Water Dog Lake Park Offers Cycling Challenges and Rewards

There are two general categories of mountain bikers: those who like to climb, and those who like to go downhill quickly. The two do not share much common ground; their bikes look quite different, and they even speak in unique ways. To be a true mountain biker, however, a bicyclist should always be able to ride anywhere, on any trail. Water Dog Lake Park in Belmont puts this idea to the test.

Justin Pyatt rides down a slope adjacent to the Nike missile silo at the peak of China Camp. Photo by Dan Sankey

By Dan Sankey  
Published: August, 2007 

Despite being a small area, Water Dog manages to offer terrain challenging to any mountain biker. Located only 30 minutes south of the City, the park offers a mix of steep switchbacks—sharp turns on hills intended to ease the climb—and super-fun, twisty downhills with plenty of obstacles to keep things interesting. Beginning riders will have a tough time here, as the trails are narrow in many sections and a fall means a tumble into the plentiful poison oak throughout the park. More advanced riders, however, will be rewarded by taking on the challenge. (Be sure to bring along a poison oak ointment like Tecnu with the rest of your standard first-aid gear.)

The ride begins on a dirt road that climbs easily until Water Dog Lake—actually a reservoir—appears down on the left. You can drop down to the lake from here; keep in mind that the uphill trail on the other side is quite steep, with concrete blocks to provide traction. You can also continue along the road; it circles around the lake and meets up with the trail on the other side. At the top of the climbs, there are great views of the Bay; an eagle eye can even see Sutro Tower peaking up over San Bruno Mountain. The crest of the hill is about 600 feet and is lined with homes, complete with yipping dogs running after you.

There are many other trails overlapping in a small area here, but at most intersections there are helpful trail markers, as well as good maps at trail heads. Don’t worry too much if you get a little lost; all of the trails are short and sweet, and you’ll be able to reorient yourself quickly.

Be sure to hit Rambler Trail downhill. One of my favorite trails in the Bay Area, it is a rollercoaster ride with plenty of jumps and turns. An old car is partially buried in a ravine that the trail crosses. I assume it’s a Nash Rambler—hence the name—and it adds a great touch of character to the ride. Once you’ve gone downhill, Finch Trail is a good way to get back up to the ridge, with a ridiculous number of switchbacks to tame the climb. (Elevator trail should be avoided, unless you enjoy going straight uphill with 20 percent grades.)

You can finish off your ride with Chaparral Trial, which traverses a number of hills. The trail rolls up and down, with some tricky tree roots and limbs that attempt to knock you into some more poison oak. Finally, you can drop back the steep trail to the reservoir.