Pulgas Water Temple, Crystal Springs Regional Trail

The Pulgas Water Temple was constructed in 1934 after the completion of the aqueduct that brought water from Hetch Hetchy in Yosemite all the way to the San Francisco Bay Area. It is now part of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, and can be accessed easily off of Cañada Road.

Honestly, the "hike" along the Crystal Springs segment of the longer regional trail is not very pleasant to walk. It's basically a dirt sidewalk along Cañada Road. I think that it's better to just drive to the water temple directly to enjoy the neoclassical Beaux Art style of the small park.

Bay Area Hiker recommends that you go in autumn, and I concur:

The contrast between the trail and the water temple is most pronounced in autumn. After you hike past dry brown fields along a dusty path, suddenly you reach an oasis of lush green lawn and manicured plants... A visit to the water temple could prompt a lively discussion about water and California...

That seems especially apt given the ongoing controversy over Hetch Hetchy, starting at the time that John Muir advocated for its preservation, escalating after the 1906 earthquake and the subsequent fires, and continuing even today. To be honest, I was a little surprised that the controversy over Hetch Hetchy was not discussed in more detail in some of the signage at the park! It seems like an opportunity to engage the public.

The temple is right by the Fioli Estate, so if you want to make a day of it along the Crystal Springs Segment, you could visit this historic home instead of planning a longer hike.