Highlight • Cycleway
Cycling
5.0
(7)
The Spur Trail is a popular paved cycling path and walking trail located in Millbrae, San Mateo County, California, just south of San Francisco. This urban greenway offers a valuable recreational opportunity for residents and visitors, winding through the scenic Spur Property parkland. It provides a pleasant escape within the bustling San Francisco Bay Area, connecting various neighborhoods and natural spaces.
What truly stands out about the Spur Trail is its design as an excellent paved cycle way, safely separated from street traffic. Cyclists and walkers alike appreciate the secure environment, making it a favorite for families and those seeking a peaceful ride or stroll. The trail's varied scenery, including oak and eucalyptus groves, open fields, and sections alongside Millbrae Creek, adds to its charm and appeal.
Before heading out, it's good to know that the Spur Trail consists of two distinct sections. One segment is located west of Taylor Middle School, while the other is found north of Mills High School. Its paved surface makes it suitable for all types of bikes, strollers, and wheelchairs, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. The trail's urban location means it's easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods, offering a convenient spot for outdoor activity.
This family-friendly Spur Trail is ideal for cycling, walking, and jogging throughout the year, with California's generally mild climate. It's particularly popular for leisurely rides and walks, providing a serene backdrop for daily exercise or a weekend outing. The trail's connection to local amenities, including tennis courts and a YMCA skatepark, further enhances its appeal as a community hub for recreation.
Visitors often highlight the seamless connection the Spur Trail provides between downtown Millbrae and the residential areas to the west. The northern section, for instance, offers a pleasant journey through natural settings, while the southern part follows Millbrae Creek, providing a tranquil experience. It’s a great option for those looking for a straightforward and enjoyable cycling route without significant elevation changes.
Exploring the Spur Trail offers a chance to experience Millbrae's green spaces, from shaded groves to open grassy areas. The pathway's historical context, having been preserved from development, adds another layer of appreciation for this local gem. It’s a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasure of a ride or walk, observing local flora and fauna, and connecting with the community.
Whether you're looking for a quick ride or a longer exploration, the Spur Trail cycling routes offer a refreshing outdoor experience. You can discover various options for enjoying this trail and other top-rated cycle trails in the area by planning your adventure with komoot, which provides detailed maps and route suggestions for all activity levels.
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June 11, 2022
Cycling

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Nearby routes
Best routes near Spur Trail

4.3
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36
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43.1km
02:30
100m
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Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
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24
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Elevation -10 m
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The Spur Trail is generally considered easy and suitable for cyclists of all skill levels, including beginners. It is a paved path with no significant elevation changes, making it ideal for leisurely rides and family outings.
The Spur Trail consists of two disjointed sections. While a precise total length isn't provided, it's designed for shorter, recreational use within Millbrae. Cycling the entire length of both sections at a leisurely pace would likely take less than an hour, depending on stops and individual speed.
While there isn't specific information about dedicated parking lots, the trail's urban location in Millbrae means it is generally accessible from surrounding neighborhoods. Visitors often find street parking nearby or utilize parking facilities associated with local amenities like Taylor Middle School or Mills High School, which are adjacent to the trail sections.
As a recreational trail within a parkland setting, dogs are generally permitted on the Spur Trail. However, it is always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and to clean up after them to maintain a pleasant environment for all users. Check local Millbrae park regulations for any specific rules.
Given California's generally mild climate, the Spur Trail remains suitable for cycling throughout the year, including winter. Its paved surface means it's less prone to mud or extreme conditions that might affect unpaved trails. However, always check the local weather forecast for rain or cooler temperatures and dress accordingly.
Yes, the Spur Trail is situated within Millbrae, an urban environment. Both sections of the trail are close to residential areas and local businesses, meaning you can easily find cafes, restaurants, and other amenities within a short distance, particularly near the downtown area that the trail connects to.
The Spur Trail offers varied scenery, including pleasant views of oak and eucalyptus groves, open grassy fields, and sections that follow Millbrae Creek. While there aren't dramatic panoramic vistas, cyclists can enjoy tranquil natural settings within an urban context, observing local flora and fauna.
Beyond the natural beauty, the southern section of the Spur Trail passes by local amenities like tennis courts and a YMCA skatepark, which can be interesting points of interest. Exploring the charming downtown Millbrae area, which the trail connects to, can also reveal local shops and eateries.
The Spur Trail consists of two distinct, disjointed sections, meaning it doesn't form a continuous loop on its own. Cyclists typically treat each section as an out-and-back route. However, its urban location allows for connections to local streets, which could be used to create custom loops if desired, though these would involve street riding.
The Spur Trail serves as an important local connection within Millbrae, linking neighborhoods and green spaces. While it doesn't directly connect to a larger regional trail network like some other 'Spur Trails' might, its urban setting means cyclists can use local streets to access other routes or explore more of San Mateo County's extensive cycling infrastructure.
The Spur Trail is located on what was originally designated as the Spur Property, intended for a major road expansion project (Junipero Serra Boulevard). However, strong local opposition in the 1970s led to the project's shelving, and most of the land was rezoned as open space in 1975, preserving it from development and allowing for the creation of this recreational trail.