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South San Francisco Sign Hill Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 46 Google reviews · Running trail in South San Francisco, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from South San Francisco Sign Hill 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.
What runners say about South San Francisco Sign Hill Trailhead
“nice trail for beginners,not so steep and just around a mile or two back and forth…great view of SF Airport and lots more…”
Get ready for a steep hike haha! Yeah, it’s a really great spot, and you get a chance to see the South San Fransisco sign up really close. It’s actually not a sign (I used to think it was when I drove by it), but paint instead. Oh, and the view of San Bruno and the surrounding area is breathtaking.
Beautiful trail and such a great view of South City. But be mindful that the trail entrance is at the parking lot at the intersection of Carnelian Road and Ridgeview Court. I wouldn't enter the Ridgeview housing complex.
Nice small parking lot at trailhead. It was deserted probably due to COVID-19 and the fact that the people in the neighborhood just walk to the path. Great panoramic views of South San Francisco. Steep incline up but pretty easy trail.
A nice, short trail with great views of the city and bay. You can hike some of the very steep parts to get to the big letters of South San Francisco if you're up to it!
Trail conditions & character
“nice trail for beginners,not so steep and just around a mile or two back and forth…great view of SF Airport and lots more…”
“nice trail for beginners,not so steep and just around a mile or two back and forth…great view of SF Airport and lots more…”
“But be mindful that the trail entrance is at the parking lot at the intersection of Carnelian Road and Ridgeview Court.”
Plan your run at South San Francisco Sign Hill Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — 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.
- Websitessf.net
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Running trails near South San Francisco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Sign Hill Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 314 reviews
A 30-acre hilltop preserve featuring several short hiking trails & habitat for birds & butterflies.
San Francisco Bay Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 13 reviews
San Bruno Mountain State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 959 reviews
Mountain recreation space featuring city & bay views, hiking trails, picnic areas & open meadows.
