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    San Andreas Trail

    3.7 (20 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Montage of images from San Andreas Trail
    Ed U.

    Now that I've conquered all twelve miles of the Sawyer Camp Trail along the length of Crystal Springs Reservoir, I thought I should try the northbound trail along San Andreas Lake. I simply parked at the same place, the 280 underpass at the end of Hillcrest Blvd., got out of the car, and headed right instead of left. You can tell I'm a professional hiker, can't you? Probably by the way I shrieked in a most girlish fashion at the rattlesnake warning sign that was precariously stapled onto an uncommitted barrier (photo: http://bit.ly/2Ohjtcs). Unfortunately I was all out of antivenom. Like I'd know how to use it. The first half-mile of the trail was pure gravel and weeds which made possible reptile sightings next to impossible. I found relief coming out of the semi-wilderness and following the winding pavement which afforded some lovely views of the lake (photo: http://bit.ly/2qjGIZU). My mild frustration with the trail came on either side of the trail. A wire fence provided a constant barrier to the lake visually and physically. On the other side was the cacophony of freeway traffic on 280. Regardless, it's a sturdy five-plus mile walk to and fro, but do be mindful of those rattlers. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here are the places around the Bay Area where I have trod: bit.ly/2OsCCsK

    Poison oak
    Vinod A.

    Lush Green at this time of the year !! Lake does has water and Standing on one of the Earthquake Fault Line gives goosebumps. Its very beautiful with lake on one side and lush green valley overlooking towards halfmoon bay. we did complete 6 miles sawyer camp recreation trail. Trail does goes next to 280 so it does gets noisy but perfect trail to put in your headphones and Run!! Along the trail we did see poison oak so be on lookout Parking is limited and it does get windy by the Dam so carry jackets n hoody :)

    Cathrin P C.

    This trail starts at the intersection of San Bruno Ave and Skyline Blvd. Some people park at the lot across from Arco Storage as opposed to the uneven dirt path designated as San Andreas parking. I usually park at the 280 underpass at Larkspur. More spaces are available here as opposed to the underpass at Hillcrest. I think more people like to start at the North Trailhead of Sawyer Camp Trail and work southbound going down towards the springs. The entire distance round trip is about 5 miles from San Bruno to Hillcrest -- mostly paved, with some inclines, moderate for running, easy for walking. The recreational trail from Larkspur to Hillcrest is dirt path and forested. Sometimes people skip this part and just stick to the paved part of San Andreas and that's an easy 4 mile round trip. What I appreciate most about this trail is the bathroom accessibility. It's still a porta potty type of situation but at least you don't have to hide in the bushes when you're desperate!

    Joshua B.

    San Andreas Trail is extremely functional. It has good length (running essentially from San Bruno Ave. to Crystal Springs Rd., but further linking up there with Sawyer Camp Trail), easy grading (generally flat or gently-sloped), is mostly paved, and can be accessed quickly from adjacent Skyline Blvd or I-280. It's very stroller-friendly (wide enough even for wheelchairs, actually), and is also used by walkers, joggers and bicyclists. So, utility marks are high. Beyond that, things are "perfect from afar, but far from perfect". Yes, it's next to beauty; there are two reservoirs and expansive green space running along its western edge. But the eastern edge is all-cars-all-the-time; the adjacent roadways create nearly constant traffic noise, with the corresponding vehicles frequently visible. Whether you look left or right will completely change the experience. Or, you could look up. Then, you'd spy the enormous high-voltage transmission line between the trail and the reservoirs, looming over you continuously. Even if you, unlike me, don't wonder repeatedly if your brain is being cooked remotely, it's still plenty f'ugly. And it's undeniably a utility corridor first and nature trail second; if you have any doubts, check out the chainsawed stumps and treetops along the way, presumably victims of line maintenance clearing. Again, it's a very useful trail, and I'm happy it's there, even given the occasional brush-back by an unrelenting cyclist. But I prefer things a bit more quiet and unspoiled, and there are many other accessible trails nearby that better provide both. *** Update 03/18/2011: This trail is actually in Millbrae. I've no idea why it's showing up with a Morgan Hill listing. I've already requested that error be corrected. But the position shown on the map is correct.

    Camille B.

    My boyfriend and I took a quick stroll on the San Andreas trail at sunset yesterday. We arrived at 430pm and since the sun comes down so much earlier nowadays, we had to cut our walk short so we wouldn't get locked in. We were out of there by 515pm. The trail is open from sunrise until sunset. You get a nice view of the San Andreas Lake on one side, but at some points, you walk alongside the 280S freeway. The trail itself is paved, so regular sneakers are just fine. It's a great trail for a walk with the fam, running, and even biking. Do note that dogs and pets are not allowed. There aren't many marked parking spots along Skyline Blvd., so you might need to make your own. We'll be back for another walk soon!

