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Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 289 Google reviews · Running trail in Redwood City, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead'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.
Flat paved pathway running alongside a lake and reservoir, with views, deer sightings and benches.
What runners say about Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead
“I went for a run early in the morning and it was so calm, serene and beautiful 😍 The trail is very well marked, with markers at every mile.”
“My favorite running trail which is kind of close to the south bay.”
“It gets busy which makes me feel safe, the view is beautiful, there’s some shade along the way.”
“I went for a run early in the morning and it was so calm, serene and beautiful 😍 The trail is very well marked, with markers at every mile.”
“This is a lovely easy trail to walk with benches along the way and three restrooms - one at the trail head and second one about 2/3 mile up and third one at the 3 mile mark.”
A stunning 17.5-mile journey through picturesque forests reminiscent of Vancouver. Enjoy the beauty, but please note, no dogs are allowed. Public restrooms available at the entrance.
Paved trail that goes on for miles and miles. Perfect for biking, walking, running, jogging. Families, kids, couples, people who are alone and want peace and quiet all come here. No dogs or pets allowed. Parking is plenty since you can park on the side of the roads.
Sawyer Camp Trail is one of my favorite spots for a nature walk in the San Mateo area. Stretching over 6 miles along the picturesque Crystal Springs Reservoir, this trail offers a perfect escape into nature. The well-paved path makes it ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all ages.
This is a lovely easy trail to walk with benches along the way and three restrooms - one at the trail head and second one about 2/3 mile up and third one at the 3 mile mark. Beware of cyclists and roller bladers.
Trail conditions & character
“I went for a run early in the morning and it was so calm, serene and beautiful 😍 The trail is very well marked, with markers at every mile.”
“The well-paved path makes it ideal for walkers, joggers, and cyclists of all ages.”
“This is a lovely easy trail to walk with benches along the way and three restrooms - one at the trail head and second one about 2/3 mile up and third one at the 3 mile mark.”
“There parking at the dam and you can walk across the dam to the other trail head further south.”
“I went for a run early in the morning and it was so calm, serene and beautiful 😍 The trail is very well marked, with markers at every mile.”
“The reservoir and the surrounding hills make this such a lovely spot to walk or just sit and read a book or gaze away.”
“It gets busy which makes me feel safe, the view is beautiful, there’s some shade along the way.”
“It's flat, very pretty at sunset, and the trees are SPLENDID — the way the branches intertwine is wonderful.”
“Enjoy the beauty, but please note, no dogs are allowed.”
“At the trailhead, there is a restroom and water fountains, along with street parking.”
“we started at 1130am and were back by 230pm (we had a baby and stroller and took a couple of breaks).”
“I went for a run early in the morning and it was so calm, serene and beautiful 😍 The trail is very well marked, with markers at every mile.”
Plan your run at Sawyer Camp Trail South Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance3 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesmcgov.org
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Redwood City
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Crystal Springs Regional Trail (South of Dam Segment)
4.7 ★★★★★ 62 reviews
Flat paved trails around a reservoir, popular with hikers, runners and cyclists.
Crystal Springs Park
4.8 ★★★★★ 66 reviews
Relaxing place to cycle, jog, hike or walk featuring views of the reservoir.
Laurelwood Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 815 reviews
The city's largest park (225 acres) offers trails leading to Sugarloaf Mountain & scenic picnicking.
San Juan Canyon Open Space Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 9 reviews
Waterdog Hiking North Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Picturesque park featuring hiking and biking trails for all skill levels.
San Mateo Central Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,187 reviews
Vibrant, 16-acre park featuring Japanese gardens, a mini train ride, playground & ice-skating rink.