PUNCHMAGAZINE.COM 91 At Crystal Springs Reservoir, the midday heat isn’t keeping anyone away. A flock of about a dozen pedestrians stroll along the Sawyer Camp Trail, followed by a pair of coworkers in business button-ups and an older couple with walking poles. Next, several joggers zip by, their sneakers drumming against the pavement. “This trail almost didn’t exist,” says Ranger Katherine Wright, who’s happy to walk and talk about this local gem. The noonday sun glints off the gold badge pinned on her shirt and dazzles off the man-made lakes. “When they were going to create Highway 280, they had discussed building it closer to the reservoirs and basically eliminating this road. But a lot of people fought to keep it.” PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF: BGWASHBURN A fortuitous move. These days, the area sees over 325,000 visitors annually. Thanks to an easement with San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, which owns the watershed, San Mateo County Parks maintains the area and keeps it pristine. “It is the most popular trail in the county now,” says Katherine. Not only does the trail present stunning views of the reservoir that fills the rift valley formed by the San Andreas Fault, it also offers accessible paved paths. “It’s a great place to come out and recreate in whatever fashion you want to,” Katherine says. Even cyclists, skaters and equestrians are welcome. Considering the numbers, you’ve probably visited the reservoir at one time or another. But how well do you know this local gem? It’s time to take a deep dive into all things Crystal Springs.
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