San Bruno Mountain State and County park (yes, it's both a State, and a County park), is that big lump just south of San Francisco that sits in the way of the planes taking off from SFO and has a bunch of giant telecom towers sititng there on the top of the peak keeping us all connected. The park has a total of 2,416 acres, a peak that tops out at 1314 feet, an incredible amount of bodiversity, including species that only exist here, big views galore, and has a total of 12 miles of well-maintained trails.
The City.
Looking down the Ridge Trail.
On the Summit loop looking west.
Flora and Fauna of San Bruno Mountain.
San Bruno Mountain is blessed with a wide variety of flora and fauna, much out on display for all to see, and some hidden and only the very lucky get a peep. Just to give an idea of the scope we're talking about. There are, according to San Bruno Mountain Watch, 662 plant species, 42 butterflies, 195 birds, 5 bumblebees, 30 ant species, 24 mammals, 13 reptiles, and 6 amphibians.
Some Highlights:
- The Mission Blue Butterfly - highly endangered.
- Central Coast Iris - beautiful purple flowers.
- Greater Periwinkle - another lovely purple flower.
- Sticky Monkey Flower - Common orange flower with the best of names.
- Pacific Manzanita - There are only two plants known to exist in the wild. Yes, two.
- Coyote - You're not guaranteed to see one but there are plenty in the park.
- Garter Snakes - fairly common to see them on warm days.
- Red Fox - very rarely sighted but they're there.
- Birds Galore - Ravens, Raptors, Owls, Jays, Woodpeckers.
Pretty purple flowers.
From the Summit Loop.
Daisies on the Eucalyptus Loop.
A couple of important notes.
- The park general closes around dusk.
- Dogs are not allowed.
- Don't pick the flowers (or anythign, even mushrooms). Rude and also illegal.
- Fires only allowed in the grills
- Cycling is only allowed on certain trails.
- There is a $6 parking fee in the main lot.
