The Crosstown Trail is turning six! Join us this June for a special lineup of walks, adventures, and celebrations across the Crosstown and Double Cross Trails. Whether you’re new to the trail or a longtime walker, there’s something for everyone. Explore fresh routes, revisit favorite sections, meet fellow trail lovers, and help us celebrate another amazing year of trailblazing across San Francisco.
Check out the offerings below and sign up for any event you want to join by clicking on the title link. Note all end times are approximate depending on our pace. A donation of $10 is suggested to support the Crosstown Trail’s modest expenses and generous grants to nonprofits and open space organizations along its route.
Crosstown 2.0: Candlestick Point to Forest Hill
Sunday, June 1 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Think you know the Crosstown Trail? Discover several new destinations we’re adding to the original route. Meet at the end of Gilman Ave., three blocks east of the 29 Sunset stop at Bill Walsh Way. We’ll enter Candlestick Point SRA for a shoreline stroll and continue for 10 miles through the Visitacion Valley Greenway, McLaren Park, the Bernal Cut, Glen Canyon, and Laguna Honda. Finish at Forest Hill MUNI Station, with multiple transit connections. Bring layers, water, snacks, and lunch. Restrooms along the route, but not at the start. Join us on June 8 for the second half. Leader: Karen
The MUNI to Bay Inaugural Walk
Sunday, June 1 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
We’ll meet outside the Forest Hill Muni Station to begin our 10-mile walk to Candlestick State Recreation Area. (FYI: The first restroom is about 2.5 miles from the start.) About halfway through our walk, we’ll joyfully bump into the CT group heading north. That’s about the time some members of our group will develop severe hunger pangs, and demand we stop for lunch.
After ending our walk at the new Candlestick trailhead near Gilman and Hunter’s Pt. Blvd, choose your route home: 1) Walk 10 minutes to Gilman Park to catch MUNI’s #29, 2) Use the MUNI app to hail a Bay Shuttle to BART’s 24th & Mission Station, 3) Hail a ride-sourcer.
If you complete this walk, you’ll make history as part of the first CT group walking south along the scenic, new route through Candlestick! Leader: Bob
The Crosstown Climb
Saturday, June 7 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The Crosstown Trail is turning 6, we’re celebrating with a walk on National Trails Day! Join us for a scenic stroll on Section 3: Golden Gate Heights Park, Grandview Park, Tiled Stairways – AKA *The Stairs Section* rewards you for the ups and downs with incredible views! Meet us at 9 a.m. outside the Forest Hill Muni Station. We’ll be the two wearing smiles, Crosstown trail gear & giving high fives to our group! 🙌
Bring: water, snacks, sunnies, sunscreen, a hat, etc. Space is limited, sign up today. We can’t wait to walk this wonderful section of the Crosstown Trail with you! Leaders: Johanna and Mary
Public Transit Access for Section 3 (Central SF)
Muni: 36, 43, 44, 52 lines
Light Rail: K, L, & M lines at Forest Hill Muni Station
Double Cross Nature Treasure Hunt, Section 1
Saturday, June 7 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Section 1 of a slow-paced stroll on the Double Cross Trail over three days. We’ll explore nature habitats, identify plants and critters, and take in San Francisco’s hills and water. Join one, two or all three walks. Each day we’ll cover about 5 miles on trails and sidewalks, up and down hills with 600-700 feet total elevation gain. Bring layers, water, and snacks or lunch. Restrooms / Porta Loos should be available at start and finish but may be limited in between. Optional no-host, end-of-walk refreshments at nearby watering hole. Co-sponsored by Nature in the City. Meet at Fort Funston at the hang glider deck at the end of the parking lot (58 bus is closest Muni stop, the westernmost L Taraval stop is about a mile north). We’ll end at West Portal with connections to the K, L, M and multiple buses. Leader: Helen
Join us on June 19 and 28 for Parts 2 and 3.
