Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Hillsborough
Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Hillsborough
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Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Hillsborough
00:57
15.4km
160m
Cycling
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
2.31 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
5.12 km
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
7.69 km
Jepson Laurel
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
15.4 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.2 km
4.18 km
Surfaces
15.4 km
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Elevation
Highest point (190 m)
Lowest point (90 m)
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Weather
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Today
Monday 13 July
27°C
15°C
16 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h
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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 looking for a rewarding touring cycling route with stunning reservoir views and a touch of history, the Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Hillsborough is definitely worth your time. This moderate 9.6-mile (15.4 km) ride features 509 feet (155 metres) of elevation gain and can be completed in about 57 minutes, making it a fantastic option for a scenic outing without an all-day commitment.
What to expect on Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop from Hillsborough
The route primarily follows the paved Sawyer Camp Trail, offering a smooth surface as you cycle alongside the picturesque Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs. You'll pass through diverse habitats, from old-growth Douglas-fir forests to chaparral, with plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. The highlight is undoubtedly the Jepson Laurel, an impressive 600-year-old tree that stands as a natural monument along the way. While mostly flat, expect a couple of short, steep hills that add a bit of a challenge, making it suitable for cyclists with good fitness levels.
Planning your visit
This is a popular trail in San Mateo County, so arriving earlier in the day is a good idea to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Remember to bring enough water, as drinking fountains are not consistently available along the route. Cyclists should also be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit and share the path respectfully with hikers, joggers, and equestrians.
Trail details
- Distance: 9.6 miles (15.4 km)
- Elevation gain: 509 feet (155 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 57 minutes
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