Trails

Explore scenic paths throughout San Mateo that promote health, adventure, and strengthen community ties. 

  1. 1 Shoreline Parks Trail with Bay in the Backdrop
  2. 2 Bay Marsh Boardwalk
  3. 3 City of San Mateo Shoreline Park Map
  4. 4 Laurelwood Park Trail in the distance
  5. 5 Laurelwood Park Stairs
  6. 6 Tenderfoot Trail Sign

Walking & Hiking

Whether you're outdoors for fun, wellness or simply soaking in nature our trails and walking paths offer a safe, accessible way to stay active, reduce stress, and enjoy the outdoors!

Shoreline Parks 

Our Shoreline Parks consist of a unique blend of parks that offer recreational experiences along the edges of San Francisco Bay and are part of the 350-mile Bay Trail.

Seal Point Park –  a 64-acre park with a multitude of pathways for walking, cycling, bird watching and a 3-acre dog park. Take the steps or ADA ramp to the top plateau where you have a wonderful 360 degree view of the park, and its art sculptures and beyond.

Ryder Park -  not only has walking and biking paths but also counts with picnic facilities, and native history interpretive panels.

Harborview Park - in addition to the walking trails this park has a ballfield, play areas, a half (1/2) basketball court, and picnic facilities. No alcohol allowed.

You can also walk the boardwalk along the Bay Marshes where you can observe wildlife - including the endangered California Clapper Rail.

Sugarloaf Mountain

Laurelwood Park - This beautiful park has serene walking areas and a playground with trails leading into Sugarloaf Mountain. It is important to note that these trails are more considered more strenuous but offer incredible views at the top. Please do your own research before hiking one of these trails.

In addition to the trails listed above, many of our other parks also count with walking paths. Make sure to check them out and experience the beautiful outdoors all throughout San Mateo.


Notice to trail users in San Juan Canyon and Sugarloaf:  

The City of Belmont's Salson Trail Culvert Replacement Project will begin this week. The project will repair the failed culvert and fire access road along the trail at Salson Creek ahead of winter. Salson Trail, approximately 150' of the E Laurel Creek Access, will be closed and impassable for 6-8 weeks of construction. 

Please plan your route accordingly.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Public Works at pworks@belmont.gov or 650-595-7425.


Biking

Biking is a great way to get healthy while having fun doing it. The City of San Mateo has a number of bike trails including:

  • Seal Slough: 1.5 mile trail from Bayside/Joinville Park to Mariners Island Park
  • Ryder Park: 2 mile trail from Ryder Park to Coyote Point Park
  • Seal Point Park: 1 mile loop

You can park at either Seal Point or Ryder Park. Download the City of San Mateo Bike Map.

For more information on biking in the City of San Mateo, visit the Department of Public Works Bike Information.