Crosstown 2.0: Forest Hill to Lands End
Sunday, June 8 | 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Think you know the Crosstown Trail? Discover several new destinations we’ve now added to the original route. Meet at Forest Hill Station, with multiple transit connections. We’ll walk about 9 miles through Forest Hill, the tiled stairways of Golden Gate Heights, Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake and Rose Garden, Mountain Lake, Lobos Valley Creek, Baker Beach, and the Coastal Trail. Finish at Lands End Lookout Visitors Center. Bring layers, water, snacks, and lunch. Restrooms along the route, but not at the start. Join us on June 1 for the first half. Leader: Karen
Golden Gate Park & Northern Crosstown
Tuesday, June 10 | 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meet at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden and northern windmill in Golden Gate Park, near the Beach Chalet, close to where Fulton St. meets the Great Highway. We’ll explore the newly rebuilt ponds and gardens along Chain of Lakes drive, then make our way east to the Rose Garden where we connect with the Crosstown Trail. We’ll hike the northern half of Section 4 and all of Section 5 out to Lands End. While this may be the northern end of the CT, we’re not quite done as we explore the frequently overlooked Sutro Heights park, then head south back down to the start. Libations and food can be had at Beach Chalet/Park Chalet. Leader: Arnie
The BART to MUNI Saunter
Wednesday, June 11 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This walk is for those who want to go wandering around on trails and staircases on the Crosstown, the Double Cross, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail. We will begin at the Glen Park BART plaza, and end at the Forest Hill MUNI Station. Sometime around noon, we will stop and eat our sack lunches. Leader: Bob
Eastern 2/3 Double Cross Walk
Thursday, June 12 | 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join the Double Cross Trail founders for a transit-friendly “Best of the Double Cross”, West Portal to Pier 23, just under 10 miles. Check out 100-200 million year old chert, and the restorative trail work volunteers have performed with Rec and Park Natural Areas workers along Edgehill Mountain. Take in the views at some of the best vista points in town, including Twin Peaks, Tank Hill, Mt. Olympus, Buena Vista Park, Alamo Square, Nob Hill, and Telegraph Hill. Easy transit connections at both ends; West Portal Muni streetcars at the start, F line streetcar or a short walk to the Ferry Building and Embarcadero BART at the eastern finish. Meet outside Peet’s Coffee, 54 West Portal Ave. Pack a snack, lunch, water! Leaders: John and Arnie
Western Wedge Crosstown Walk
Saturday, June 14 | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Take a slice of Crosstown pie with this epic 21-mile loop that links parts of the Crosstown and Double Cross Trails with a stretch along the city’s ocean perimeter. We’ll meet at 8:30 am at the Lake Merced Boathouse and begin with 6 miles on the Double Cross through Stern Grove and West Portal to the Tri-Trail Junction, where the Crosstown, Double Cross, and Bay Area Ridge Trails meet. From there, we’ll follow 10 miles of the Crosstown through Laguna Honda, Golden Gate Heights and Park, and the Presidio to Lands End. You can finish there or complete the pie wedge with a 5-mile bonus walk along Ocean Beach through the new Sunset Dunes park back to Lake Merced. Bring water, snacks, a bag lunch, sun protection, and layers for shifting weather. The boathouse is reachable by Muni 18 46th Ave (Skyline & Sloat) and 58 Lake Merced (Skyline & Harding). Leaders: Guy and Karen
Making My Way Crosstown: A Progressive Party Hike
