The Crosstown Trail:
San Francisco in 17 Miles
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Connecting San Francisco from the southeast to the northwest, the Crosstown Trail runs through hidden trails, public parks, shopping corridors, tiled stairways, and community gardens along the way.
The trail is the work of a small group of local volunteers who believe in building community and healthy adventuring outdoors.
You can walk it, run it, or bike it (in either direction!). You can do the whole thing in one day or just try a section. Get some fresh air, explore this beautiful city, and be sure to tell us about your adventure at #sfcrosstowntrail.
Section 1: Candlestick Point, Visitacion Valley, McLaren Park (5.2 miles)
The trail starts (or ends) at the shore of Candlestick Park State Recreation Area, not far from the former home of the Giants and 49ers. The trail then leads you through the Visitacion Valley Greenway, a string of community parks and gardens that is part outdoor classroom, part neighborhood hub. Finally, you’ll take a walk through McLaren Park, the third largest park in the city.
Section 2: Glen Park Greenway, Glen Canyon Park, Laguna Honda Trail (3 miles)
Section 2 hosts open green spaces and trails, all hiding in the middle of the city. Cut through 60 acres of restored natural habitat at Glen Canyon Park and wind through the Laguna Honda Community Trail System, resurrected in 2019. The only sign that you’re still in San Francisco is the view of Sutro Tower peeking through the tall eucalyptus trees.
Section 3: Golden Gate Heights Park, Grandview Park, Tiled Stairways (2.1 miles)
The stair section. But stairs lead to elevation and elevation leads to views! While walking down the steps from the sweeping views of Golden Gate Heights’ Grandview Park, don’t forget to look back. The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps project started in 2003 as a way to connect the community through a project to beautify the neighborhood.
Section 4: Stow Lake, Rose Garden, Park Presidio Boulevard (2.2 miles)
Section 4 takes you through the east end of Golden Gate Park. After wrapping around Stow Lake, you’ll be taken to the park’s Rose Garden, boasting 60 rosebeds maintained by volunteers. After exiting the park, you’ll be led to Park Presidio Greenway, a tree-lined trail heading north to the Presidio.
Section 5: Presidio, Sea Cliff, Lands End (3.8 miles)
Veer west and head to the coast. In Section 5, you’ll take a tour of the Presidio’s sand dunes along a boardwalk trail, stroll a stretch of Baker Beach, and catch a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge before the final stretch of pathway along the rocky cliffs above the mouth of the Bay. Finish your adventure looking out over the Pacific, at the northernmost point of the San Francisco Crosstown Trail.
Ready to see the trail for yourself? Continue exploring the site or use the following links to begin planning your trip, to learn more about the trail, and to find out how to get involved. And if you’d like to stay in touch, please sign up for our newsletter below!