San Bruno Mountain State & County Park

Description

San Bruno Mountain State & County Park is one of those Bay Area spots that locals keep returning to, whether it’s for a quick hike, picnic, or simply to soak in the 360-degree views. Located at 555 Guadalupe Canyon Parkway in Brisbane, California, just a few miles south of San Francisco, this park offers a refreshing dose of nature close to the city buzz. The mountain rises above the peninsula, giving you a panoramic look at the cities below, the sparkling Bay, and—on clear days—even the Pacific Ocean to the west.

The park covers over 2,400 acres and serves up some of the best hiking and wildlife watching around. You’ll notice broad, open meadows as you drive up—home to rare Diablo blue butterflies in spring—and trails that loop over windswept ridges, often dotted with wildflowers. Families, hikers, birders, and folks just looking for a peaceful place to picnic will all find plenty to love here.

Key Features

Stunning Bay and Ocean Views: At the summit (1,314 feet), you’ll enjoy huge views of San Francisco, Daly City, Brisbane, the Bay, and the Pacific. It’s a favorite on clear afternoons when fog flows in over the hills.
Diverse Wildlife and Plants: The park is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Mission blue butterfly. In spring, wildflowers burst along the slopes, making for fantastic photo ops and birdwatching.
Variety of Hiking Trails: Trails range from wide, mellow fire roads to narrower, steeper single-track climbs. The Summit Loop Trail is especially popular and doable even with kids, while Ridge Trail offers a more substantial challenge.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Clean restrooms and multiple picnic areas—many with big tables and barbecue pits nearby—make it easy for groups and families to settle in for a day outside.
Accessibility: There’s wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, and some picnic areas are paved for easier mobility. Restrooms are accessible as well.
Proximity to the City: The park is a quick trip from downtown San Francisco, but feels a world apart thanks to its quiet hills and open grassland.
Great for Kids: Open meadows for safe exploring, mellow trails, and picnic tables set away from busy roads make it genuinely kid-friendly.
Scenic Picnic Spots: Set up your lunch with a view—many tables are perched right at the edge of the ridgeline, perfect for relaxing after a hike.
Plenty of Parking: Wide, well-marked parking lots at the main entrance off Guadalupe Canyon Parkway mean you rarely have trouble finding a spot.

Best Time to Visit

Honestly, you can visit San Bruno Mountain Park all year, but each season has its charm. Spring is spectacular when the hillsides turn green and wildflowers, including lupine and poppies, erupt in color. That’s also when you’re most likely to spot the legendary Mission blue butterflies flitting around.

Fog often rolls over the summit in the summer—classic for this part of the Bay Area. I recommend coming in the mornings or late afternoons for the best chances of sunshine and those gorgeous, layered views of clouds spilling over the hillsides. Fall usually brings drier weather and clear skies, making September and October magical hiking months.

Winter can be breezy and chilly, but if you don’t mind a bit of cool air (and checking the forecast for rain), the mountain is quiet and even more serene. Just remember: it can get windy on the exposed ridges, so pack a jacket even if it seems warm at the base.

How to Get There

The park entrance is easy to find—plug 555 Guadalupe Canyon Pkwy, Brisbane into your GPS and you’ll wind up right at the main gate. From downtown San Francisco, it’s a quick 15-minute drive south via Highway 101 or 280. If you’re coming from the Peninsula, take the Guadalupe Canyon Parkway exit off Bayshore Boulevard, and the road snakes you right up to the gates.

There’s plenty of parking at the main lot just past the entrance, as well as a secondary lot a bit further down the road. Both lots have wheelchair-accessible spaces. Parking fees are required, and they’re affordable—don’t forget to bring a few dollars in cash, just in case the machine’s acting up.

Public transportation is possible, but less convenient. You can take SamTrans buses from Daly City BART, or from San Bruno, and then walk or ride-share the last mile or so up the hill. For most visitors, driving is the easiest option.

Tips for Visiting

Check the weather: Conditions atop San Bruno Mountain can be completely different from what you see at the base—sunny in the city doesn’t always mean clear skies up top! Bring layers; windbreakers are a must.
Watch for butterflies in spring: If you’re curious about local ecology, bring binoculars and look for the Mission blue butterfly and other rare butterflies that thrive only in habitat like this.
Stay on marked trails: This protects the park’s sensitive plants and butterflies—plus, poison oak lurks off-path in many areas.
Bring lunch and water: There are no cafes or stores inside the park. The shaded picnic tables are perfect for packed lunches, and the views are hard to beat.
Take it easy with kids: The Summit Loop Trail (about three miles round-trip) is doable for most families, and you can cut it shorter if you need to. Keep an eye on little ones near the steeper drops along the edge.
Restrooms are available: They’re located near the main parking lots, clean by park standards, and wheelchair accessible.
Dogs on leash only: Pups are welcome, but must stay on leash and on the main roads/trails at all times to protect wildlife.
Plan early arrivals on weekends: While parking is usually plentiful, sunny weekend afternoons can see the lots fill up by late morning, especially during spring.
Bring a camera or binoculars: The birdwatching can be fantastic—hawks, kestrels, and even the occasional quail cross the trails.
Leave no trace: It’s a sensitive parkland; help keep it beautiful by packing out all your trash.

Whether you’re after a quick escape from city life or a day of exploring with family and friends, San Bruno Mountain State & County Park delivers outstanding views, unique wildlife, and a welcoming spot to enjoy the outdoors—all just minutes from the heart of the Bay Area.