pulgas water temple

JillClardy

Pulgas Water Temple is a lovely spot to take in the sunshine and reflect on the beauty of nature. The majestic columned temple marks the terminus of the canals and pipes that bring water from the Hetch Hetchy canyon near Yosemite to Crystal Springs reservoir. The long reflecting pool and grassy lawn provide a serene area to take a lunch break or read or nap. Parking is limited, but there's rarely a crowd on weekdays. The site is closed to the public on weekends, perhaps reserved for private parties including weddings.

Fair-But-Tough

….where the Hetchy Hetch aqueduct meets Crystal Springs Reservoir. You can look down in the “temple” and see the water flowing that flakes the thirst of millions! “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people” says the inscription on the temple……Tranquil park with beautiful reflecting pool, perfect for a stopping spot on a hike along Canada road.VERY LITTLE PARKING….

SVicoius2

Clean quiet and not very crowded. Bring a lunch and a bottle of wine for a great couple hours of r&r.

mini

Hetch Hetchy is a reservoir close to Yosemite which is a major water source for water for the San Francisco Bay Area. An aqueduct was built to carry the water. Pulgas Water Temple is at the terminus for the aqueduct and is close to Crystal Springs Reservoir.This pretty architectural water temple commemorates all the effort of the team on this landmark project. (Note - When I was growing up a neighbor of ours had been part of this team so visiting this area was nice to remember him.).Since it is so near the water source for San Francisco, the time to park is restricted to 30 minutes only. This is enough time to walk from the parking lot to the temple, read the plaques, and take some photos. It is in a very pretty area. The attraction is free, but has limited daylight hours.

justsusan

We hiked to the temple from Edgewood Rd x Canada Rd.(abt 2 miles each way), and were rewarded with a lovely rest in the shade of the trees around the temple. The temple marks the terminus of the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct. You can check out the history online or at the site. The parking lot is open on weekdays if you want to drive. Sometimes weddings are held on the site.

douglasr723

Basically, what you have here is a nice area with a monument and a water pond. That's about all. Parking is restricted to 30 minutes...not long enough to even have a picnic.

thruthw

It was a noon and I had nothing better to do. Checked google maps and found this cute little free park. The weather was great, and the park was quiet. Nobody was there but me. Totally refreshing experience.

joseLuis_a_d

I stopped to rest in the road .and was surprised by this Pulgas Temple .it is a quiet place wher you can relax and walk around the estructure and gardens.......nice play in the road.

BornToTravel1936

The Pulgas Water Temple is a fascinating place along the Crystal Springs Reservoir. The Hetch-Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra-Nevada foothills is the source for the exceptional quality water in most of the peninsula. The Pulgas Water Temple not only aerates that water, but is a tribute to the role of water in our lives.

Fritzikay

If you are interested in California history, you might want to visit the Pulgas Water Temple. The structure commemorates the completion of the water transport project (Hetch-Hetchy Dam) that delivered water from the Sierra Mountains to San Mateo county. It is one of only three water temples in the USA and is in the Greek style. The temple is off a country road just west of Highway 280. It's a lovely, unspoiled area near Filoli Estates, a historic property well worth a visit. There are several lunch options in the nearby town of Woodside: Buck's, The Woodside Bakery and an upscale grocery store are all less than 10 minutes south.

BD475

If you like the outdoors, this is a great place to visit. Amazing views and wildlife. I recommend it.

jspreitz

Perfect for weddings (permit needed), great for kids to run around, historic part of the massive Hetch Hetchy water system for San Francisco and surrounding communities.

Tic0Traveler

The area around the Pulgas Water Temple has been upgraded with a nice lawn, and a parking area. Looking down (through the safety screen) you can see the water coming from Hetch Hetchy in the eastern Sierra all the way across the state to the Crystal Springs reservoir, which supplies water for San Francisco and cities along the peninsula. You can't taste it here, but try the water anywhere in San Mateo to taste pure Sierra mountain water!

ElaineH191

Nice place to stop and have a picnic lunch, beautiful area, interesting history, nicely restored. Close to Filoli so it is easy to stop here on the way to or from. Don't miss Filoli!

Ted_Drake

This is one of those rare places that was built to simply be pretty. Unfortunately, it is rarely open due to the economics of the state. So don't be disappointed if the gate is locked.