Introduction

Sawyer Camp Trail runs 6 miles along the banks of Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir of the San Francisco Water District. Initially the dam built across San Mateo Creek in 1888 only trapped local water from the surrounding watershed that proved insufficient to meet the demands of the expanding population of San Francisco. The reservoirs hold water transported from the Tuolumne River via the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct in Yosemite that enters the reservoir system a little to the south at the Pulgas Water Temple.

In November of 1774, Captain Fernando Rivera, named the Lake beside which they camped after St Andrew (San Andreas) (Patron Saint of Scotland,). The San Andreas Fault, which separates the North American Plate, separated from the Pacific Plate, runs underneath Crystal Springs Reservoirs.

Theme

As an introductory field trip we will focus on vegetative structures and plant forms. Because of the location we will also use this opportunity to introduce some concepts of geology and geomorphology.

Driving Directions

The entrance to Sawyer Camp Trail is at the intersection between Crystal Springs Road and 35, just after the road passes along the Crystal Springs Dam.

From 92 West take Ralston Road Exit just before 280 connection. At the stop light at the end of the exit ramp turn RIGHT onto Polhemus Road. Follow Polhemus Road, to Crystal Springs Road. There is no stop light and your only option is to make a LEFT turn. The entrance to Sawyer Camp Trail is at the “T” between Crystal Springs Road and Highway 35.

From 92 East take Ralston Road Exit just after merging from 280 . At the stop light at the end of the exit ramp turn RIGHT onto Polhemus Road. Follow Polhemus Road, to Crystal Springs Road. There is no stop light and your only option is to make a LEFT turn. The entrance to Sawyer Camp Trail is at the “T” between Crystal Springs Road and Highway 35.

From 280 Take Hayne Road/ Golf Course Drive Exit
    From South turn LEFT to go under 280 then LEFT onto Skyline Blvd traveling South
     From North turn RIGHT off of freeway exit then LEFT onto Skyline Blvd traveling South
    Sawyer Camp Trail enterace is at intersection of Crystal Springs Road and Skyline Blvd