Crystal Springs Reservoir consists of two artificial lakes located in the rift valley developed by the San Andreas Fault in the northern Santa Cruz mountains near the city of San Mateo. They are part of the San Mateo Creek watershed. The whole area is very beautiful and covered with diverse habitats, from old growth Douglas fir forests to wetlands and chaparrals.

There is a trail that follows the ridge of the Coastal Range along the eastern side of the Crystal Springs and San Andreas reservoirs. Surrounded by oaks and madrones, the area is home to more than 180 kinds of birds as well as deer, bobcats, squirrels, and coyotes. The watershed area around the trail has been declared a biosphere reserve and is protected.

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