San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Crosstown Caminos

Come with us on the first-ever Crosstown Caminos adventure — two epic back-to-back hikes crossing San Francisco on the Crosstown and Double Cross Trails. Tackle one or both… and “cross the X!”

Day 1: Friday, April 4 – The Crosstown Trail (18 miles)
We’ll hike from Visitacion Valley to Lands End, winding northwest through hidden stairways, sweeping views, and some of SF’s best green spaces – McLaren Park, Glen Canyon, Grandview Park, and Golden Gate Park. If you plan to join us for Day 2, you’re invited to spend the night at the homes of hike leaders Sue Lopez and Adelina Arámburo at Ocean Beach.

Day 2: Saturday, April 5 – The Double Cross Trail (14 miles)
We’ll hike from Harding Park at Lake Merced northeast towards the bay, linking parks, peaks, and iconic SF neighborhoods. Highlights include Stern Grove, West Portal, Twin Peaks, Chinatown, North Beach, and Coit Tower, with the final stretch landing us on the Embarcadero at Pier 23.

Schedule

• Day 1: We’ll meet at 9:00 AM outside Mission Blue cafe in Visitacion Valley. We’ll stop for lunch around Glen Park before continuing towards the coast. Our estimated arrival time at Lands End is around 5:30 PM. At the end of the hike, you have the option to stay overnight at Ocean Beach or head to downtown/BART or back to Visitacion Valley via public transportation or rideshare (see Getting There & Back below). Sue and Adelina will host a casual pilgrim dinner for Day 1 participants and for those staying for Day 2, offer simple overnight accommodations at their homes at Ocean Beach. Nearby motels are also available (see Overnight Options below).
• Day 2: We’ll regroup at 9:30 AM at the Lake Merced Boathouse (near the bathrooms). Overnighters will travel together from Ocean Beach by bus. We’ll break for lunch on Twin Peaks and then continue towards the bay. Our estimated arrival time at Pier 23 on the Embarcadero is around 4:00 PM. From there, you can continue walking or catch public transportation or a rideshare to downtown/BART or back to Lake Merced (see Getting There & Back below).

Level of Difficulty: Both hikes are difficult due to their length, elevation gain, and hilly urban terrain. Day 1 covers approximately 18 miles with 2,600 feet of elevation gain, while Day 2 spans about 14 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Both routes summit multiple city peaks. To enjoy these hikes, you should have recent experience with comparable distances and elevation gains or be actively training. Expect to maintain a moderate pace (~3 mph) for several hours with periodic breaks. If you’re just starting out or haven’t been training, we strongly recommend joining one of our monthly Lake Merritt walks or spending time building your endurance on similar hikes.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up for one or both hikes. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Getting There & Back

• Day 1: (By car) From 101 South, take Exit 429B towards the Cow Palace, follow the signs onto Bayshore Blvd, then turn right on Leland Ave up to Mission Blue (144 Leland Ave). From 101 North, take Exit 429A onto Harney Way. Turn left on Alana Way, right on Executive Park Blvd, left on Blanken Ave, left on Bayshore Blvd, then right on Leland Ave. Street parking is available on Leland and nearby residential streets. Check posted signs for any restrictions. (By public transportation) From any of the downtown BART/Muni stations, take the 9-San Bruno Muni bus towards Sunnydale. Get off at Bayshore Blvd & Visitacion Ave. Cross Bayshore Blvd and walk 1 block back to Leland Ave, then 2 blocks up to Mission Blue.After the hike, to get to downtown SF from Lands End, take the 38-Geary Muni bus or a rideshare. To get back to Visitacion Valley, we recommend taking a rideshare due to the distance and location.
• Day 2: (By car) From 280 South, take Exit 49 and turn right on John Daly Blvd. Turn right on Skyline Blvd (CA -35), then right on Harding Road. The boathouse and free parking are on the right. From 280 North, take Exit 49A, turn left left on John Daly Blvd, and follow the rest of the directions above. (By public transportation) From Daly City BART, take the SamTrans bus 58 (towards Stonestown) to Harding Road & Skyline Blvd. Walk on Harding Road to the boathouse (approx. 5 min).After the hike, to get to downtown SF from Pier 23, walk south on the Embarcadero to the Embarcadero Station on Market Street (approx. 20 min) or take the F-Market streetcar or a rideshare. To get back to Lake Merced, we recommend taking a rideshare due to the distance and location.

Carpooling: On the registration form is a link to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if you need a ride, can give one or want to rideshare (e.g., to return to your parked car at the end of the hike).

Overnight Option: If you plan to join both days, you have several options: simple lodging (futons and floor space) is offered at Adelina and Sue’s homes at Ocean Beach (one block from each other). Both have one bathroom, though there are clean public bathrooms across the street from Adelina’s. There are several motels within walking distance, including Motel 6 on the Lower Great Highway and the Seascape Inn on Judah.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, a bag lunch and hat/sun protection. Layers as it might be sunny or cold, or both. Hiking poles are recommended (bring rubber tips for the city streets and paved paths). And your Clipper app or card with enough funds for the transit rides. If you stay at Adelina or Sue’s: toiletries, change of clothing, towel, sleeping bag and anything you will need for an overnight stay. There will be a volunteer “Camino taxi service” to transfer your overnight baggage from Mission Blue to Adelina’s home on Day 1 (you will need to carry it on Day 2).

Leaders: Sue Lopez, Adelina Arámburo, and Guy Joaquin

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