San Francisco, CA: Northern California Chapter, Twin Peaks Hike

Join us for a spectacular climb to the top of San Francisco on this hike up and over world-famous Twin Peaks. At an elevation of 922 feet, only Mt. Davidson to the south is higher within city limits. Starting at the Glen Park BART Station, we’ll follow Islais Creek in Glen Canyon Park to the trail up to Twin Peaks. On the summit, we’ll pat ourselves on the back for arriving on foot and then marvel at the 360-degree view from the Farallon Islands to Mt. Tam, over to Mt. Diablo and then down to the San Mateo Bridge (fingers crossed for a clear day). After lunch, we’ll visit two hidden city gems: Tank Hill and Mt. Olympus before passing through Buena Vista Park and ending at the 16th Street Mission BART Station.

Schedule: Meet us at 10:00 AM for sign-in and briefing outside the main entrance of the Glen Park BART Station. We’ll have lunch on Twin Peaks and expect to arrive at the 16th Street Mission BART Station around 3:30 PM. For those interested, we’ll head over afterwards to Dandelion Chocolate for a Mission Hot Chocolate or cold Nibby Horchata.

Level of Difficulty: Moderately difficult. About 7 miles and 889 feet of elevation gain. There is a steady climb up to Twin Peaks with several steep stairs/sections throughout the entire route. This hike is best suited for those who can hike continuously for 2-3 hours and have recent experience with multiple steep inclines and descents.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button to sign up by Thursday, September 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 Glen Park Station and then from the 16th Street Mission Station for your return home. Plus, in celebration of BART’s 50th anniversary, there’s a a 50% discount on all fares for the entire month of 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 Station also has a small parking lot that is free on weekends.

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.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well) and bring a bag lunch, snacks, water and sun protection (hat, sunscreen). Good hiking shoes are recommended and hiking poles if you need them (don’t forget the rubber tips). Clipper card/app with enough funds for the BART fare.

Things to Do in Glen Park (Arrive early!)

• Have a coffee: 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.
• Visit the restrooms! At one of the cafes, the market or before exiting the Glen Park Station.

Leaders: Led by chapter members Guy Joaquin and Merula Furtado.

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