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Pulgas Water Temple: A Testament to Engineering and Art

A serene monument in Redwood City commemorating the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct, offering a blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

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The Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City is a monument to the engineering marvel that brought Hetch Hetchy water to the Bay Area. Designed in the Beaux Arts style, the temple features fluted columns, Corinthian capitals, and a reflecting pool, offering a serene and picturesque escape.

A brief summary to Pulgas Water Temple

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays to access the parking lot, as it's closed on weekends.
  • Consider a picnic on the grounds to enjoy the temple's peaceful setting.
  • Explore the Crystal Springs Regional Trail for a scenic hike or bike ride to the temple.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Interstate 280, take the Edgewood Road exit and head west. Turn north onto Cañada Road; the Pulgas Water Temple will be approximately two miles ahead on your right. Parking is free but limited and only available on weekdays. Be mindful of parking signs on Cañada Road.

  • Public Transport

    The 260 bus route has stops near the Pulgas Water Temple. Check the local transit schedule for the most up-to-date information. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the temple grounds.

  • Walking

    If you're arriving on foot or by bicycle via the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, follow the trail until you reach Cañada Road. The temple is located a short distance south of the Cañada Road trailhead. Note that there is no parking available close enough to walk on weekends.

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Discover more about Pulgas Water Temple

The Pulgas Water Temple, located in Redwood City, California, stands as a monument to a remarkable feat of engineering: the Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct. Built by the San Francisco Water Department and completed in 1938, the temple commemorates the arrival of water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, located over 160 miles away in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This ambitious project, which took 24 years and $102 million to complete during the Great Depression, secured a reliable water supply for San Francisco and the Bay Area. Designed by architect William Merchant in the Beaux Arts style, the temple draws inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman architecture. It features a circle of fluted Corinthian columns, topped with a large masonry ring. A reflecting pool mirrors the columns and archways, enhancing the temple's serene atmosphere. The frieze above the columns bears the inscription: “I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people,” a quote from the Book of Isaiah. Originally, water flowed through a vault beneath the temple before being diverted for treatment. Today, the Pulgas Water Temple is a popular destination for picnics, photography, and quiet contemplation. The grounds are open to the public, offering a glimpse into the history of water management in the Bay Area and a peaceful retreat in a beautiful setting. The site is also a California Historical Landmark, marking a camping spot of the Spanish Portola expedition in 1769, the first Europeans to explore the inland areas of California.

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