San Francisco. Probably one of the few cities in America where any stroll through almost any neighborhood can be defined as a hike by most people. With its famously frenetic elevations, the city is the perfect backdrop for stunning views and a great workout. Here, we’ve assembled five of the best true hikes in the city, from tourist favorites to locals-only gems.
Image CreditTwin Peaks
Probably the most famed hiking spot in the entire city, Twin Peaks (named Noe and Eureka Peak, respectively) feature stunning 360-degree views of the city. Though many tour buses drive visitors close to the peak to avoid too much of a workout, the real satisfaction comes from scaling the entire trail. Featuring a 64-acre park at the top, visitors can enjoy a glimpse of the untouched native grassland that once used to blanket much of pre-development SF.
Land’s End
One of the city’s most cherished hiking spots, this 3.5-mile loop features stunning vistas of the bay and the bridge, making it a favorite of both locals and tourists alike. Two notable features of the park are access to the Sutro Baths, a modern “ruin” of a turn-of-the-century theme park, and the labyrinth, an art installation designed by Eduardo Aguilera and rebuilt in August 2015 after it was destroyed by vandals. Make sure to wait for a clear day to visit the hike, since the Bay Area’s famous fog can render this coastal region virtually unnavigable.
Image CreditStow Lake and Strawberry Hill
Located entirely within Golden Gate Park, Strawberry Hill holds court smack in the center of Stow Lake. With the highest point in the park at 400-plus feet, the hike provides beautiful vistas of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and the larger park itself. To gain access to the island, simply cross at Rustic Bridge or Roman Bridge, which are located conveniently at opposite sides of the lake.
Mount Sutro Open Space
Extensive work has made this once-overgrown route the new spot to hike in SF. Winding its way above UCSF, the trail hugs the northern edge of the mountain, giving the hiker stunning vistas of Golden Gate Park and the bridge for which the park is named. Originally called Mount Parnassus, the space was renamed for former SF Mayor Adolph Sutro after he donated the land to UCSF.
Image CreditFort Funston
Not a traditional hike, this is a series of steep, sandy trails that lead down to the beach, making it an ideal workout. Formerly a military base, the area features newly-constructed lookouts as well as structures related to its former life. Make sure to check out the steep sandstone cliffs that are home to hundreds of swallows.
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