Glen Canyon Park is one of San Francisco's urban gems. 70 acres of hillside trails, rugged outcrops, and native wildlife, it makes for a challenging and beautiful walk. Our walk to the park takes us through its several neighborhoods, each with their parks, open spaces, stairways, and hidden paths. Glen Park just got a new tiled staircase!
WE START WALKING AT 11:00 AM. Please give yourself plenty of time to arrive, check-in, and use the restroom.
We'll meet at the Glen Park Library (restrooms) and detour around Glen Park Pathways before we head off to our first neighborhood, Sunnyside (which has one small park that does not allow dogs, so dog/people will have to detour about a block). We'll follow the greenway to Glen Park Woods before entering Glen Park Canyon. We'll spend a bit of time here, exploring this marvelous park, watching the rock-climbers, and enjoying the view. The path here is uphill, narrow, and rocky. We'll exit at Christopher Playground (restrooms) and take a much- deserved break. There are a few picnic tables- usually taken up by children's birthday parties- but there are also a couple of benches and stairways and a nice lawn that will do in a pinch-be sure to bring a blanket to sit on.
After that, we visit Diamond Heights, one of the few neighborhoods in San Francisco specifically developed in the mid 20th century. From there we go to Upper Noe Valley, visit Billy Goat Hill and the Walter Haas Playground. It doesn't have restrooms, but we'll take a very short break here to sit for a moment, as it's pretty much all uphill to there. And who can resist the Harry Street Steps which will take us back to the neighborhood of Glen Park?
This can be a moderately strenuous city walk, especially in Glen Canyon Park and the neighborhood open spaces. We will frequently walk along narrow, uphill pathways and steps. There are multiple wooden stairways, and a lot of incline. We'll take breaks and stop and catch our breath- (and enjoy the views), but otherwise will keep a steady pace. We're not going for cardio here, but to enjoy the area. Count on about 3 1/2 hours, plus break time.
The Glen Park Library is easily accessible by multiple bus lines. The #23 (Monterey), #36 (Teresita), #44 (O'Shaughnessy), and #52 (Excelsior) each land at the corner. The J (Church) stops behind the BART station on San Jose, and of course, any BART line in the city has a stop at Glen Park. The BART parking lot is across from the station on Bosworth. Many of the side streets offer free parking.
ATTENDANCE-Basically-EVERYONE WHO RSVPS "yes" is expected to attend. If you have a change in plans, update your RSVP. No showing is very bad and will probably get you removed from the group. Late cancel is also bad and will be noted. EVERYONE WHO ATTENDS MUST RSVP. Showing up with RSVPing is not acceptable. Once the RSVPs are closed, there is no adding on. This walk is only available to City Steps members.
Dogs are always welcome on my walks. They love Glen Canyon Park (there is one small park on this walk which does not allow dogs, but it is easily detoured). Dogs must be on-leash except in designated areas, and must stay by their owner's side while walking- even in offleash areas.
WHAT TO BRING-
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
Water- You can refill at Christopher playground or Walter Haas.
Lunch- if you arrive a few minutes early, stop in at the Canyon Store next to the library. They offer a lovely selection of pre-made and ready to go lunches (also, dessert!). Our lunch stop is adjacent to the Diamond Heights shopping center where you can pick something up at Safeway or Creighton's Bakery, but you'll have to be quick about it.
Blanket or towel- to sit on, Grass may be the only option and it's the foggy side of town.
Walking Poles- lots of uneven and unpaved terrain. For this walk, if you think you might need them, you probably will.
Camera- So much to see. Amazing vistas, and the whole city is in bloom.
We walk in damp or drizzle, but rain or heavy winds cancel. Overcast fog may limit our views, but it doesn't stop us from walking.
