Attractions and Places To See around Highlands - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Highlands offer a diverse range of experiences, from ancient castles and historic battlefields to dramatic mountains and serene lochs. The region is characterized by its rugged natural landscapes, including the highest peaks in the British Isles and extensive national parks. Visitors can explore a rich cultural heritage alongside unique geological formations and vast wilderness areas.
Best attractions and places to see around Highlands
- The most popular attractions is Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, a lake that offers scenic views along the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. This trail is known for its mostly paved paths and minimal car traffic, making it suitable for cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Kings Mountain Road, a cycle way. This narrow and winding road descends for over 4 miles, offering a fast and exhilarating ride under moderate tree cover.
- Visitors also love San Andreas Lake, a lake situated directly on the San Andreas Fault. It serves as a vital water source and offers sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills from its adjacent trails.
- Highlands is known for its lakes, cycle ways, and historical sites. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to man-made monuments.
- The attractions around Highlands are appreciated by the komoot community, with 66 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir
Highlight • Lake
Speed limit: 15 mph, difficult for high-end road bikes to stay below, so bring a bell: some hikers stand and talk in the center of the trail ;-)
San Andreas segment: From Skyline Boulevard south of San Bruno Avenue the trail drops to the head of San Andreas Lake, with pretty views across to the west of the wilderness slope of Montara Mountain. It rides along the lake 2 miles to an access point near Larkspur and 0.6 miles to another (at Hillcrest) where it connects to the Sawyer Camp segment.
Sawyer Camp segment: This is a gorgeous, easy bike ride, where you drop 400 feet over the span of 6 miles to Crystal Springs Dam. The route descends into riparian woodlands for 2.5 miles to Jepson Laurel picnic grounds, then runs along Crystal Springs Reservoir for 5.2 miles. You can continue another 1.7 miles to Cañada Road for Bicycle Sunday (no cars).
Cañada Road/Crystal Springs segment: South along Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir for 2.1 miles to the Pulgas Water Temple. It continues another 2.1 miles past Filoli Botanical Center and Phleger Estate to Edgewood Road
sfgate.com/outdoors/sundaydrive/article/Crystal-Springs-Trail-links-lakes-woodlands-4723374.php
parks.smcgov.org/crystal-springs-regional-trail
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Kings Mountain Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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San Andreas Lake
Highlight • Lake
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Pulgas Water Temple
Highlight • Monument
On October 28, 1934, the roar of Hetch Hetchy mountain water greeted everyone gathered at Pulgas Water Temple to celebrate its arrival. With vivid memories of the fire that had raged after the Great Earthquake of 1906, the city rejoiced in its new secure, plentiful supply of high quality drinking water. The frieze above the columns expresses the city’s relief: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
Pulgas Water Temple was designed in the Beaux Arts style by William Merchant, a San Francisco architect trained by Bernard Maybeck. Merchant’s design featured fluted columns and Corinthian capitals to reflect the architecture of ancient Greeks and Romans, whose engineering methods were used to build the new water system. Artist and master stone carver Albert Bernasconi brought Merchant’s drawings to life.
Pulgas Water Temple is located about one-half mile south of the Cañada Road trailhead.
Open free to bikers & pedestrians every day, car parking opens only M-F 9-4
sfwater.org/index.aspx?page=93
Biketrail with more highlights and annotated photos at komoot.com/tour/11413421
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Woodside Store (Historic Site)
Highlight • Historical Site
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Tips from the Community
A fun, pretty place to stop while riding Cañada road. I has water and an air pump and bathrooms. Take a photo with friends.
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San Andreas Lake is a hidden gem tucked into the hills of San Mateo County, just south of San Francisco. Originally a natural sag pond formed by the San Andreas Fault, it was transformed into a reservoir in the late 1800s and now serves as a vital water source for the region. The lake is off-limits for swimming or boating, but you can enjoy its peaceful beauty from the San Andreas Trail or the popular Sawyer Camp Trail, which runs along its eastern edge. It's a serene spot where you can walk or bike with sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills, all while standing right on one of the world’s most famous fault lines. Despite its proximity to urban life, San Andreas Lake offers a quiet, scenic escape steeped in natural and historical significance.
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You're not hallucinating: This monument was deliberately built in the style of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, to commemorate the Great Depression-era Hetchy Hetchy Project that brought water down from the mountains to the Bay Area. The frieze says, “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people.”
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Woodside Store was built back in the 1850s by two pioneers who came to California for the gold rush. At the time it was the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, and it carried all the essential items that travelers riding between cities might need. The store has been restored, inside and out, to look exactly as it did centuries ago. You can call the museum ahead of your trip to book tours.
