San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Embarcadero to Mission Walk

Let’s cap off the year with an urban Camino in San Francisco to explore points south of the Bay Bridge. We’ll start from the Ferry Building and head down the Embarcadero, enjoying spectacular views of the bay along the waterfront. We’ll then round the ballpark into Mission Bay, a neighborhood that has exploded in growth over the last decade and now home to the Chase Center and UCSF. After a stop at Crane Cove Park, one of the city’s newest, we’ll cut through Dogpatch and head up into Potrero Hill and admire the residents’ green thumbs at the community garden. And we’ll end with a stroll up bustling 24th Street into the Mission District. The route passes by many spots that are surely to be interesting to even long-time San Franciscans!

Schedule: Meet us at 9:30 AM for check-in and briefing on The Embarcadero at the steps in front of the Ferry Terminal Plaza (located at the south end/right side of the Ferry Building when facing from Market Street). We plan to have lunch at the Potrero Hill Community Garden and expect to arrive at the 24th Street Mission BART Station by 2:30 PM. If there are any changes (e.g., due to bad weather), we will email registered participants.

Level of Difficulty: Moderately easy. About 6 miles and 450 feet of total elevation gain. There route is overall flat and paved, but there are two steep climbs and one descent in Potrero Hill – it is San Francisco, after all. This walk is ideal for those who can hike continuously for 2-3 hours and have some recent experience with steep inclines.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button below to sign up by Thursday, December 15. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: If you are unable to attend, please email us as soon as possible at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There: This is a BART station-to-station hike so getting there and back is a cinch! Just use the BART Trip Planner to take a train to the Embarcadero Station. Exit to street level, head towards the bay to the end of Market Street, and cross The Embarcadero to the Ferry Building. Our walk finishes at the 24th Street Mission Station for your return home.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well) and bring a bag lunch (or arrive early and buy in Ferry Building), snacks, water and sun (or rain!) protection. Clipper card or app. Cash if you plan to attend the post-walk social (see below).

Post-Walk Social: For those interested, we’ll continue a few blocks from 24th Street to Esperpento Spanish restaurant for celebratory drinks and tapas.

Leaders: Led by chapter members Guy Joaquin and Andy Cohen.

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