One day, if I go to heaven… I’ll look around and say, “It ain’t bad, but it ain’t San Francisco.”
Herb Caen
An urban thru-hike
A week ago Thursday, I was visiting my dad and his wife Ding for the week in the city, and thought I might squeeze in a bit of walking since the weather was unusually wonderful. I headed up Telegraph Hill and down Lombard Street; through Fisherman’s Wharf, China Town, Crissy Field and the Castro; across the Golden Gate Bridge from Marin Headlands then all around the fantabulous mansions of Pacific Heights that look right down upon a row of tented homeless in the Filmore.
But nothing felt quite as much like real life in the city-by-the-bay as a “thru-hike” from end-to-end.
The San Francisco Crosstown cuts a diagonal from southeast to the northwest, almost purposely avoiding the biggest hits and instead sharing hidden gems well-known to the locals. Urban greenways, mosaicked stairs, deep ravines and stunning views characterize this 17-mile walk, one imagined by an avid group of volunteers in 2012, recognized by the city in 2014 and finally, opened to the public in 2019.
Oddly, no signage marks the way. But there are three options for staying on track – paper maps, downloadable GPX or my favorite option, the Outer Spatial app which partners with your phone’s GPS and keeps you from taking too many wrong turns…
6 Responses
Hi Alison, was the elevation spread across and in patches or was it like a constant climb like the mission peak in Fremont? I want to do this but don’t do well with constant elevation.
Thank you for this detailed post.
Hi Sneha and thanks for reaching out! The Crosstown Trail is not a constant climb. It’s a 2,228 gain and 2,120 loss spread out over the entire walk. I never felt like any individual climb was particularly difficult. I’ve just added an elevation profile. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
Yes! On our list now; had no idea this exists. Sounds like a great day in a wonderful city.
awesome! it was really cool and different.
Well THAT was fun! I’ve never been there and probably never will be . . . .unless it’s on the bucket list to do exactly what you did. Of course I love the mosaic steps the best! Did you say how long it took? I know you meander and stop to smell the roses, so not looking for a record breaking time. Just curious.
A full day! Started early and ended around 3. VERY much sauntering!