Crystal Springs - Park

C Printed on recycled paper
November 2015
Wild places & friendly spaces
Topher Simon
Wild places & friendly spaces
San Mateo County Parks
Topher Simon
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation raises
funds to improve the quality of County Parks for our
community. For information, visit www.SupportParks.org.
You can volunteer to help rangers protect and improve
parklands and serve park visitors through ongoing
volunteer programs, including Trail Patrol, Volunteer
Horse Patrol, trail work days, and special events.
Support your parks
The Department sells annual passes, offering
unlimited entrances to all County Parks for a year.
The parks represent our region’s wondrously diverse
natural settings, from rugged tidepools, lush mountain
forests, and remote campsites to Bayfront shoreline,
sunny picnic areas, and popular playgrounds.
The Department manages parks, trails, and
historic sites to preserve public lands and provide
opportunities for education and recreation. The
system’s properties include parks, preserves, trails,
and historic sites located throughout the County and
encompassing more than 17,000 acres.
Various trail surfaces, including paved, natural
soil and gravel are used by hikers, bicyclists,
skaters and equestrians. Crystal Springs
Regional Trail offers views of San Andreas Lake,
Crystal Springs Reservoir and the chance to
travel parallel to the San Andreas Fault.
Reservations 650-363-4021
General information 650-363-4020
www.SMCoParks.org
The trail has numerous access points (see map),
many of which have nearby parking.
San Mateo County Parks
The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is comprised
of three contiguous segments – San Andreas,
Sawyer Camp and Crystal Springs – that begin
in the City of San Bruno and continue south for
more than 15 miles into the Town of Woodside
and Huddart County Park.
A San Mateo County Regional Trail
Crystal
Springs
Crystal Springs
Regional Trail
Trail segments
Park Headquarters (Coyote Point) 650-573-2592
Police, Fire, or Medical Emergency 911
Crystal Springs
Regional Trail
Natural features
At the north, the 2.6-mile San Andreas segment begins
at San Bruno Ave. and Skyline Blvd. in San Bruno, and
follows the eastern edge of San Andreas Lake. To the west
is a view of Sweeney Ridge. While the majority of this trail
is paved, a half-mile section at the south end is unpaved.
Bicyclists may take an alternate route from Larkspur Drive
on the east side of Highway 35 and continuing to Hillcrest
Blvd., where the Sawyer Camp segment begins.
The variety of habitats found along the Crystal Springs
Regional Trail is due to the diversity of climate,
topography, geology, and soils. These include oldgrowth Douglas fir forests, oak woodland, serpentine
grasslands, native bunchgrasses, areas of coastal
scrub, and chaparral. Trailside habitats host a wide
variety of plants including nine rare, threatened, and
endangered species.
The Sawyer Camp segment is the most popular, used by
bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and hikers. The 6-mile segment
begins at Hillcrest Blvd. in Millbrae and continues to
Crystal Springs Road in San Mateo. This portion of the
trail is associated with 1800s landowner Leander Sawyer,
who offered food and lodging to travelers. This trail offers
views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir and the Peninsula
Watershed.
Wildlife
Opportunities to see wildlife along the trail are
abundant. Trail users can spot several species of
songbirds, ducks, and raptors – including bald eagles
and golden eagles. Squirrels, rattlesnakes, coyote,
and other wildlife can also be seen, including the
occasional bobcat or mountain lion.
The Crystal Springs segment of the trail begins at
Highway 92 and continues south on the west side of
Cañada Road for 6.7 miles. This segment of the trail
veers west away from the road and offers beautiful views
of the southern part of the Crystal Springs Reservoir.
Small trails – Ralston Bike Trail, Sheep Camp Trail, and
Edgewood Trail – connect from three peninsula cities
to this segment as it continues west towards Huddart
County Park, parallel to Raymundo Drive in Woodside.
Trail hours and use
No smoking in County parks, on trails, or at
historical sites.
Smoking
Pets are not allowed on the trail.
Pets
The Trail opens at 8am. Closing time changes
seasonally, and is posted.
Hours
Trails
San Andreas segment
Sawyer Camp segment
Crystal Springs segment
2.6miles
6.0miles
6.7miles
Hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians share these
trails. Please be alert and courteous to all trail users.
Always yield to equestrians by stepping to the edge of the
path.
Bicyclists always yield to other trail users.
Bicyclists younger than 18 are required by law to wear
helmets.
Bicyclists should announce their presence
to other trail users, particularly when
approaching from behind.
Weather conditions, fire danger, or trail
maintenance may cause trail closures.
Check trail signs for closure notices.
For more trail information and routes, visit www.SMCoParks.org.
Topher Simon
Seven rare, threatened, and endangered animals are
found in the area, including three species of butterfly
and the San Francisco garter snake. Springtime
visitors may come across young deer separated from
a parent by fencing; they generally reunite without
assistance.
Peter LaTourrette
C Printed on recycled paper
November 2015
Wild places & friendly spaces
Topher Simon
Wild places & friendly spaces
San Mateo County Parks
Topher Simon
The San Mateo County Parks Foundation raises
funds to improve the quality of County Parks for our
community. For information, visit www.SupportParks.org.
