A guide to California’s San Bruno Mountain State & County Park

If you’ve flown into San Francisco International Airport, you’ve likely seen the broadcast towers that mark the San Bruno Mountain State & County Park. The sprawling park is an oasis amidst the rapidly developing urban areas of the San Francisco Peninsula’s northern edge. Encompassing a towering summit peak of 1,314 feet and an impressive expanse of 2,416 acres, the park’s rugged terrain includes an abundance of well-maintained trails that are open to hikers, bikers and horses (but no pets or dogs allowed). And the mountain’s exposure to the Pacific Ocean, western winds and frequent fog make for comfortable, moderate hiking weather all year. 

One of the best ways to begin your exploration of San Bruno Mountain State & County Park is by acquainting yourself with the park map. Available both online and at the park entrance, the map provides an overview of the various trails and points of interest within the park. Read on to learn about this little-known Bay Area gem and the spots you shouldn’t miss. 

Before Europeans arrived in the San Francisco area, San Bruno Mountain was occupied by indigenous Ohlone people. A Native American site has been found within the park, another just outside its borders. 

Early European settlers later used the area for sheep and cattle grazing. Later still, the land was used to extract minerals and gravel. 

This one-mile, short yet vigorous hike winds through coastal scrub, open grasslands and eucalyptus forests. You’ll also catch glimpses of the San Francisco skyline and bay. 

This popular trail spans approximately two miles. As its name suggests, the trail takes you to the 1,314-foot-high summit of San Bruno Mountain, rewarding you with 360-degree Bay Area views that stretch from the Pacific Ocean to the San Francisco skyline. (At the top, there’s also a Nike Missile defense system that was used during the Cold War.) The Summit Loop Trail is a moderate hike, with some steep sections that require a bit of endurance. However, the awe-inspiring vistas at the top make every step worthwhile.  

This rugged trail runs parallel to the southeastern slope of the mountain and acts as a secondary fire road for the park. It’s particularly beloved by runners thanks to its roundtrip distance of nearly five miles. It’s also a thriving habitat for numerous endangered plants, wildflowers and federally protected butterfly species, including the mission blue, Bay checkerspot and callippe silverspot butterflies. Some particularly enthusiastic runners and hikers combine the Summit Loop Trail and the Ridge Trail to make a nearly 10 mile loop.

This two-mile loop takes hikers through diverse habitats, including grasslands and woodlands featuring eucalyptus and cyprus trees. Along the way, you may encounter a variety of native wildlife, such as hawks, rabbits, raptors and coyotes. From the top, you’ll not only see San Francisco, but also the Marin Headlands. Hikers, bikers and equestrians can use this trail. 

If you’re not interested in hiking but still want to take in the sites, Radio Road, leading up from the park’s main entrance, allows visitors to drive to the summit of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views. To the north you can spot Mount Tamalpais, to the east lies Mount Diablo, and to west the Farallon Islands.

There’s also spacious picnic areas near the park entrance, complete with barbecue pits, drinking water, a restroom and a nearby grass area. The visitor center, located near the park entrance, offers exhibits and educational materials that delve into the park’s rich natural and cultural history.

From San Francisco, take Highway 101 south to exit 429B toward Cow Palace/Third Street. Keep right on Bayshore Boulevard. Turn right onto Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Continue for about two miles and then turn right into the park.

This story was edited by Hearst Newspapers Managing Editor Kristina Moy; you can contact her at [email protected].