    My niece and sister really far away. It's paved the whole way, some trees and you can see the water!
    Tiffany W.

    I have a soft spot for this hike. I first went on it alone a few years ago, but wasn't really too impressed. The 280 is so loud, and nearby, it frightened my oh-so-weak composition. There's also not very much shade (although some patches of nice trees which make it fragrant). Then about a month ago, I really wanted to encourage my sister to exercise and to expose my young toddler niece to the outdoors. So we went five times in two weeks. It was fantastic. My niece got to see the water, and she had so many questions about everything around her (most of which, I couldn't really give a good answer to). We were still really close to the 280, but after explaining to my niece that it was just the highway, she would just yell gleefully whenever we got close "TT! It's the 280!" Hilars, right? Can't help but to feel more cheery about being near cars driving 90 mph. Tips: No dogs allowed. No smoking. Stay on the trail (poison oak and ticks pretty much everywhere!) Be wary of cyclists, strollers. Sunny- bring a hat! For runners, there's a little bit of up and down hill that can really tire you out.

    Eric T.

    I've been on this trail a few times and it has gotten worse each time I've gone on it to exercise. There are too many tree roots poking out from the pavement makes this trail a tripping hazard to those walking, jogging and biking on this trial. Not to mention that there's a lot of negligent dog owners leaving their pets feces around the pathway. Also the pavement is consistently very uneven throughout the whole trail as there are divets, cracks, partial smooth road work done. Please fix this trail like that service road you have down near the reservoir which is smoothly paved throughout. It's very annoying looking at that smooth road while the current trail is in shambles.

    Chris S.

    Wow. Is all I can really say. Love and live in Florida - pretty much my entire life. Have pretty much seen most parts of the US. But this place is just another reminder that California is TRULY the most magnificent state in the continental 48. Easily - by far - hands down. Not even a CLOSE contest. And I say that, knowing I could NEVER afford to live here. For those that can, God bless you. You are luckiest folks alive. Because your state is truly beautiful and you are truly blessed.

    Rangers what is happening... Almost step on this dog pile and still more are out there. People please respect it no DOGS allowed

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    Review Highlights - San Andreas Trail

    This trail starts at the intersection of San Bruno Ave and Skyline Blvd.

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    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge

    4.3(190 reviews)
    2.2 km

    There are a few entrances, but I think the most popular one is on Sneath Lane. This trail is paved…read moreand pretty steady and not too difficult for about a mile but then gets a bit steeper for the next mile to the top. On the way up you can see views of the San Andreas Reservoir Lake. After the rain you can hear the water flowing and see some little streams and wild mushrooms. To the ridge is a little under 2 miles. I like the fact there is a small bathroom which I find quite rare on trails like this. To the left is the San Francisco Discovery Site which has a plaque with some information. Apparently, this was the place the Spanish settlers first saw the San Francisco Bay. To the right the trail goes along the ridge to the remains of the old Nike missile site. The views are stellar, and one can see for miles on end, Marin, the city, Pacifica Mount Diablo, etc. I love watching all the planes coming in and out from nearby SFO. From Sneath the hike is about 5 miles and 2 hrs. I've also gone the Mori Trail route which is nice because it's not paved but this trail is steeper. It's worth checking out the funky Shelldance Orchid Gardens which is located at the trailhead but they are only open on the weekends.

    This is a nice enough spot to go for a hike. It was easy to find my way to the Sneath Lane Trail…read moreParking using google maps, a small lot within a residential neighborhood, that fits about 10-15 vehicles. It was foggy, cold, and incredibly windy during my visit last week, and of course, there's an incline as the trail wraps around the mountain. But it wasn't too bad, the actual climb up didn't feel as difficult as it looked from a distance, starting with the sneath lane trail then connecting to other trails higher up. In fact, there are many options for different trails to take. The Baquiano Trail had a dirt pathway while the Notch Trail toward the Nike Missile Control Site was paved. Near the SF Bay Discovery Site, there's a small restroom building (it was pretty clean for a park facility, on a Thursday afternoon). The gorgeous foliage lining the various paths was captivating, along with lovely views of the hills, lake (san andreas reservoir), and sunlit scenery in the distance. Too foggy to enjoy the views the higher you get though, just a giant cloud of fog everywhere. I barely made it three miles out before turning back. It was just far too windy and foggy to wanna be out there very long (I'm sure hot days would be even worse with zero shade to be found). Plus my legs definitely had a workout from the uphill trek. Luckily the jog back down was a breeze. And I did slow down to appreciate the vegetation and vast array of plant species, once again, before leaving.

    Photos
    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge in mid March

    Sweeney Ridge - Plants and flowers along the trail

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    Plants and flowers along the trail

    San Andreas Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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