San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Crosstown Trail Hike

Join us on an urban adventure through San Francisco on the increasingly-popular Crosstown Trail. True to its name, this now 2-year-old trail cuts across the city, starting (or ending) at Candlestick Point and ending (or starting) at the Lands End Lookout. We’ll pick up the trail at the Glen Park BART station and head northwest, winding up Glen Canyon Park and through the Forest Hill and Golden Gate Heights neighborhoods. After marveling at the views atop Grandview Park and descending the Instagrammable 16th Avenue Tiled Steps, we’ll traverse Golden Gate Park to the Presidio and follow the Coastal Trail with sweeping views of the Marin Headlands and Golden Gate to our finish line at the historic Cliff House. All along the way, we’re guaranteed to come across fascinating people, places and things.

Schedule: Meet us at 9:00 AM at the entrance to the Glen Park BART station for check-in and briefing. We’ll stop for lunch in Golden Gate Park and expect to arrive at the Cliff House by 4:00 PM.

Level of Difficulty: This is a difficult hike due to multiple ups and downs (it is San Francisco after all) with 5+ long and steep staircases and a total distance of nearly 12 miles for our portion of the route (full route is 17 miles) with about 2,150 feet of total elevation gain. To make this an enjoyable event for all, please have recent and comparable hike experience. A couple of 8 to 10-mile hikes with several substantial climbs should set you up for success.

Advance online registration is required. (No drop-ins, thank you.) Click the button below to sign up by Thursday, September 16. Because space is limited to 20 participants, please register if/when you are certain you can attend.

Cancellation: If air quality will be poor, we will cancel and email registered participants by the day before.

Getting to Glen Park: Easy! Take BART to the Glen Park station. And BART is offering 50% off all Clipper fares in September! If you drive, find a space on the streets in the Glen Park neighborhood (Wilder and Arlington Streets are good bets). Double check signs for any restrictions. Glen Park BART station has a small lot with 55 spaces and free weekend parking, but there appears to be a 5-hour limit.

Getting Back from the Cliff House: We’ll continue walking down to Ocean Beach to the bus stop at the Safeway on La Playa Street (0.5 mile) and catch the 5 Fulton to the Montgomery BART/Muni station (~45 minute ride). Of course, a rideshare with Uber or Lyft is an option.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, a bag lunch and hat/sun protection. A light jacket/dress in layers. Hiking poles will be helpful (don’t forget the rubber tips). 😊

Things to Do in Glen Park Beforehand

• Have a coffee or breakfast: Bello Coffee & Tea and Pebbles Café are both located on Diamond Street, just across Bosworth Street from the station.
• Buy your lunch (if needed): Canyon Market, also on Diamond Street, is a full-service grocery with a deli counter for made-to-order sandwiches and grab-and-go options.
• IMPORTANT: Visit the restroom! At the BART station (before exiting) or at one of the cafes or the market. The next chance is not until lunch.

Leaders: Chapter members Guy Joaquin and Wanda Nichols

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.