You can volunteer to help rangers protect and improve
parklands and serve park visitors through ongoing
volunteer programs, including Trail Patrol, Volunteer
Horse Patrol, trail work days, and special events.
Support your parks
The Department sells annual passes, offering
unlimited entrances to all County Parks for a year.
The parks represent our region’s wondrously diverse
natural settings, from rugged tidepools, lush mountain
forests, and remote campsites to Bayfront shoreline,
sunny picnic areas, and popular playgrounds.
The Department manages parks, trails, and
historic sites to preserve public lands and provide
opportunities for education and recreation. The
system’s properties include parks, preserves, trails,
and historic sites located throughout the County and
encompassing more than 17,000 acres.
Various trail surfaces, including paved, natural
soil and gravel are used by hikers, bicyclists,
skaters and equestrians. Crystal Springs
Regional Trail offers views of San Andreas Lake,
Crystal Springs Reservoir and the chance to
travel parallel to the San Andreas Fault.
Reservations 650-363-4021
General information 650-363-4020
www.SMCoParks.org
The trail has numerous access points (see map),
many of which have nearby parking.
San Mateo County Parks
A San Mateo County Regional Trail
Crystal
Springs
The variety of habitats found along the Crystal Springs
Regional Trail is due to the diversity of climate,
topography, geology, and soils. These include oldgrowth Douglas fir forests, oak woodland, serpentine
grasslands, native bunchgrasses, areas of coastal
scrub, and chaparral. Trailside habitats host a wide
variety of plants including nine rare, threatened, and
endangered species.
The Crystal Springs segment of the trail begins at
Highway 92 and continues south on the west side of
Cañada Road for 6.7 miles. This segment of the trail
veers west away from the road and offers beautiful views
of the southern part of the Crystal Springs Reservoir.
Small trails – Ralston Bike Trail, Sheep Camp Trail, and
Edgewood Trail – connect from three peninsula cities
to this segment as it continues west towards Huddart
County Park, parallel to Raymundo Drive in Woodside.
Wildlife
Trail hours and use
Opportunities to see wildlife along the trail are
abundant. Trail users can spot several species of
songbirds, ducks, and raptors – including bald eagles
and golden eagles. Squirrels, rattlesnakes, coyote,
and other wildlife can also be seen, including the
occasional bobcat or mountain lion.
Seven rare, threatened, and endangered animals are
found in the area, including three species of butterfly
and the San Francisco garter snake. Springtime
visitors may come across young deer separated from
a parent by fencing; they generally reunite without
assistance.
Hours
The Trail opens at 8am. Closing time changes
seasonally, and is posted.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the trail.
Smoking
No smoking in County parks, on trails, or at
historical sites.
Trails
San Andreas segment
Sawyer Camp segment
Crystal Springs segment
2.6miles
6.0miles
6.7miles
Hikers, runners, bicyclists, and equestrians share these
trails. Please be alert and courteous to all trail users.
Always yield to equestrians by stepping to the edge of the
path.
Bicyclists always yield to other trail users.
Bicyclists younger than 18 are required by law to wear
helmets.
Bicyclists should announce their presence
to other trail users, particularly when
approaching from behind.
Weather conditions, fire danger, or trail
maintenance may cause trail closures.
Check trail signs for closure notices.
For more trail information and routes, visit www.SMCoParks.org.
Topher Simon
The Sawyer Camp segment is the most popular, used by
bicyclists, joggers, skaters, and hikers. The 6-mile segment
begins at Hillcrest Blvd. in Millbrae and continues to
Crystal Springs Road in San Mateo. This portion of the
trail is associated with 1800s landowner Leander Sawyer,
who offered food and lodging to travelers. This trail offers
views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir and the Peninsula
Watershed.
Peter LaTourrette
Crystal Springs
Regional Trail
At the north, the 2.6-mile San Andreas segment begins
at San Bruno Ave. and Skyline Blvd. in San Bruno, and
follows the eastern edge of San Andreas Lake. To the west
is a view of Sweeney Ridge. While the majority of this trail
is paved, a half-mile section at the south end is unpaved.
Bicyclists may take an alternate route from Larkspur Drive
on the east side of Highway 35 and continuing to Hillcrest
Blvd., where the Sawyer Camp segment begins.
Crystal Springs
Regional Trail
Natural features
Park Headquarters (Coyote Point) 650-573-2592
Police, Fire, or Medical Emergency 911
The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is comprised
of three contiguous segments – San Andreas,
Sawyer Camp and Crystal Springs – that begin
in the City of San Bruno and continue south for
more than 15 miles into the Town of Woodside
and Huddart County Park.
