Near Summit Loop Trail
Amazing panoramic views of the North Bay, San Francisco and the East Bay. At about the same height as the top of Sutro Tower.
Near Summit Loop Trail
View of the bay and SF, near the summit
Near Summit Loop Trail
View of the Golden Gate
Near Summit Loop Trail
View of the city from the top of San Bruno Mountain
Near Summit Loop Trail
A view of the Golden Gate

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Summit Loop Trail

4.2 (13 Ratings)
This long loop trail takes you up to the top of San Bruno Mountain and back down.
3.2
mi
Distance
667
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
Family FriendlyRiver/CreekViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.18mi
Distance
667ft
Elevation Gain
668ft
Elevation Loss
45%
Max Grade
1,208ft
High Point
524ft
Low Point
Path Type
Loop
Description
The Summit Loop Trail starts and ends at the trailhead parking lot, which is located on the southeast side of Guadalupe Canyon Parkway, and can only be reached by car from the main park entrance. From the trailhead, it is recommended that you begin by heading west along April Brook where you'll enjoy diverse riparian plant communities and cross three different foot bridges. After the last bridge crossing, you'll start to climb up Bitter Cherry Ridge into savannah grasslands dotted with wildflowers and coastal scrub. From this point on, you'll be rewarded by stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Peninsula Watershed until you reach the summit at 1,314 feet. At the top of the summit, enjoy the panoramic views of the entire Bay Area that make San Bruno Mountain one of the most unique places to hike in the Bay. The trail crosses Radio Road and continues eastward, snaking through Kamchatka rock outcrops and the junctions with the Dairy Ravine Trail and Eucalyptus Loop Trail.

Route Conditions

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Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
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Contributors
Derek Gulbranson