Rating:
Area: San Francisco Peninsula
Distance: 3½ miles
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 500ft (from 750 - 1,200ft)

The largest landmark on the northern part of the San Francisco Peninsula, San Bruno Mountain’s ridgeline is around four miles long. Though the march of human progress continues to slowly encroach on the mountain, it remains home to several rare and endangered species of flora, fauna and wildlife, including the elfin butterfly.

Taking the route counter-clockwise seemed to be the best route, ambling through the vegetation around the west side of the mountain, slowly rising to reveal the views of Sutro Tower, San Francisco and a distant Mount Tam. More views are revealed at the top of the mountain, looking south towards the coastal range, west to the ocean and east to Mount Diablo and the San Francisco Bay.

Pick a nice clear day for this hike, as San Bruno Mountain is usually a magnet for clouds and fog. Parking at the trailhead is off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway. Make sure you have a $5 bill and a pen handy, because the rangers usually aren’t around to take your money or break a twenty.

Alternate Routes:
- Trailspotting: San Bruno Mountain Ridge Trail
- Trailspotting: San Bruno Mountain Area Map (Google Maps)
- Trailspotting: San Bruno Mountain Area Map (Google Earth)
- Trailspotting: San Bruno Mountain Area Map (GPX)

Tangents:
- San Bruno State Park
- Find this hike in "101 Great Hikes" book by Ann Marie Brown
* add your flickr photos to the Trailspotting gallery with the tag trailspottingsanbruno