Opened on June 1, 2019, National Trails Day, this is a fabulous wander through some of San Francisco's most picturesque (and off-the-beaten-path) outdoor gems. It is listed as a 17-mile traverse with 2,000' of climbing. It is broken into three sections, but many walk, run, or cycle it in one day. Based on our personal AllTrails tracker, it is more like 7+ miles per segment when you consider detours for coffee shops, restaurants, vista points, etc. San Francisco is our most frequented "pied-à-tire" location by far. There is so much to see and do, and the Mediterranean climate is particularly desirable in this unfortunate era of global warming. It really is our home-away-from-home!
We decided to savor the journey by splitting it into the three suggested segments. We began at the shore of Candlestick Park State Recreation Area, on the Bay, not far from the former home of the Giants and 49ers. We did the trail during March and April and the weather was superb!
Section 1: Candlestick Point, Visitacion Valley, McLaren Park (the 3rd largest park in the city!)
One of the other things that adds to the mileage is the need to get to the start, or from the end, to your transportation. Candlestick Point is not the most convenient place to get to by public transportation. It is a beautiful stop, and definitely worth making the effort, to officially start at the "beginning".
Section 2: Glen Park Greenway, Glen Canyon Park, Laguna Honda Trail, Golden Gate Heights Park
Lots of stairs and hidden trails, views of the ocean and Sutro Tower, eye-catching murals and houses on stilts, and an urban jungle!
Section 3: Tiled Stairways, Blue Heron Lake, Presidio, Sea Cliff, Lands End
I don't want to say "save the best for last" but it is hard to beat this incredible traverse to the sea, including cutting through Golden Gate Park.
Next up, the Double Cross Trail! https://crosstowntrail.org/
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