SAN BRUNO MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
The area is at the northern reaches of the Santa Cruz range. The park provides Bay Area visitors with day-use facilities, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the city and the bay. The park is home to a wide variety of birds and animals as well as several endangered plant and butterfly species. The Mountain's ridge line runs in an east-west configuration, with considerable slopes and elevations ranging from 250 feet to 1,314 feet at the summit. The landscape offer excellent hiking opportunities and outstanding views of San Francisco and Central Bay Area.
Hiking is the most popular activity in the park. The main starting points are from the park's entrance or from radio road at the mountain's summit. Various neighborhood access points including Crocker Road and Charter Street also provide good starting points.
Sightseeing is also popular. Radio Road, leading up from near the main entrance, affords visitors the opportunity to drive to the summit of the Mountain and enjoy breathtaking views north to Mt. Tamilpias, south of Mt. Diablo, east to the Oakland foothills, and west to the Farallon Islands.
At the summit, visitors can see the remains of an old Nike Missile early warning radar site. This radar, with others around the bay area, was used to detect approaching enemy aircraft and direct the missiles to their target.
The park has family picnic sites near the park entrance. Tables, barbecue pits, drinking water and a restroom are also available. The nearby meadow is a can be used for volleyball and frisbee. All facilities are accessible to people of all abilities.
The park was established in 1985. It covers an area of over 2,326 acres on San Bruno Mountain. The mountain is a habitat for several endangered species like Mission Blue Butterfly and Callippe Silverspot butterfly.
The land has historical significance as it served as home to native Ohlone tribes before European colonization. In the late 19th century, portions were used for dairy farming by Swiss immigrants.
In the mid-20th century there were plans to develop housing projects but they faced opposition due to environmental concerns which led eventually towards its preservation.
Today it offers hiking trails with panoramic views of San Francisco Bay Area along with picnic areas and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The park has family picnic sites near the park entrance. Tables, barbecue pits, drinking water and a restroom are also available. The nearby meadow is a can be used for volleyball and frisbee. All facilities are accessible to people of all abilities.