Touring * Fitness * Historic * Slalom * Artistic *

West of San Mateo at the interchange of Interstate 280 and Highway 92, exit onto 92 and follow the signs toward Half Moon Bay. You'll drive north for a short stretch next to Crystal Springs Reservoir before 92 turns once again toward the ocean. Rather than following 92 west, turn right on Skyline Boulevard (Highway 35) to continue north alongside the reservoir for two more miles. Park on the gravel pullout or the roadside about two miles up, just above the Crystal Springs trail entrance sign on the left (west).

The Crystal Springs Reservoir sparkles to the west at the beginning of the Sawyer Camp Trail, known officially as the Sawyer Camp County Historic Trail. The long, dedicated bike path winds along the banks of the reservoir and through tunnels made by shady groves of trees. This pretty, fun trail has mostly good pavement, but there are some rough and patched sections. It can get very hot during the summer in this protected valley, and as the day heats up, take care to avoid the tarred repairs striping the asphalt, because they become soft and grabby. It's best to avoid this trail on the hottest days.

The wide, hilly trail is very popular with Bay Area families on weekends, forcing you to compete with many other wheeled users equipped with everything from tricycles to baby strollers to mountain and street bikes. After a tour up the east side of the reservoir, the trail crosses to the base of some foothills on the west. There's a water fountain and toilets after about two miles, plus a chance to see the biggest bay laurel tree around. But it's better to stick to the pavement if you want to avoid the abundant poison oak. This is a good place for beginners to turn back.

A long cruise north passes through trees and then begins to wind up the side of a hill to reach the dam at the south end of San Andreas Lake. Take a rest in the shade before taking on the final, even steeper climb up ahead, rising about 400 feet. Don't waste your effort on the climb unless you can take its steep, winding curves coming back down without losing control. Use your best speed-control skills on the mostly downhill return trip, because even if you don't find yourself flailing in the poison oak, you could still get a speeding ticket. The posted five miles-per-hour limit is enforced by rangers with radar on the big hill and in congested areas. The general limit is fifteen miles-per-hour.

From the northern trailhead, you can access the San Andreas Trail by crossing under the freeway and continuing north on the frontage road. We hope to add the San Andreas Trail soon.

• San Mateo County - Sawyer Camp Trail Description

• Canada Road