Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park
Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park
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Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park
00:43
15.4km
160m
Road cycling
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.35 km
Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail
Highlight • Trail
The 15-mile Crystal Springs Regional Trail is one of the best mostly paved bike trails with few cars in the Bay Area. It spans from San Bruno to Woodside and is routed along three gorgeous lakes and connector links amid riparian woodlands. On Sundays, you can combine the San Andreas and Sawyer Camp segments to south of Highway 92 to Cañada Road, which is closed to cars for Bicycle Sundays (See komoot.de/tour/11413421 ).
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below; hikers: please don't stand and talk in the center of the trail.
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
- sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
- parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
Tip by
5.16 km
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
7.73 km
Jepson Laurel
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
13.6 km
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
Tip by
15.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.9 km
2.32 km
877 m
318 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
15.0 km
410 m
< 100 m
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Friday 10 July
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're after a scenic and accessible road cycling experience, the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park delivers. This easy 9.6-mile (15.4 km) route, with 520 feet (158 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 42 minutes to complete, making it a perfect choice for a quick, enjoyable ride with high visual payoff.
What to expect on Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Highlands-Baywood Park
Expect a smooth ride on mostly paved surfaces, though you'll encounter some gentle elevation changes that add interest to the journey. The route hugs the picturesque San Andreas Lake and Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering continuous views of riparian woodlands and diverse habitats. Keep an eye out for the Jepson Laurel, a remarkable 600-year-old tree that stands as the oldest and largest known Laurel in California. While officially rated easy, the varied terrain means you'll get a pleasant workout, suitable for most road cyclists looking for a car-free environment.
Planning your visit
The Sawyer Camp Trail is a popular choice, so consider an early start, especially on weekends, to secure parking near Highlands-Baywood Park. This trail is entirely car-free, offering a peaceful cycling experience. Restrooms and picnic areas are conveniently located along the route, making it easy to take breaks. Remember the 15 mph speed limit, which is enforced to ensure safety for all users.
Trail details
- Distance: 9.6 miles (15.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 520 feet (158 metres)
- Difficulty: easy
- Estimated time: 42 minutes
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