Sawyer Camp Trail

Sawyer Camp Trail runs through a quiet valley west of Interstate 280, from Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir north toward San Andreas Lake. The water belongs to San Francisco and the land around it is closed watershed, so the trail feels far from the freeway even though it is minutes away. It is paved, mostly gentle and closed to cars, which makes it one of the best places on the Peninsula for a long walk with a stroller, a run on a smooth surface or a family bike ride.

San Mateo County Parks says more people know and use this stretch than all the other trails in its system. This guide covers the trail's history, its current status, the rules and how to get there from Palo Alto, about 20 to 25 minutes up Interstate 280.

Status and closures in November 2026

As of November 2, 2026, San Mateo County Parks listed no closure on the Sawyer Camp segment itself. Its advisories page showed one closure on the wider Crystal Springs Regional Trail: the northern part of the San Andreas segment, from the gate off San Bruno Avenue to an electric gate about half a mile south, closed through Monday, November 2 while the SFPUC repaired a broken water line. That stretch is north of Sawyer Camp and does not affect the route described here.

Two other notices are worth knowing. The county's Bicycle Sunday program on Cañada Road, to the south, is canceled on holiday weekends because of staffing shortages. And the county has warned that a strong El Niño could bring flooding to low-lying trails and parking areas near the bay and coast this winter. Storms have closed parts of the regional trail in past winters, so check the advisories page after heavy rain and sign up for the county's trail email alerts if you go often.

From stage road to paved trail

The trail takes its name from Leander Sawyer, who became active in the area in 1853. According to the county, he probably lived in a small adobe near a spring just southwest of the big laurel tree. Old-timers also remembered an inn at his camp that served picnickers and horsemen. The route later carried a stagecoach from Millbrae that connected with the stage line to Half Moon Bay.

Under the names San Andreas Valley Road and Valley Road, it was once the main road between San Francisco and Half Moon Bay, with teams hauling wood over it. Much of the old road disappeared under the rising reservoir by 1888. When San Francisco took over the watershed, it fenced the remaining county road to protect its water. In 1978 the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors made it a non-vehicle recreation trail and paved it for bicycles with state park funds.

The valley itself has a bigger claim to fame. It follows the San Andreas Fault, which takes its name from this valley and San Andreas Lake to the north. The fault line runs under the reservoirs here, though nothing on the trail marks it.

The route, south to north

The Sawyer Camp segment runs from Crystal Springs Road in the south to Hillcrest Boulevard in the north. The county places its midpoint 3.5 miles from the south end and 2.5 miles from the north end, which makes the whole segment about 6 miles one way.

• South end. The trail starts near the Crystal Springs Dam, with a parking lot off Crystal Springs Road, restrooms and picnic tables. The first miles are the flattest, the easiest stretch for strollers and young riders.
• The Jepson Laurel. Near the midpoint stands the Jepson Laurel, a California bay laurel the county describes as more than 600 years old. Picnic tables, benches and restrooms sit nearby, making it the natural turnaround for a walk of about 7 miles round trip from the south end.
• North end. Past the laurel the trail has more grade as it heads toward San Andreas Lake and Hillcrest Boulevard. Restrooms stand near the northern access point too. From there the San Andreas segment continues north.

The whole segment out and back is about 12 miles, a solid half-day walk or an easy morning ride. You may see deer in the meadows and water birds along the reservoir.

Rules and trail etiquette

The county's Crystal Springs Regional Trail regulations and safety notices set these rules:

• The trail is open from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
• Dogs and other pets are not allowed.
• Bicycles may use only the paved trail and the parking areas. Cyclists should not exceed 15 mph and must yield to all other users.
• Everyone yields to horses by stepping to the edge of the path.
• Riders under 18 must wear a helmet, as California law requires.
• No smoking, no fires or barbecues, no drones and no amplified music.
• Stay on the trail. Picking plants, feeding wildlife and fishing are prohibited.

Cyclists should call out before passing. On weekend mornings the trail fills with walkers, runners and family groups. Near misses between fast riders and pedestrians led the county to issue its safety reminder. If you want speed, ride Cañada Road or Skyline Boulevard instead and save the trail for an easy pace.

Facilities

• Restrooms near the north and south access points and at the midpoint.
• Picnic tables at the midpoint near the Jepson Laurel and near the south parking lot.
• No drinking fountains anywhere on the trail. Carry water, especially on warm afternoons.
• Benches at rest areas along the way.
• Accessibility. The county calls the trail wheelchair accessible. The southern half is the gentlest.

Food on the trail is limited. In January 2026 the county announced that Sage Bakehouse would sell hot and cold drinks, pastries and savory pies from a truck in the Crystal Springs Dam lot every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Check the county's trail page for any update before you count on it. Otherwise, plan lunch in town. Our guides to where to eat in Burlingame and where to eat in San Mateo cover the closest restaurant streets.

Getting there from Palo Alto

Drive north on Interstate 280, about 18 to 20 miles. For the south trailhead, head for the junction of Crystal Springs Road and Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) near the Crystal Springs Dam, north of Highway 92. For the north end, head for Skyline Boulevard at Hillcrest Boulevard in Millbrae. A map app search for the Sawyer Camp Trail entrances will get you to the right gate. We found no parking fee listed on the county's trail pages, but on sunny weekend mornings arrive early.

Without a car, the trip is harder. Caltrain and BART both stop at Millbrae station, a few miles east of the north end and well below it, so you face an uphill walk or ride before you reach the trail. Most people drive. Our Millbrae guide covers the station and the town. Our Hillsborough page covers the neighborhoods on the east side of the reservoirs.

Tips for a good visit

1. Start from the south end with children. The flat reservoir miles come first and the laurel makes a clear goal.
2. Go early or late in the day. Midday on weekends is the busiest time. Weekday mornings are quiet.
3. Bring layers. Fog can sit in the valley in the morning while the afternoon turns warm.
4. Plan the return. It is an out-and-back trail. Whatever distance you go, you have to come back.
5. Combine stops. The Pulgas Water Temple is a short drive south on Cañada Road, though its parking lot is open on weekdays only.

For more paved routes, see our guides to accessible trails and bike rides with kids. Visitors without a bike can rent one on the Peninsula for the day.

Frequently asked questions