Exploring San Bruno Mountain

Saturday, February 28
10 AM to 3 PM

Rating: This is a moderate 6-mile hike about 500 feet of elevation gain.

Group: Open to all.

Status: Reservations required.

Fees: None.

Leader: David D. Schmidt

Notes: See dozens of species of early wildflowers and great views of San Francisco and the Bay as we walk along the spine of San Bruno Mountain. We'll view areas burned in a June 2008 fire and now lush with new growth. We may also see the rare, endangered Mission Blue Butterfly. Environmental historian David D. Schmidt will recount how efforts over the past 40 years have saved this island of botanical diversity in the midst of an urban area. Everyone driving on the 101 Freeway or taking off from SF Airport has seen the mountain from a distance, but you can only see its wildflowers by walking on its trails!

Rain Policy: Hike will continue, rain or shine.

What to bring: : Lunch, water, good hiking shoes, warm clothing. Bring rain gear, if necessary.

How to get there:
From San Francisco/North Bay, take 101 Freeway south about 1 mile past San Francisco city limit (near Candlestick/Monster Park) to Brisbane exit. Exit freeway, then take immediate left and immediate right. Go about 1/2 mile to T intersection at Tunnel Ave. Go left onto Tunnel Ave., then about 200 yards to traffic light/intersection with Old Bayshore Blvd. Turn right onto Bayshore, go about 1/2 mile, then left onto Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Go about two miles on Parkway to top of hill, then turn right into San Bruno Mountain State/County Park, and pay $5 entry fee per vehicle at kiosk. Park in parking lot beyond kiosk, gather at San Bruno Mountain history exhibit next to parking lot.

From South Bay, take 101 North past SFO airport, and just beyond airport look for "Brisbane" exit. After exiting freeway, turn immediate left and follow signs for Brisbane (cross over 101 on overpass and then go right onto Old Bayshore Blvd., heading north. Go about 2 miles, pass small shopping center at Brisbane, keep going north about 1/2 mile to Guadalupe Canyon Parkway at traffic light. Turn left onto Guadalupe, then go about two miles on it to top of hill, then turn right into San Bruno Mountain State/County Park, and pay $5 entry fee per vehicle at kiosk. Park in parking lot beyond kiosk, gather at San Bruno Mountain history exhibit next to parking lot.