By Joshua Choe, Staff Writer
Like many cities across the country, the Millbrae community has been greatly affected by COVID-19 restrictions and safety guidelines. Outdoor activities and indoor athletic facilities alike have both been significantly restricted. Any groups larger than the “Social Bubbles” of twelve people or less (of different/same households) may not gather outside, six foot distancing must be maintained between individuals in public spaces, and face coverings must be worn at all times. All these restrictions place hiking as a highly viable option for outdoor activity, as it is not as strenuous as other activities, thus lessening the stifling effects of a facial covering. Hiking does not require any special equipment and provides a way to get out of the house to breathe fresh air, as opposed to at-home workouts. Even in the city of Millbrae, numerous hiking spots are available for community members to explore.
Taking Hillcrest Boulevard, the North Trailhead of Sawyer Camp Trail is located south-west of Millbrae, right next to the San Andreas Lake. The Sawyer Camp Recreational Trail expands over eleven miles, cutting through wilderness next to the lake and forests. As this trail is a beginner course, all ages are welcome—the only contingency being to wear a facial covering, as you should in any public setting. The beginning half of the course displays a scenic view of the lake, even passing over the dam, with the rest containing a path through trees in dense forests. Animal sight-seers will not be disappointed, as there are many to be found. Amongst many other animals, the most common you may see are birds, ducks, and deer. Far away from the highway, no traffic sounds will interfere with a hiker’s experience, and amenities such as bathrooms are provided at the start and middle positions of the trail.
Taking the direction north, however, will bring you across the San Andreas trail, located next to Highway 280. With a length of seven miles, this trail will provide a clear and broad view of the San Andreas lake, complimented by an occasional deer trotting by. Likewise to Sawyer, this is a beginner course, suitable for all ages. Bathrooms are located at the beginning and middle of the trail for hikers’ use. Due to the trail’s close proximity to Interstate280, hikers can expect much traffic noise. And though this trail is not pet friendly, it still makes for an enjoyable, scenic hike.
Located in the heart of downtown Millbrae, next to Taylor Middle School and Mills High School, the Spur Trail is a 2.4 mile long trail that opens multiple options for exercise—as along the trail, you can find exercise equipment (though you may want to refrain from using them during the pandemic). As it is level and short, the Spur Trail is a novice’s trail that is perfectly accessible to all ranges of hikers. Dogs kept on a leash may hike along the trail as well. With many trees covering the way, the Mills section of the trail is well shaded, whilst the Taylor section is open to the sun. As you walk along the trail, you can sightsee all the neighboring houses!
COVID-19 hinders many options for outdoor exercise, hiking being one of your best bets as you can get some exercise, fresh air, and easily stay safe and six feet away from fellow hikers. As long as social distancing is kept, these are all great spots to get an escape from the four walls of our homes, something we’ve all gotten far too comfortable with the past months.
