San Bruno Mountain State Park

San Bruno Mountain State Park is a protected area in San Mateo County with diverse landscapes including grasslands, shrublands, and forested sections. The terrain rises from lower elevations to about 1,300 feet, creating varied hiking routes across the mountain.

The area became the nation's first Habitat Conservation Plan in the 1980s to protect endangered species from expanding urban development. This effort set a model for how threatened landscapes could be preserved through coordinated planning.

The Ohlone people, original inhabitants of this region, lived on this mountain for thousands of years and held it as a place of spiritual importance. Their presence shaped how the land was used and understood by later communities.

The park has more than 15 miles of hiking trails accessible from the main entrance near Brisbane, with routes for different fitness levels. Bring sturdy shoes and water since shade is limited and sun exposure can be strong, especially on open ridge sections.

The mountain harbors six plant species found nowhere else on Earth, along with three endangered butterfly species that depend on these specific conditions. This concentration of rare species makes it a hotspot for conservation efforts and scientific study.

Location: San Mateo County

Website: https://parks.ca.gov/?page_id=518

GPS coordinates: 37.68610,-122.43500

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:46