Saturday, June 14 | 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Celebrate 6 years of the Crosstown Trail with a choose-your own adventure edition of the original route. Whether you join for one mile, one section, or the full 17 miles across San Francisco, you’ll end the hike feeling a greater sense of connection to the city and the people who love it. We’ll meet at 10 a.m. at Sunrise Point in Candlestick Point Recreation Area, and aim to finish at sunset/8:30pm at Lands End. As a “progressive hike,” times for each of the 5 sections will shared in advance to coordinate with hikers who would prefer to meet along the trail. We will stop for coffee and Crosstown Trail merch in Visitacion Valley and Glen Park, and for lunch in the Inner Sunset/Golden Gate Park. This tour will include a light overview of local gardens and San Francisco history to celebrate the unique features of the Crosstown Trail. Carpooling and transit are encouraged; allow time for travel! Hikers can bring their own lunch or support the many local business along the trail. Bring layers, water, and an adventurous mentality, and you’ll leave with a new favorite SF neighborhood and friend. Leader: Gina
Crosstown/Double Cross: Glen Park to Fort Funston
Tuesday, June 17 | 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Hit plenty of dirt on your westward walk from Glen Park BART. Check out the Burnside mural and stairway, one of the latest additions to SF’s great mosaic tile stairs. Hear the legends of Glen Park heroes the Gumtree Girls and Tiki Lounge aficionado Jimmy OK. Meet at the Glen Park BART station plaza; about 7 1/2 miles to Fort Funston. Pack a snack, lunch, water. Muni 58 bus 1/2 mile from the finish. Leaders: Arnie and John
Double Cross Nature Treasure Hunt, Section 2
Thursday, June 19 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Section 2 of a slow-paced stroll on the Double Cross Trail over three days. We’ll explore nature habitats, identify plants and critters, and take in San Francisco’s hills and water. Join one, two or all three walks. Each day we’ll cover about 5 miles on trails and sidewalks, up and down hills with 600-700 feet total elevation gain. Bring layers, water, and snacks or lunch. Restrooms / Porta Loos should be available at start and finish but may be limited in between. Optional no-host, end-of-walk refreshments at nearby watering hole. Co-sponsored by Nature in the City. Meet in front of West Portal Station (connections to the K, L, M and multiple buses). We’ll end at Duboce Park, on the N Muni line with a short walk to the J, K, L, M at Church Station and the 22 Fillmore bus. Leader: Helen
Join us on June 7 and 28 for Parts 1 and 3.
BART-to-BART Crosstown Combo
Friday, June 20 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Celebrate the Crosstown Trail anniversary with a spectacular 11-mile adventure linking Embarcadero BART to Glen Park BART. We’ll walk sections of both the Crosstown and Double Cross Trails, hitting famous landmarks and hidden gems along the way. Meet at 9 a.m. outside the Embarcadero BART station at the cable car turnaround at California and Drumm. We’ll begin with a gentle stroll along the Embarcadero to Pier 23 where we’ll start on the Double Cross up the 384 Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower. We’ll continue through famous neighborhoods – North Beach, Chinatown, and Nob Hill – before winding through several city parks from Alamo Square to Tank Hill. After the panoramic views atop Twin Peaks, we’ll switch over to the Crosstown for the home stretch along the trails of Glen Canyon to the Glen Park BART station. Bring water, snacks, a bag lunch, sun protection, and layers for shifting weather. Leaders: Adelina and Guy
South to North Double Cross Walk
Wednesday, June 25 | 8 a.m. to late afternoon
Ready for a full crosstown trail? Join the founders for the first anniversary of the official unveiling of the Double Cross Trail. Meet at the Fort Funston Overlook boardwalk and observation deck, west side of Fort Funston parking lot. Bring snacks and lunch for along the way, water, and a pep in your step – we’ll try to keep up a lively pace to make Pier 23 before late afternoon, in time for some live music. Along the way, we’ll see trail improvements and changes, notably at Stern Grove, Edgehill Mountain, Twin Peaks, and Tank Hill. Just under 15 miles. Muni bus 58 stops at Skyline and John Muir Drive, a half mile from our start. The F Market streetcar stops across the street from our Pier 23 finish, or take the short walk to the Ferry Building or Embarcadero BART. Leaders: Arnie, Chris, John
Crosstown Trail R.O.C.K.-a-Thon
Saturday, June 28 | 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In collaboration with the R.O.C.K. (Real Options for City Kids), Visitacion Valley Greenway, and Mission Blue, we’re excited to invite you to our second annual R.O.C.K.-a-Thon event!
