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Description
San Bruno Mountain is comprised of two parallel ridges running in a Southwest to Northeast direction. Relatively isolated, they host a number of endangered plant and butterfly species and can trap an interesting number of vagrants in the Fall. There is a relatively level path on the Northern ridge (Saddle trail, accessed from Crocker Ave or the main parking lot off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway).
Commonly seen species include many types of warblers, sparrows, thrushes as well as Nuttall's Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, a resident pair of Great Horned Owls, California Thrasher, Spotted Towhee and Wrentit.
A tiny remnant population of California Quail has been hanging on here - a species that has largely dissapeared from San Francisco county and is struggling in northern-most San Mateo County. This is also the northermost point on the San Francisco / peninsula area where California Thrasher can be regularly found. It's good to note quail sightings in particular on ebird, to help document their status in this area.
Uncommon, rare or vagrant birds seen at this location over the years include: Calliope Hummingbird, Black Swift, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Plumbeous Vireo, Rock Wren, Grey Catbird, Sage Thrasher, Red Crossbill, Lawrence's Goldfinch, Grasshopper Sparrow, Bell's Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Chat, Orchard Oriole, Hooded Warbler, Northern Parula, Scarlet Tanager, Rose-breasted Grosbeak,, Indigo Bunting.
Details
Access
San Bruno Mountain Park is located at the border of San Mateo and San Francisco counties. Park at the main parking lot on Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, which gives you access to both ridges. Click on the P in the map for directions to the parking. There is a parking fee of $ 6 per vehicle (2024). The park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Dogs or other pets are not allowed in the park. Visitors can find restrooms at various locations within the park.
To access the relatively flat Saddle Trail, you can park on Crocker Avenue close to the intersection with South Hill Blvd. The Saddle Trail usually has a greater diversity of bird species then the summit trail on the Southern ridge. If you stay on the Guadalupe ridge on the north side, there are several options for extending the walk (e.g., by taking the bog trail loop) beyond the saddle loop.
Terrain and Habitat
Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Forest , Park , RiverConditions
HillyCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
NoGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Autumn migrationRoute
Paved road , Unpaved road , Wide path , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , WheelchairBirdwatching hide / platform
NoLinks
- Description from Sequoia Bird Alliance
- Ebird hotspot information
- Information from iNaturalist
- Trail map