History

The geologic history of Edgewood is traced back 35-165 million years ago when the rock that underlies much of this region was formed by two converging tectonic plates, the Farallon and North American. The Farallon plate was forced under the American plate and large amounts of rock were left behind. One, serpentinite, is a very rare rock type that is found at Edgewood. This underlying rock is a very unique feature of the Park that can be observed in the serpentine grasslands and rock outcroppings.

The vegetative history of Edgewood reflects numerous geologic and climatic changes. Relics of Neotropical forest (California Bay Laurel, California Buckeye), Actotertiary forest (Coastal Redwood, Douglas Fir) and Madroteriary forest (Madrone, Manzanita, and Poison Oak) are found there.

The human history of the region shows that hunters were in the region 6,000 years ago. About 500 AD. Ohlone speaking peoples came to the bay area. Two Ohlone archeological sites have been found nearby, one at Filoli Estates and one at Phleger Estates. In 1769, the Spanish exploring party of Gaspar de Portola marched through the region and made the first Ohlone-Spanish encounter.

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Trails

There are 5 trails throughout Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve: Edgewood Trail (1.93 Miles), Serpentine Loop (1.94 miles), Ridgeview Loop (1.38 miles), Clarkia Trail (.74 Mile), and the Sylvan Loop (2.5 Miles). The Sylvan Trail is an exercise loop for runners, joggers, and hikers. No horses are allowed on this trail.

Trails leading into the park are located at Edgewood and Canada Road (Canada Trail Head), on Sunset and Hillcrest (Sunset Trail head), on Sylvain Way; closed at this time (Sylvan Way Access), and at the main entrance of Edgewood (Old Stage Trail Head).

It is always required that equestrians and hikers stay on the marked trails, particularly in the open meadow and grassland areas where endangered plants and animals may exist. Please respect your fellow trail users and follow the guidelines for safe and courteous trail use.

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Activities

Docent-lead wildflower walks, provided by the Friends of Edgwood, are held in the spring of each year.  These walks explore the magnificent flower displays of Edgewood, including many rare species.  The walks take place on Saturdays and Sundays, generally from mid-March through mid-June.

Monthly bird walks, led by a Sequoia Audubon Society docent, also take place at Edgewood throughout the year.  The dates change each month. Schedules can be found at the Sequoia-Audubon Society Website

For more information about the wildflower or bird walks, please visit the Friends of Edgewood Website or call Friends of Edgewood toll-free at 1-866-GO-EDGEWOOD.

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Days and Hours of Operation

Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve opens at 8:00 A.M every day throughout the year (holidays included). The closing time varies by time of year. The closing times are:

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Natural Features

Wetland, Grassland, Oak Woodland, and Chaparral plant communities offer varied habitats for living creatures found in the park. Deer, Coyote, Bobcat, Raccoon, and other small animals are frequently sighted. The cool, wooded gullies of the eastern slope of the park are rich in ferns and mosses, and a thick layer of woody and herbaceous plants. The central portion of the park is dominated by a prominent ridge about 800 feet in elevation, affording outstanding views of Skyline Ridge, Huddart Park, the San Andreas Gulf Zone, the Crystal Springs Lakes and the San Francisco Bay. This ridge typically supports Chaparral on its warm western slope, and Oak Woodland on its less exposed cool eastern slopes.

The grasslands and warm summer climate make Edgewood home for several species of snakes and reptiles including rattlesnakes. Skunks, yellow jackets and bees are also found there. Please respect their presence and avoid contact.

Ten rare or endangered plant species have been identified in the park, including the San Mateo Thornmint. It once graced the hills of the San Francisco Bay Area before development destroyed most of its habitat. Many majestic trees and colorful plants adorn the Park. The California Native Plant Society's Flora of Edgewood Park lists the remarkable diversity plant species found here.

The Bay Checkerspot Butterfly, once an inhabitant of the entire Bay Area, and now listed as an endangered species, is found only in this park, in Kirby Canyon in southern Santa Clara County, Coyote Ridge in San Jose, and San Bruno Mountain State and County Park in northern San Mateo County.

All of these rare plant and animal species are protected in the Park and Preserve, and their habitats maybe off limits to park users. Please observe signs carefully, and stay on designated trails.

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Directions to the Park

When coming to Edgewood from the north (San Francisco), use Highway 280. Turn off at the Edgewood Road exit. Turn eastbound on Edgewood Road (towards San Carlos and Redwood City). Proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance will be on the south side of the road.

When coming to Edgewood from the south (San Jose), use Highway 280. Turn off at the Edgewood Road exit. Turn eastbound on Edgewood Road (towards San Carlos and Redwood City). Proceed approximately 1.5 miles. The main park entrance will be on the south side of the road.

SamTrans buses provide service to key destinations throughout San Mateo County and San Francisco, such as work, schools, malls, civic centers and parks. Please visit SamTrans website to find out how you can take one of their buses to this park.

Map to Edgewood Park on mapquest.com

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Volunteers Program

A large and varied number of volunteer activities take place all year long at Edgewood as part of the Parks Department's Volunteer Program. Individuals, groups, families and organizations can take part in trail construction, exotic plant removal, habitat restoration, trail patrol and other beneficial and rewarding projects.

Edgewood Park and Natural Preserve also has an active and ongoing volunteer group, The Friends of Edgewood Natural Preserve. This group, organized in the early 1990s, is active in protecting and restoring the natural resources of Edgewood as well as providing visitor education and docent led tours.

If you are an individual or an organization interested in getting involved, please contact Edgewood Park or the San Mateo County Parks Volunteer Program.

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