Sawyer Camp Trail – A Scenic Local Favorite

The Sawyer Camp Trail is a paved multi-use trail perfect for biking and running located just west of San Mateo with ample parking. The entire length from one end to the other runs approximately 10 miles and borders the Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir.

Crystal Springs Reservoir is the rift valley of the San Andreas fault. While walking on the trail on the North American Plate, across the reservoir is the Pacific Plate. The reservoir stores water piped from Hetch Hetchy and supplies water to the surrounding counties.

Sawyer Camp Trail – What to Expect

• 11 mile family friendly out and back paved trail.
• Trail is shared with hikers and bikers and is relatively flat
• Multiple trailheads with ample free parking
• Multiple restrooms along the trail along with benches for a break
• Busiest during the early and late afternoon
• No dogs allowed

The trail is paved and maintained well with an average elevation gain of 1%. Sawyer Camp Trail has a good mix of sun and shade and you’ll find people out for a casual stroll to runners and bikers.

Biking At Sawyer Camp Trail

Sawyer Camp trail is a perfect stretch of trail for biking without worrying about cars. Depending on the time of day you may have to dodge runners, walkers and the occasional deer that may jump the fences.

If you’re looking for a training session without having to worry about pedestrians around the corner, San Mateo has it’s Biclying Sundays program. During the summer months, a 3.8-mile section Canada road is closed to cars from 9 AM to 3 PM.

There is a restroom located at the entrance and a few others spaced out on the trail. This is a great family-friendly trail and not at all strenuous with minimal elevation gain.

Scattered along the trail, you will find benches for patrons to stop for a break. So, don’t forget to take the time to admire the scenery!

Biking At Sawyer Camp Trail

Sawyer Camp trail is a perfect continuous trail for biking without worrying about cars. Depending on the time of day you may have to dodge runners, walkers, and the occasional deer that may jump the fences.

If you’re looking for a training session without having to worry about pedestrians around the corner, San Mateo has it’s Biclying Sundays program. During the summer months, a 3.8-mile section Canada road is closed to cars from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Amenities On The Trail

There is a restroom located at the entrance and a few others spaced out on the trail. This is a great family-friendly trail and not at all strenuous with minimal elevation gain.

Scattered along the trail, you will find benches for patrons to stop for a break. So, don’t forget to take the time to admire the scenery!

Sawyer Camp Trail Parking

There are multiple entrances to the trail, but the most popular, and the one I personally believe the safest, is the trailhead at the intersection of Skyline Blvd and Crystal Springs Blvd. It’s quite highly trafficked and enough shoulder space to unload your bike safely.

The parking spots on the side of the trailhead are marked, but most people park alongside the road which has a wide shoulder.

Parking does fill up quickly early in the morning and stays quite populated all the way through sunset. However, I have never had any trouble finding parking in the various times of day I have visited. I’ve always felt safe leaving my car here and going on extended walks.

It is a short 15 minute Uber ride from downtown San Mateo. Uber and Lyft are a good choice if you’re worried about parking. There are wide areas for Uber and Lyft drop off and pick up passengers.

Sawyer Camp Trail Profile

Nearby Attractions

Pulgas Water Temple – Less than 5 miles away, it’s a landmark where you can learn more about the Crystal Springs Reservoir and how San Francisco gets their water. It’s also a great place for a scenic picnic.

Purisima Creek Redwoods – For a more serious hike through redwoods, Purisima creek open space preserve is less than 10 miles away.

Tips For Visiting Sawyer Camp Trail

Are Dogs Allowed?

Dogs are unfortunately not allowed on this trail. Alternatively, here’s a list of nearby parks that are dog friendly. This is in part of the San Mateo Parks Department to protect the natural habitat of the trail.

Best Time To Come To Sawyer Camp Trail

The trail becomes increasingly populated during the early afternoon hours. Parking starts to become full around 10. The trail starts to thin out in terms of crowds closer to sunset.

Weather

Since the Sawyer Camp Trail is by the body of water, the weather can fluctuate 10-15 degrees between midday and the mornings and evenings. There’s also often the presence of fog covering the trail in the morning depending on the season.

Photography Tips

Sunsets on a clear day are amazing and the sunsets perfectly over the mountain horizon. This is definitely my favorite time to go. During the summer months, the views of the fog rolling over the mountains are amazing.