Trail segments
LEGEND
Crystal
Springs
Regional
Trail
101
Other
trails
Paved trail
(bicycle, equestrian and hiking)
Junipero Serra
County Park
D
2.0
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G
Bike route
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Sky
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Millbrae
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MILLBRAE
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0.2
0.6
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Parking
A
Trail access
Restrooms
Multiple use trail
(bicycle, equestrian and hiking)
Picnic area
Hiking and equestrian trails
Gatehouse
Hiking trail
Gate
Future trail
Bicycle Sunday
road closure
Trail distance (miles)
Accessible facility
Ave
llbrae
Mi
Rail transit station
0
N
al
e
d
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Dr
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Private property
1.0 mile
0
Other public lands
1.0 kilometer
Dam
1200
Saw
80
0
Jepson Laurel
35
Peninsula
Watershed
280
0
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0
40
Bicycle Sunday
Bicyclists, joggers, hikers, skaters and
families with strollers flock to a portion of the
trail closed to vehicle traffic each Sunday,
seasonally. The section runs along Cañada
Road between Highway 92 and Edgewood
Road. This is a great opportunity to enjoy
spectacular views from this 2.5-mile stretch
of road, free of cars. For information, call
650-361-1785.
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Crystal
Springs
Dam
800
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Bunker Hil
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101
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0
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280
Pulgas Water Temple
(SFPUC)
Pulgas Ridge
Open Space
Preserve
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0
40
Blvd
00
12
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SFPUC
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1.8
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35
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800
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REDWOOD
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Edgewood County
Park and Natural
Preserve
e
Av
1.0
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Estate
3.1
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0.2
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00
16
Road
Woodside Store
Historic Site
WOODSIDE
0
5.8 miles to
Wunderlich Park
Teague Hill
Open Space
Preserve
80
35
son
fer
Jef
Ru
Huddart
County
Park
0.5
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1600
line
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Purisima
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Open Space
Preserve
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2.1
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Center
d
seg
Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs
The stunning Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs fill a rift valley
formed by the San Andreas Fault. Two dams, one at the southern end of
the San Andreas Reservoir and another at the midpoint of the Crystal
Springs Reservoir, hold water captured from the Peninsula Watershed
and water delivered from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National
Park. The reservoirs supply water to San Francisco and the Peninsula.
Sh
Cr
92
Pulgas Water Temple
This dramatic landmark was built by the
City of San Francisco as a monument to the
engineering achievement that brought water
from Hetch Hetchy to the Bay Area.
The monument, which features fluted
columns, Corinthian capitals, and a reflecting
pool, is managed by the SFPUC and is open
weekdays
8009am – 4pm. Special use permits
can be obtained by calling 650-872-5900.
on
lst ail
Ra ke Tr
Bi
0.3
p er
0.5 Up
Peninsula Watershed
The 23,000-acre Peninsula Watershed is owned
and managed by the San Francisco Public Utilities
Commission (SFPUC), and is designated as a State
Fish and Game Refuge. The Crystal Springs Regional
Trail is within the Scenic and Recreation Easement of
the Watershed. Trail users are required to stay on the
designated trail.
Runoff from the Watershed fills the Crystal Springs,
San Andreas, and Pilarcitos reservoirs. To protect the
water source, access to the Watershed is limited.
However, guided tours along the Fifield-Cahill Ridge
Trail, a portion of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, provide a rare
view of the Watershed and can be scheduled at
www.sfwater.org or by calling the SFPUC at 650-652-3203.
tal
92
d
Creek
g
prin
al S
ys t
eo
at
H
.
tn
M
ck d
Bla Roa
Cr
M
C
A
0
n
3.5
Sa
60
SFPUC
o
0
ate
80
80
Jepson Laurel
The Sawyer Camp segment is home to the state’s
largest and oldest California laurel tree, which is
estimated to be more than 600 years old. California
laurels, also known as California bay, pepperwood,
and Oregon myrtle, are known for their fine-grained
SAN MATEO
and exceptionally strong wood. The tree’s namesake
– Willis Linn Jepson – was a noted botanist and
author of numerous books including The Jepson
Manual: Higher Plants of California, a valued
resource for teachers and naturalists.
Trail users can admire the tree while using nearby
picnic tables. Restrooms are also available here.
Spring
s Ro
a
E
GE
DG
RID
RI
2.5
ER
D
Mud Dam
Reservoir
0
80
d
Blv
nt
line
me
Sky
seg
mp
Ca
yer
EL
WY
FI
SA
FI
Juan Bautista DeAnza
National Historic Trail
This 1,210-mile historic route
from Arizona to San Francisco
commemorates the 1775-1776
Spanish expedition that led to the
founding of the Pueblo of San Jose, the
Mission and Presidio of San Francisco,
and the Mission in Santa Clara.
The expedition explored a portion of
the Crystal Springs Regional Trail
between the San Andreas and Crystal
Springs reservoirs. Timber from
the area was used to build the San
Francisco Presidio and Mission.
400
M
h
Sneat L
1.3
r Dr
as
dre
An
NE
800
San Bruno
Caltrain
Real
l
ta d
ys s R
r
g
C in
r
Sp
oo
Crestm
d
SWEE
Portola Gate
1195'
San Pedro
Valley
County
Park
o
amin
El C
Blv
n
Sa
GGNRA
280
Crystal Springs Regional Trail
e
o Av
Brun
A
line
600
Sweeney
Ridge
380
San
Sky
800
Lane
h
eat
Sn
35
Trail
ane
San Bruno
BART
lvd
SAN BRUNO
84
e
Woodsid
Rd