Sawyer Camp Trail, a six-mile paved trail bordering the Crystal Springs Reservoir, is a multi-use trail where anyone can go to exercise.

If you are in need of an easy hiking trail with great views of nature, Sawyer Camp Trail is public walking trail that is open every day of the year, including holidays, from sunrise to sunset.

The trail, which prohibits dogs, is a multi-use trail that allows you to bike and skate along the shores of what is known as the San Francisco Water Shed, or the Crystal Springs and San Andreas lakes. 

With the Coastal Range Ridge in the background makes the view along the trail beautiful and relaxing and the perfect place to enjoy the nature while improving your health.

At the entrance of the Sawyer trail there are restrooms and benches. At midway through there are a few picnic tables. Bringing water is always suggested because the water fountains are only located at the north end of the trail near Millbrae entrance.

You can almost always count on the weather to be warm and the sun to be shinning until mid evening. The mountains surrounding the lake keep the fog at bay, which is a pleasant change from the thick fog on campus.

The forest and wildlife surrounding the lakes are also protected in order to preserve the natural habitat and keep the water supply uncontaminated and safe for us to use and drink. 

Many plants grow around and in the lake and there is plenty of shade from the surrounding oak and madrone trees which are preserved around the lake and trail.

There are many animals in the surrounding habitat including but not limited to deer, squirrels, rabbits, lizards, snakes and over one hundred different species of large and small birds.

Fences keep wildlife at a distance but many days you can notice deer and rabbits grazing on the hillside next to the trail and squirrels scampering about in the trees.

Many do not know that the lake is artificial and was made mostly because of the San Andreas Fault lines sliding past each other.

Many people bring their families and let the kids ride their bikes, blades and skateboards around to have fun and get exercise in a nice outdoor area.

Others come alone or with friends to walk, jog, or run, and the markers every half mile helps those on the trail to keep track of how many miles they have traveled.

It takes most people two and a half hours to walk or jog the entire trail. But it’s worth it when the sun is shining and over the beautiful lake.

From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit #36 Hayne Road/Black Mountain Road (if you’re approaching northbound, turn left at the end of the exit ramp). Drive south on Skyline Boulevard about 1.3 miles, to the trail entrance on the right (west) side of the road.

For more information, head to: http://www.bahiker.com/southbayhikes/sawyercamp.html