San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Lands End Hike

Let’s welcome the New Year with a hike to our own local Finisterre, Lands End in San Francisco. This loop route starts and ends at the Java Beach Café at Ocean Beach in the Outer Sunset. From there, we’ll cross Golden Gate Park, pass by the polo fields and Portals of the Past monument, and then head north through the Richmond District to Baker Beach for picture postcard views of the Golden Gate and Marin Headlands. We’ll then take the super scenic Lands End Trail to Sutro Heights for commanding views of Ocean Beach and the Pacific before heading back down to sea level and the café.

Schedule: Meet us at 10:00 AM in front of the Java Beach Café. We’ll stop for lunch at Baker Beach and expect to arrive back at the café by 3:30 PM. This is a rain or shine event! However, severe weather will cancel.

Level of Difficulty: A moderately difficult hike of about 8 miles and 590 total elevation gain. A combination of dirt and paved trails, city streets, and beach walking with a few steep trail stairs on the Lands End Trail. This hike is ideal for those who can hike for 3-4 hours and have some recent experience with inclines/steps.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up. Because space is limited, please 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 update our list.

Getting There: Take BART to the Embarcadero Station (or Civic Center, if coming from the Colma direction). Go up two floors to the Concourse level and enter the Muni station. Take an N Judah/Ocean Beach train all the way to the last stop at La Playa Street (~45 min ride). Java Beach Café is at the last stop at the end of Judah Street. NOTE: Be sure NOT to go to the second Java Beach Café location on Sloat Blvd across from the zoo.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

Parking: Free, unlimited parking is available on the streets surrounding Java Beach Café (La Playa, Judah, 48th Avenue, etc.). Be sure to double check signs for any restrictions.

What to Bring: Bring a bag lunch (or arrive early and buy at the café), snacks, water and rain gear, if weather calls for it (we walk, rain or shine). Hiking poles may be helpful for the dirt trails and steps. Clipper card or app if you take BART and/or Muni. Cash if you plan to attend the post-walk happy hour (see below).

Post-Hike Happy Hour: For those interested, we’ll stop by a local spot near the café for celebratory drinks.

Leaders: Sue Lopez and Guy Joaquin

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