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San Bruno Mountain State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 959 Google reviews · Running trail in Brisbane, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from San Bruno Mountain State Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Mountain recreation space featuring city & bay views, hiking trails, picnic areas & open meadows.
What runners say about San Bruno Mountain State Park
“Trails are well maintained but this is California so look out for poison oak next to the trail.”
“Stunning views of the sunrise, morning fog and early spring flowers.”
“People started going towards the shorter trails near the parking lot which seemed fully shaded.”
We went there today. The park opened at 8 am. We reached there just about the time and were first one to enter the park. There is a fee payment machine at the entrance which accepts both card and cash. There was a notice that park closes at 7pm. The restroom was super clean but there was no water coming in the taps.
Another gem in the bay area. There are so many ways to explore this beautiful park/mountain. One can drive all the way to the summit and get 360 views of the bay or simply park by the entrance and enjoy picnic with friends and families. We have been here dozen times and every-time we find new ways to explore this park.
When the fog bank makes its way over the San Bruno peak, this is the quickest way to feel like you are hiking the Colombian Andes while still being in California. The trains are full of rabbits and I had the good fortune of two coyote sightings while I was running. Gorgeous fella.
Elevated panoramic hiking trails with a small picnic area and restroom in the front. $6 parking fee. Very serene and tranquil with sparse landscape up top but the bottom is the exact opposite filled with tall trees and wide trails.
Trail conditions & character
“The trails dip in and out of the hills so you go from big views up or down the peninsula, then into a valley where all you see is nature.”
“There are bathrooms and water near the main trailhead and possibly near the group use area, but not elsewhere, so plan ahead.”
“There are bathrooms and water near the main trailhead and possibly near the group use area, but not elsewhere, so plan ahead.”
“The trails dip in and out of the hills so you go from big views up or down the peninsula, then into a valley where all you see is nature.”
“People started going towards the shorter trails near the parking lot which seemed fully shaded.”
“Trails vary from a flat accessible loop to longer, steeper trails to the summit and along the ridge.”
“Trails vary from a flat accessible loop to longer, steeper trails to the summit and along the ridge.”
“Great facilities as well with a bathroom, water fountain, and picnic area all in tip top shape.”
“Fantastic spot that super accessible from downtown SF and allows you to get some nice views of the nature and rolling SF hills.”
Plan your run at San Bruno Mountain State Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.smcgov.org
- Phone+1 650-589-5708
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–5 pm |
Running trails near Brisbane
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Crocker Gate Trailhead
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Hillside Park
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Philosopher's Way Trailhead
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