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San Francisco Hills and Hidden Gems Urban Jungle Guided Hike

4.9
(80 reviews)
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Find your way to the historic Castro Theater in San Francisco's Castro district for your moderate 5-mile (8-km) urban hike. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes to tackle the city's famous hills and bring some drinking water. Start with a trek up to the top of Kite Hill, a green space that's easy to see but hard to find and is popular with the neighborhood residents. After pausing at the top of the hill for great views and some photo ops, continue to the Seward Street Slides, a hidden gem that has brought delight to kids and adults alike over the years. Make like a local: grab a piece of cardboard and let 'er rip down the curved, cement slides, clearly built in an era before playground safety was a concern. Walk through a hidden eucalyptus forest behind Sutro Tower, one of the city's unmistakable landmarks. Follow your guide to an unmarked hiking trail, less of an official trail and more of a path worn by residents over the years, to the summit of Twin Peaks. Catch your breath and some truly magnificent views of the San Francisco waterfront and the East Bay Hills beyond. Conquer Tank Hill next, another popular neighborhood park for views and dog walking. This 650-foot (198-km) high summit gives views of the northern side of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. Descend via the 211-step Pemberton Place Stairway, winding through the beautiful neighborhood houses and private gardens. Return to the Castro Theater to end your 3-hour tour, having seen a part of San Francisco that many travelers never witness.

Overview

Find your way to the historic Castro Theater in San Francisco's Castro district for your moderate 5-mile (8-km) urban hike. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes to tackle the city's famous hills and bring some drinking water. 

Start with a trek up to the top of Kite Hill, a green space that's easy to see but hard to find and is popular with the neighborhood residents. After pausing at the top of the hill for great views and some photo ops, continue to the Seward Street Slides, a hidden gem that has brought delight to kids and adults alike over the years. Make like a local: grab a piece of cardboard and let 'er rip down the curved, cement slides, clearly built in an era before playground safety was a concern. 

Walk through a hidden eucalyptus forest behind Sutro Tower, one of the city's unmistakable landmarks. Follow your guide to an unmarked hiking trail, less of an official trail and more of a path worn by residents over the years, to the summit of Twin Peaks. Catch your breath and some truly magnificent views of the San Francisco waterfront and the East Bay Hills beyond. 

Conquer Tank Hill next, another popular neighborhood park for views and dog walking. This 650-foot (198-km) high summit gives views of the northern side of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park. 

Descend via the 211-step Pemberton Place Stairway, winding through the beautiful neighborhood houses and private gardens. Return to the Castro Theater to end your 3-hour tour, having seen a part of San Francisco that many travelers never witness.

Itinerary

  • Castro Theatre

    Start and end your tour hear. Learn the history of this classic movie palace.

    10 minutes
  • Seward Street Slides

    Slide down fun concrete slides in the middle of a city park

    10 minutes
  • Kite Hill Open Space

    Get beautiful views of downtown San Francisco and Twin Peaks from this hilltop

    10 minutes
  • Twin Peaks

    Visit an overlook with panoramic view of downtown San Francisco

    20 minutes
  • Sutro Tower

    Stand at the foot of an almost-900-foot tower. The top of the tower is the highest point in San Francisco.

    10 minutes
  • Tank Hill

    Check out views of the ocean, bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and downtown San Francisco

    10 minutes
    Admission Included

Location

Meeting Point Map

Address

429 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114, USA

Open Google Map

Experience

Highlights

  • Discover the city’s wild side as you hike along hidden trails to off-the-beaten path locales
  • Hike up to the summit of Twin Peaks for sweeping city views
  • Walk through a forest behind Sutro Tower and slide down the Seward Street Slides
  • Learn interesting facts about San Francisco from your guide
  • Inclusions

    • Professional guide

    Exclusions

    • Gratuities
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    Additional Information

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Adult pricing applies for all travelers
    • Due to the distance and intensity of the hike, this tour is not recommended for children 12 years and younger
    • Tour runs rain or shine. If it is raining and you would prefer not to attend, you may reschedule or request a refund
    • Recommended attire: comfortable shoes or hiking boots, dressing in layers
    • Bringing water is recommended

    Guide Languages

    • English

    Cancellation Policy

    • A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    • No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.

    Traveler Ratings

    See how travelers have rated this attraction. Check out the average rating and read what others have shared about their experiences

    4.9 / 5

    4.86 out of 5 stars

    Based on 80 reviews

    Review histogram

    5

    86%

    4

    14%

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    Traveler Reviews

    Discover what other travelers have to say about this attraction. Read their reviews and get insights into their experiences

    Jennifer S
    We were in town for a weekend conference and unable to attend any of the online posted times for the hike. I contacted Alex, the owner, and she graciously set up a day and time that worked for my gro...
    894eliza
    We had a wonderful private group hike to celebrate my bachelorette. Our whole group had a wonderful time admiring views, seeing lush foliage and hearing about SF history. Even though we have all lived...

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