Sawyer Camp Trail Closed: 5 Critical Facts About The Mudslide Damage And December 2024 Reopening Status

The iconic Sawyer Camp Trail, a celebrated segment of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail in San Mateo County, remains closed indefinitely due to extensive mudslide and landslide damage. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most recent official notices indicate that the northern portion of the trail is expected to remain inaccessible to the public through at least December 31, 2024, as geotechnical engineers and repair crews work to stabilize the severely compromised terrain.

This prolonged closure is a direct result of the heavy winter storms that pummeled the region, causing significant erosion and creating unstable ground conditions along the scenic route that runs beside the Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs. The ongoing repair project is extensive, focusing on structural integrity to ensure the safety of all future visitors before any reopening can be considered.

The Essential Guide to the Sawyer Camp Trail Closure and Repair Project

The Sawyer Camp Trail is one of the most popular recreational paths in the San Francisco Bay Area, beloved by hikers, runners, and cyclists. Its current closure is a major disruption, but it underscores the severe impact of natural forces on the region’s infrastructure. The damage is more than just surface-level mud; it involves significant structural compromise to the paved trail itself.

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1. Current Closure Status: Why is Sawyer Camp Trail Closed?

The primary reason for the closure is severe damage from landslides and mudslides triggered by intense winter storms. The trail, which runs along the Peninsula Watershed, was subjected to heavy water flow both over and beneath its paved surface.

• Structural Integrity Loss: Geotechnical engineers assessing the site found that the water flow caused significant erosion, creating large gaps between the soil and the paved trail. This undermining of the foundation has made the trail unstable and extremely dangerous for public use.
• Official Closure Timeline: The northern section of the Sawyer Camp Segment is officially closed with a projected reopening date extending through December 31, 2024. This is an estimated timeline, and the actual reopening will depend on the successful completion of all stabilization and repair work.
• Affected Area: The closure specifically impacts the 4.5-mile northern section of the Sawyer Camp Segment, which is managed by San Mateo County Parks and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC).

2. The Extent of the Damage: Landslides and Erosion

The damage to the Sawyer Camp Trail is a classic example of how excessive saturation from continuous rainfall can lead to catastrophic land movement. The trail, which is situated on the slopes above the reservoirs, is particularly vulnerable to this type of erosion.

The severity of the damage necessitated a comprehensive evaluation by geotechnical experts. Their findings confirmed that the landslides were undermining the trail, threatening its complete collapse in certain areas. This is not a simple cleanup; it requires major civil engineering to reconstruct retaining walls and stabilize the slopes to prevent future failures.

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3. The Repair and Improvement Projects Underway

San Mateo County Parks and its partners are engaged in a multi-faceted repair and improvement effort to restore and fortify the Sawyer Camp Trail. The work is complex, involving more than just clearing debris.

One major effort is the Sawyer Camp Trail Paving and Culvert Improvement Project. This project aims to improve approximately 3.00 miles of pavement, but more critically, it involves replacing or improving culverts and drainage systems. Improving the culverts is essential to managing water flow, which was the root cause of the recent mudslides, and preventing future erosion and structural damage.

• Retaining Wall Reconstruction: Part of the project involves the reconstruction of retaining walls to better secure the trail's edge and the adjacent slopes.
• Geotechnical Assessment: The entire repair process is guided by the assessments of geotechnical engineers, ensuring that the ground beneath the trail is stable and safe before paving can be completed.
• Funding: Repair and maintenance projects for San Mateo County Parks, including the Sawyer Camp Trail, are often supported by local measures such as Measure K funding, which is vital for infrastructure restoration.

4. Understanding the Crystal Springs Regional Trail System

The Sawyer Camp Trail is a key segment of the larger Crystal Springs Regional Trail, a planned 17.5-mile linear trail that, when fully completed, will extend from San Bruno to Woodside. The entire system is a beloved multi-use path that offers stunning views of the Crystal Springs and San Andreas Reservoirs.

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The Sawyer Camp Segment itself is approximately 6 miles long, running between Hillcrest Blvd. on the north and Crystal Springs Road on the south. While the northern section is closed, visitors can check the San Mateo County Parks website for updates on other segments of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which may remain open for use.

5. What Visitors Need to Know About the Reopening

While the December 31, 2024, date provides a target for the completion of the major repair work, visitors should exercise patience and always check the official San Mateo County Parks and SFPUC websites before planning a trip.

• Safety First: The closure is strictly for public safety. Attempting to bypass closure barriers is dangerous and illegal, as the ground remains highly unstable.
• Alternative Trails: While waiting for the Sawyer Camp Trail to reopen, enthusiasts can explore other nearby trails within the San Mateo County Parks system.
• Long-Term Fortification: The current repair work, which includes the Paving and Culvert Improvement Project, is designed to make the trail more resilient against future severe weather events, ensuring its longevity for generations of users.

The extensive repair efforts are a testament to the commitment of San Mateo County Parks to preserving this vital recreational resource. While the closure is frustrating, the work being done now will ensure a safer and more durable trail experience when the Sawyer Camp Trail finally reopens in 2025.