I'm on a mission to #hikeallofsf. These are the stories of my hikes.
______________________________________________________
 | |
| Interior Greenbelt and Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve |
Location: Twin Peaks
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Easy - moderate
One of the best moments on our Urban Jungles tours is when our hikers enter a eucalyptus forest behind Sutro Tower. I love to see people's eyes widen when they discover a vast expanse of green space right in the center of the city. And this is just scratching the surface...
Between the northwest end of Twin Peaks and the southeast end of Golden Gate Park are two parks that combine to form 80 acres of eucalyptus forest, the Interior Greenbelt (19 acres) and Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve (61 acres).
About Adolph Sutro
 |
| Eucalyptus Trees on the Trail |
 |
| More Eucalyptus Trees on the Trail |
The parks today
Today, Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve is owned by UCSF, and the Interior Greenbelt is owned by the city of San Francisco. They are both maintained by a volunteer group, the Sutro Stewards.
So I digress...back to the hike!
 |
| For a full map of this route, visit: http://goo.gl/PxhkUe |
A full map of this route is here:
http://goo.gl/PxhkUe
I recommend starting this hike in the Interior Greenbelt at the stairway just south of 17th and Stanyan. At the top of the stairs, you will find yourself on the Historic Trail. Follow this trail until you reach a main road, Medical Center Way.
Cross the street *carefully* to continue on the Historic Trail. You will now be in Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve. To explore Mount Sutro's summit (909 feet), continue on the Historic Trail until it intersects with the South Ridge Trail. Then take the South Ridge Trail, and make a left onto Nike Road to continue up to the summit. You will know you are there because you will see a clearing as well as informational signage about the park.
 |
| Mount Sutro Trail Markers |
For a shorter variation (red shortcut above)
If you're up for a slightly shorter hike (1.75 miles) that still visits the summit, follow
Historic Trail --> Edgewood Trail --> North Ridge Trail. At the end of this trail, you will be at the Mount Sutro summit. From there follow the same directions to the hike's end.
We hope you'll enjoy exploring this eucalyptus forest in the center of the city. If you go on this hike, let us know what you think by leaving a comment.