by Hoyt Nelson
It’s been years since we have done this hike (Twin Peaks, Dolores Heights, Upper Market.) and this is the perfect time for good weather, flowers and scenery. We will meet at 10:30 AM on Twin Peaks Blvd. near the intersection of Crown Terrace. It’s a fairly strenuous hike of 3.5 to 4 hours, but we will stop frequently for snacks and views. I cut the length down a bit from the original. This will make it similar in length to hike #1 (Coit Tower, etc.)
Bring clothes for warm and cold weather including a hat, comfortable hiking shoes, sun block, drinks and snacks as desired and camera. There are no “formal” bathroom stops on this route, but there are usually a number of fairly clean porta-potties along the way at construction sites. There is one water fountain at the bottom of Pemberton near the start and several small markets along the way for refreshments. I can take up to 6 more in my van. First come, first served. Otherwise, use your GPS or follow directions below. Be advised my van will stay in SF for lunch after the hike. We can finalize at that time where to go. If desired, we can first drive up to nearby Twin Peaks for a quick look at perhaps the very best view of the city (+ restroom) before lunch.
Directions From Jan Jose area: Take Hwy 101 N. to Mariposa St. exit (just N. of Cesar Chavez in San Francisco) and take an immediate L. onto Vermont. Turn L. onto 16th for about 2 miles and bear L. onto Market at Noe. Bear R at the next block onto 17th for 6-8 blocks and make a L at Twin Peaks Blvd. (It’s the third L. past Ord, and is marked as Clayton on the R.). A little past the next R. (Carmel) you will see 23 wood stairs on the R. across the street from Crown Terrace where we meet If you come back on 16th after the walk, take a R on Potrero and follow signs to 101 South. There’s lots of parking on Twin Peaks Blvd.
From San Francisco or E. Bay: From the Bay Bridge exit to San Francisco (Hwy 80), continue on 80 toward signs for Van Ness. Exit at Van Ness and take an immediate L. onto S. Van Ness. Go 3 blocks S. and take a R on 16th. Continue W. on 16th for about 1.5 miles and take a L. onto Twin Peaks Blvd. (It’s the third L. past Ord, and is marked as Clayton on the R). (Heads up at 16th and Market! It’s confusing and congested.) A little past the next R. (Carmel) you will see 23 wood steps on the R which are across the street from Crown Terrace where we meet. There’s lots of parking on Twin Peaks Blvd.
For more info and to sign up, contact me at twinpeaks@niseiskiclub.org
Photos by Tony Holiday
