pedro Blvd eventually becomes East Market Street, which becomes Guadalupe Canyon Road. Park entrance is on the left.
OR 2) From the Bayshore / Brisbane exit of Hwy 101, drive South on Bayshore, then turn West onto Guadalupe Canyon Road. Park entrance is on the right.

Parking: One lot immediately after kiosk, second lot past underpass.

Attractions:

Many endemic species of frogs, butterflies, and plants that are seen no where else! Several are endangered.
Great views of San Francisco, Santa Cruz Mountains, and areas South of San Francisco ... as long as the fog hasn't rolled in.
Substantial picnic area with lawn adjacent to the first parking lot.
Water and bathrooms at the picnic area.
Plenty of benches along the bog trail!
A relic from the cold war, the Nike Missile Early Warning Radar station is at San Bruno Mountain's summit. Now it is joined by several radio and microwave transmitters. Drive up to the summit via radio road when you visit. To get there, drive to the second parking lot and continue through the gate (should be open to cars during open hours). Great views!

Limitations:

No dogs allowed
Bicycles are limited to wide and paved trails as designated.
Stay on the trails to avoid ticks and poison oak!
It can get very windy and foggy, and many trails are quite exposed. Check the forecast and dress in layers!
Windy weather means debris from the Eucalyptus Trees on the trails, which can be an annoyance.

Season:

Year round, 8 am until about sunset (closing times vary with season).

Fees:

$5 per car

Maps & More Information:

Maps are available at parking lot signs, although trails are very well marked.
San Mateo County Website: http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12313315_12345092,00.html

Handicapped Access:

Handicapped Access: There are several handicapped parking spots. Old Guadalupe Road is quite suitable for handicapped use, provided the trail is clean of wind-felled debris. The portion of Bog Trail described below has been identified as an all-access trail.

Recommended routes:

Old Guadalupe Trail:
At the Northwest end of the first parking lot, head North on Old Guadalupe Trail. This is paved and sheltered from the wind. This is not a loop; head back the way you came when you reach the end. 1.6 miles round trip.

Saddle Loop with Old Guadalupe Trail:
From the Northwest end of the first parking lot, head South on Saddle Loop. The trail is very clearly marked, eventually heading West then North, meeting Old Guadalupe Trail. Caution: This trail is exposed, so it is not recommended in high winds, when the baby carrier can get pushed around quite a bit! Alternatively, this hike can be done backwards, starting with Guadalupe Trail, as described above. 2.9 miles total.

Bog Trail with Old Guadalupe Trail:
From the Northwest end of the first parking lot, there are two trailheads to the Bog Trail. Take the one that is straight, not the one that veers downhill quickly, to the left. Follow the trail for about 0.4 miles, then cross the bridge at Colma Creek. Turn right to continue uphill on Old Guadalupe Trail, which will turn back towards the parking lot. Almost 1.6 miles round trip.