Take a Hike at Sawyer Camp Trail This Saturday

The county's Take A Hike program will visit the popular Sawyer Camp segment of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail on Saturday. Walkers, joggers, skaters, bicyclists and parents pushing strollers can come out and appreciate this location for its long stretch of paved trail that offers spectacular views of the 23,000-acre Peninsula Watershed and the Crystal Springs Reservoir. Early morning visitors often spot deer and raptors, including bald and golden eagles. 

The hike will begin at 9 a.m. at the south end of Sawyer Camp Trail off Crystal Springs Road in Hillsborough. 

Take A Hike happens on the third Saturday of every month and offers resident a chance to discover a new county park each time. For this hike, mile markers will be posted on the route to help hikers plan the length of their walk. The crisp mornings can warm quickly, so plan to wear hats and sun screen, and bring water bottles.  There are several restrooms located along the trail.

This stretch of trail is home to the Jepson Laurel, the state’s largest and oldest California laurel tree. The tree is estimated to be more than 600 years old and was named after Willis Linn Jepson, a botanist and author of numerous books, including the Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California, a valued resource for teachers and naturalists.

Be sure to stop by the information table and visit with representatives from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which owns and manages the Peninsula Watershed. 

Please plan to carpool and arrive early as parking is limited due to construction of the Crystal Springs Dam Bridge Replacement project. 

For more information, visit the San Mateo County parks website or or call the office of county Supervisor Rose Jacobs Gibson at 650-599-1009.