Mt Davidson, San Francisco CA
• 4-star hike
• 0.5 mile loop
• Easy difficulty | Gain 140 feet
• San Francisco, CA | San Francisco Bay Area
• Driving Directions: Trailhead
Take in the superb views across San Francisco from the highest point in the city, yet far away from the throngs of tourists and tour buses of Twin Peaks. These less well known vistas from Mount Davidson are a short hike away from the roadside, which means there's a good chance that you'll have the city to yourselves when you reach the top.
Our recommended short loop trail begins at a fire road at the top of Dalewood Way and spirals up through a non-native eucalyptus forest to the summit marked by an enormous 100-foot high cross. Though this cross is commonly used for Easter services, though it's much more likely that you've seen it before in a slightly more secular location - namely a location for a key scene in the 1971 Dirty Harry movie set in San Francisco.
Mt Davidson Loop Mt Davidson Loop 4★0.5 mi, Loop, Easy, Gain 140 ft
Trailspotting Map at AllTrails
The park is also accessible from several other places around its boundary thanks to the many other trails that criss-cross the hilltop. Security may be a concern for folks hiking in parks near the city, and don't be surprised to find homeless encampments in the area. Street parking is available and there is no fee for use of the park.
Panoramic views towards San Francisco from Mount Davidson
Tangents:
• Trail links: Official, Public Map at AllTrails
• Facebook Group: Comment on this article
San Francisco's Best Hikes
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.
For great Bay Area trails check out Trailspotting's Best Hikes of the San Francisco Bay.
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Explore the natural side of tinseltown with Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Los Angeles.
Explore the natural side of tinseltown with Trailspotting's Best Hikes of Los Angeles.
