San Bruno Mountain offers unsurpassed vistas
In the 1960s, developers planned to chop off the top of the mountain and use the debris to fill the bay, creating land for urbanization.
Today, San Bruno Mountain offers hiking trails, picnic facilities and stupendous views.
Pick a clear day to hike any of several trails and enjoy wildflowers, rock formations and panoramic views.
Another popular route, the 2.7-mile Saddle Loop Trail, is open to bikers, hikers and equestrians, and is a popular spot for viewing raptors.
To get a detailed map of each of the park’s trails, go to http://bit.ly/1P7LzRa and click on the individual trail you plan to hike.
Pick up a brochure with trail map at the park-entrance kiosk.
Past the kiosk, you will find a picnic area with tables, barbecue pits, drinking water and bathrooms.
To get to the Summit Loop Trail, drive past the first parking lot and continue under the road to the south lot, where you will see a sign for the trailhead.
The trail shortly splits into the two ends of the loop, and there are differing opinions about which direction is best.
The trail to the right immediately crosses Radio Road and descends into a wooded area, crosses a little bridge and runs along April Creek.
Gail Todd is the author of “Lunchtime Walks in Downtown San Francisco” and a tour leader for San Francisco City Guides.