MLK DAY: SAN BRUNO MOUNTAIN WILDFLOWERS
Hike Date: Monday, January 19, 2026
Leader: Peter McCluskey; peter.c.mccluskey@gmail.com; 408-315-8120
SF Meeting Location: Whole Foods; 2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below. Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.
East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.
Carpooling Meeting Times: SF 9:30 AM; Rockridge BART: 9:15 AM, departing shortly afterwards.
Rating: Level 5
Mileage: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 3100'
Description: San Bruno Mountain is the best place nearby for January wildflowers. Two rare species should be in bloom here: the San Francisco wallflower, and the San Bruno Mountain manzanita. We may also see a few flowers on the hummingbird sage.
Our route includes some steep unofficial trails, and some residential streets. Starting from Brisbane, we go over the ridge to Sign Hill, where we will find a large sign. If there has been heavy rain in the past day, there will be two short optional side trips to see the South San Francisco Waterfall (visible from a road), and a waterfall in Juncus Ravine that requires a bit of off-trail hiking.
We then pass near the summit, returning via Old Ranch Road and the Brisbane Recreation Trail.
A shortened version of the loop is possible, skipping half of the elevation gain, if you're willing to hike a half mile on your own.
Dogs not permitted.
Bring / Wear: Please bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, poles if you use them, layers and sunscreen.
Weather Policy: Check with hike leader in the event of questionable weather.
Trailhead Meeting Place: At the intersection of Park Place and Park Lane, Brisbane. Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:45 AM, departing at 10:00.
Total driving distance, there and back: SF: 16.5 miles; Rockridge 38 miles.
Passenger Carpool Fees (SF): $2; (Rockridge): $7
(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)
Level-1
|
Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