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The Crystal Springs Regional Trail is a top spot for cyclists, featuring mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic. The trail runs through scenic areas like Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offering beautiful lake views. On Sundays, you can ride the car-free Cañada Road segment for a more relaxed experience. Be mindful of the 15 mph speed limit, especially around hikers. The Sawyer Camp segment provides a gentle descent and stunning views, perfect for an easy ride through woodlands and along the reservoir.
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The Woodside Store, also known as Tripp Store, is located at 3300 Tripp Road at Kings Mountain Road in Woodside, San Mateo County, California. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985 and was designated a California Historical Landmark in 1949. The store's history dates back to October 1849 when Matthias Alfred Parkhurst purchased land in the area and began a shingle-making and lumber business with his partners, including Robert Orville Tripp. The store was established in 1853, originally serving the needs of lumbermen and settlers during the Gold Rush era. Dr. Tripp became the sole operator of the store after Parkhurst's death in 1863, running it until his own death in 1909. He was a well-known figure in Woodside, holding various public offices. The San Mateo County Historical Association acquired the store in the 1940s, and it was restored to its 1880s condition by 1994.
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a nice place to fill up your water bottle and relax a few minutes
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Trails looping around and through the open air pioneer settlement museum. Even if inside displays should be closed it's interesting and some buildings have windows to peek through
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Scottish Highlands?
The Scottish Highlands are home to breathtaking natural features. You can explore the majestic Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, known for its scenic views along the Crystal Springs Regional Trail. Another notable spot is San Andreas Lake, situated directly on the famous San Andreas Fault, offering sweeping views of the water and surrounding hills.
Are there any historical sites or monuments to visit in the Highlands?
Yes, the region boasts several significant historical sites. The Pulgas Water Temple is a remarkable man-made monument commemorating the engineering feat of bringing water to the Bay Area. Additionally, the Woodside Store (Historic Site) offers a glimpse into the area's pioneer past, having served as a vital stagecoach stop and general store in the 1850s.
What kind of cycling experiences can I find around Highlands?
The Highlands offer diverse cycling opportunities. The Kings Mountain Road is a popular cycle way, known for its narrow, winding descent that provides an exhilarating ride under moderate tree cover. For a more relaxed experience, the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, which runs along Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir, offers mostly paved paths with minimal car traffic, perfect for an easy ride.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Highlands?
Absolutely. Many attractions are suitable for families, including the scenic trails around Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir and San Andreas Lake, which are great for walks and bike rides. The Pulgas Water Temple is also a fascinating historical site that can be enjoyed by all ages, and the Woodside Store (Historic Site) provides an engaging look into local history.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Highlands?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic beauty and the well-maintained trails. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail, for instance, is highly praised for its mostly paved paths and beautiful lake views, making it ideal for cycling and walking. The serene atmosphere of places like San Andreas Lake, with its sweeping views, is also a favorite among those seeking a peaceful escape.
Can I find good places for running around Highlands?
Yes, the area offers excellent running trails. You can explore routes like the "Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop" or the "Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail loop" from Highlands-Baywood Park, which are generally considered moderate difficulty. For more options, check out the Running Trails around Highlands guide.
Are there any challenging road cycling routes in the Highlands?
For experienced road cyclists, the "Old La Honda Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop" from San Mateo County offers a challenging ride over 48 km. Another demanding option is the "Kings Mountain Road – Crystal Springs Reservoir dam loop" from Highlands-Baywood Park. More details can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Highlands guide.
What are some easy cycling routes suitable for touring bikes?
If you prefer a more leisurely ride, the "Sawyer Camp Recreation Trail – Jepson Laurel loop" from Highlands-Baywood Park is an easy 11.8 km route. The "Pulgas Water Temple loop" from San Mateo County is another easy option at 11.1 km. Discover more routes in the Cycling around Highlands guide.
What is the significance of San Andreas Lake?
San Andreas Lake is not only a vital water source but also holds significant geological importance as it is situated directly on the San Andreas Fault. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a serene natural setting while standing on one of the world's most famous fault lines.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints in the Highlands?
Many of the trails around the reservoirs offer excellent viewpoints. The Crystal Springs Regional Trail provides beautiful lake views, especially along Lower Crystal Springs Reservoir. Similarly, the trails adjacent to San Andreas Lake offer sweeping vistas of the water and surrounding hills.
Are there any historical buildings or settlements to explore?
Yes, the Woodside Store (Historic Site) is a restored pioneer settlement museum that dates back to the 1850s. It was once the only stagecoach stop between San Francisco and Santa Clara, offering a fascinating look into the region's early history and daily life.
What is the Pulgas Water Temple and why is it important?
The Pulgas Water Temple is a grand Beaux Arts monument built to celebrate the arrival of Hetch Hetchy water from Yosemite National Park to the Bay Area. It symbolizes a significant engineering achievement from the Great Depression era, providing a secure and plentiful water supply to the region.
Most popular attractions around Highlands
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