Check the scenic Crosstown Trail off your list while spreading awareness about R.O.C.K. and our community open spaces. Meet at the Sunrise Point Fishing Pier in Candlestick Point State Recreation Area at 8:30 a.m.; the walk will start promptly at 9 a.m. Walk the full 17 miles or any length you choose, at your own pace or at the moderate group pace. Highlights include the Visitacion Valley Greenway, where you’ll meet some R.O.C.K. students and Greenway volunteers, as well as trails through Glen Canyon and Laguna Honda, tiled staircases, the Presidio, and Baker Beach. Bring sunscreen, water, snacks, and lunch for our half-way stop. We expect to finish at the Lands End Lookout Visitor Center by late afternoon.
By RSVPing for R.O.C.K.-a-Thon, you are positively impacting 900+ youth in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley. All event proceeds go directly back to R.O.C.K. programs, like camping trips, outdoor education, and literacy support. You’ll also receive a t-shirt and snacks!
Double Cross Nature Treasure Hunt, Section 3
Saturday, June 28 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Section 3 of a slow-paced stroll on the Double Cross Trail over three days. We’ll explore nature habitats, identify plants and critters, and take in San Francisco’s hills and water. Join one, two or all three walks. Each day we’ll cover about 5 miles on trails and sidewalks, up and down hills with 600-700 feet total elevation gain. Bring layers, water, and snacks or lunch. Restrooms / Porta Loos should be available at start and finish but may be limited in between. Optional no-host, end-of-walk refreshments at nearby watering hole. Co-sponsored by Nature in the City. Meet at Duboce Park, on the N Judah Muni line, a short walk to the J, K, L, M at Church Station and the 22 Fillmore bus. We’ll end at Pier 23 on the F train or a short walk to Embarcadero station and BART and ferry connections. Leader: Helen
Join us on June 7 and 19 for Parts 1 and 2.
Double Cross Pub Crawl
Saturday, June 28 | 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Celebrate some of the highlights of a great urban trail – easy transit connections, and terrific refreshments along the way! Meet along the Double Cross at old school favorite Tommy’s Joynt, 1101 Geary at Van Ness. Bring your money (cash is king here) for a beverage and late lunch/ early dinner, perhaps roast beef or turkey, carved to order. We’ll have about 45 minutes before heading out on trail, with one or two stops along the way before our Pier 23 finish (great food and drink here too), about 3 miles in all. The F Market streetcar stops across the street from Pier 23, or take the short walk to the Ferry Building or Embarcadero BART. Ages 21 and over only. Leaders: Arnie, Chris, and John
The Full Crosstown Trail Finale
Sunday, June 29 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
End the 6th anniversary month where it all began — with the scenic 17 miles of the original Crosstown Trail. If you haven’t walked the full trail and are looking for the perfect excuse, this is it! We’ll meet at 10 am at Sunrise Point in Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (give yourself time to park/take transit and walk to the point) and stop for lunch in Glen Canyon Park. (Hikers can bring their own lunch or buy something at a local Glen Park business.) We’ll end at Lands End whenever we get there. 🙂 Leaders: Alexandra and Brett
Space is limited – don’t forget to register in advance!
Happy trails!
Celebrate the Trail by Volunteering with our Affiliates
Glen Park Greenway
Saturday, June 7 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Help out the greenway the first Saturday of every month, except when holidays conflict and push the work party to the second Saturday.
SF Urban Riders
Saturday, June 14 | 9 a.m. to about 12 p.m.
Lend a hand to the Laguna Honda Community Trail System every second Saturday of the month.
Nature in the City
Saturday, June 21 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Volunteer at the Green Hairstreak Corridor every third Saturday of the month, in addition to other projects at places such as the Alemany Farm.
Visitacion Valley Greenway
Saturday, June 28 | 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Tend the garden every fourth Saturday. Meet at the Community Garden near 141 Arleta Avenue.