San Bruno Mountain, Ridge Trail and Summit Loop

The trailhead for both the Summit Loop and Ridge Trails begin at the South parking lot. Enter at the main State Park entrance, proceed past the first parking lot and continue under the road to the South lot.

The parking area closes at dusk, so be sure to return to your car in time to avoid being ticketed or locked in.

Ridge Trail hikers (7 miles & 1400ft elevation) should take an Easterly route along the Eucalyptus Trail and up the Dairy Ravine Trail towards the ridgeline.

Summit Loop hikers (3½ miles & 500ft elevation) should head West to the Summit Loop junction.

We recommend that Summit Loop hikers take a counter-clockwise route which provides only a gradual and very pleasant incline up the 500ft of elevation gain, coupled with the best orientation to enjoy the views.

At this junction Summit Loop hikers should take a right turn, crossing Radio Road, and continuing in a Westerly direction into hillside chaparral.

Just below the towering radio and television transmitters which dominate the landscape is the intersection of the Summit Loop and Ridge Trail routes.

Head Southwesterly to explore the Ridge Trail, or take the downhill direction if you're concluding the Summit Trail.

Returning Summit Loop hikers should continue downhill in either direction, although the left-handed trail will get you back quicker.

You won't find a definitive end to the Ridge Trail, and we draw our line here with some nice views overlooking the South San Francisco and Brisbane shorelines.

Should your appetite for hiking continue then feel free to proceed onward as the train heads further downhill and increases in steepness.