In brief:
1.9 mile loop through Belmont canyon.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
The trails are generally well-graded, with some short steep sections. This 1.9 mile loop hike is easy. Trailhead elevation is around 535 feet. Lakeside elevation is around 345 feet. Total elevation change is about 420 feet.

Exposure:
Mostly exposed.

Trail traffic:
Moderate-heavy.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and fire roads.

Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours or less.

Season:
Nice any time.

Getting there:



From Interstate 280 in San Mateo County, exit CA 92 East (exit 33). Drive east and exit Ralston (exit 9a). Drive east about 1 mile, and turn right onto Hallmark Drive. Continue a short distance downhill and turn left onto Lake Road. Park on the side of the road before the gate. Or park on Hallmark Drive.

GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude 37°30'30.09"N
Longitude 122°19'6.91"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Gas, food, and lodging:
Gas, pay phone, restaurants, and stores: you'll have to drive a while for any services, as there are none in the vicinity. No camping.

Trailhead details:
No parking or entrance fees. Limited side of street parking, and additional parking nearby in residential neighborhoods. There is a map under glass, but none to take with you. No restrooms or water. No designated handicapped parking; some trails are suitable for wheelchairs (not for beginners though). There is no direct public transportation to this trailhead, but SamTrans buses 260 and 262 service the trailhead via Ralston Avenue and Continentals Way.

Rules:
Open sunrise to sunset. Trails are multi-use, but you're not likely to see horses here. Dogs are permitted on leash.

The Official Story:
• City of Belmont Parks and Recreation 650-595-7441
• Belmont's Waterdog page

Map Choices:

• Map from Belmont's Parks and Recreation.
•Trails of the Coastside and Northern Peninsula is the best area map guide to Waterdog (available from Pease Press).
• Dave Baselt's Skyline Ridge map is an excellent guide to the trails of Waterdog (order from Redwood Hikes).

Water Dog in a nutshell -- a printable, text-only guide to the featured hike.



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