San Francisco City Steps

WE LEAVE PROMPTLY AT 5:30 PM. Please give yourself time to check in.
We'll start by walking through the INNER SUNSET and visiting two of San Francisco's most well-known staircases. The Hidden Garden Stairway and The 16th Avenue Mosaic. Both of these stairways are unique in their designs, and we'll spend a few minutes at each of them to better appreciate all the elements. The 16th Street Mosaic leads us to Grandview Park. This aptly-named hilltop park has stunning views stretching from downtown San Francisco, Lake Merced, Golden Gate Park and onward toward Point Reyes. WEATHER PERMITTING, we'll get an almost 360 view of the city as we walk around the curve of the hillside to the top.
We exit Grandview and after a short but uphill walk through the neighborhood we come to Golden Gate Heights Park. a small, tree-lined park with winding paths. SUNSET is at 7:55 PM, so we'll leave the park before dusk, but WEATHER PERMITTING we'll be able to see the twinkling lights of the city as they lead to the ocean.

What goes up must come down, and on the way back we take the down stairways of The Encinal Walk, Aerial Way, The Selma Steps, and the 15th Avenue Pathway. Each is about 100 steps. After leaving the park, we'll look for the sliver of a rising moon and follow Sutro Tower back through Golden Gate Heights and the Inner Sunset to return to our starting point. The walk back is easier than the walk there. With breaks, it should take about 2 hours.

WEATHER PERMITTING is a key phrase here. These neighborhoods are right in the fog belt, and if it's not a clear night we won't get to see much of the area. We'll still be able to experience the stairways and the beautiful parks, so it should be a lovely evening.
With so many stairways, this walk is moderate to difficult. In addition to the tiled stairways, there's another in Grandview Park (about 90 steps) and we go uphill through Golden Gate Heights.

GETTING THERE: The Post Office is located on Irving between 9th and 10th Avenues. There are many options for public transportation. The "N" Judah has a stop at 9th and Irving. Muni buss #7 (Haight/Noriega) stop one block away at Lincoln and 9th. Busses #6 (Haight/Parnassus), #43 (Masonic), #44 (O'Shaugnessy), and 66 (Quinatra) have stops a block away at 9th and Judah. If you're driving, parking may be difficult. Most of the neighborhood is residential. There is a lot with an entrance on 8th Avenue, and I think it's free after 6:00, but don't quote me.

There is no restroom opportunity on this walk. The Post Office is near a commercial corridor, so you should be able to find a restroom. In a pinch, your best bet may be the Andronico's on Funston/Irving, or at the baseball field near 9th and Lincoln in Golden Gate Park.

Please be respectful of our attendance policy. No-shows, late cancels, and place holders risk removal from the group. This walk is only available to City Steps members.

The forecast calls for clear, but evenings can be chilly and windy. Plan accordingly. Dress for the weather, and wear sturdy shoes. Bring water, a snack you can eat while walking, your camera, your sense of wonder, hand sanitizer, and a mask.

Dogs are always welcome on my walks. This walk is through residential streets, so they must be on leash. They might not appreciate the beauty of the tiled stairways, but they'll love the parks.

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