San Francisco is of course famous for its hilly streets. Runners looking to do some hill training or bag boasting rights by running up streets with a grade of >25% will find lots of opportunities in San Francisco. The hilliest streets in San Francisco are spread around numerous neighborhoods: Twin Peaks, Noe Valley, Telegraph Hill, & Russian Hill. For fun, we’ve put together a run in the Bernal Heights neighborhood that features four of San Francisco’s Top 10 steepest streets, including a couple of lovely hilltop parks. The steepest sections range from 34-41% grade! Use our mapped route as a guideline to decide what level of punishment you want to take on this route!
We start at a parking lot off @ Bradford & Tomkins Ave., near the I-101/280 interchange. Three of the steepest streets run basically next to each other: Bradford St. (the steepest, topping out at 41%), Nevada St. (max 35%), and Prentiss St. (max 37%), climbing between Crescent Ave. & Powhatten Ave., with the steepest sections toward Powhatten. So our route does Bradford, Nevada, & Prentiss, then winds around Bernal Heights Blvd./Folsom St. to Ripley St., with grades up to 31.5% headed toward Peralta Ave.
Bernal Heights Park. Flickr: Danny Ramirez
Retracing your steps, the next section passes through two scenic, hilltop parks. Bernal Heights Park is a lovely open space featuring lovely city views and ~1.5 miles of paths. At the western end, take Bocana St. south for 0.3 miles to Holly Park, a circular hilltop park also featuring fine views. Head back east for 0.5 miles along Tomkins Ave. or Ogden Ave. to the start.
San Francisco is of course famous for its hilly streets. Runners looking to do some hill training or bag boasting rights by running up streets with a grade of >25% will find lots of opportunities in San Francisco. The hilliest streets in San Francisco are spread around numerous neighborhoods: Twin Peaks, Noe Valley, Telegraph Hill, & Russian Hill. For fun, we’ve put together a run in the Bernal Heights neighborhood that features four of San Francisco’s Top 10 steepest streets, including a couple of lovely hilltop parks. The steepest sections range from 34-41% grade! Use our mapped route as a guideline to decide what level of punishment you want to take on this route!
We start at a parking lot off @ Bradford & Tomkins Ave., near the I-101/280 interchange. Three of the steepest streets run basically next to each other: Bradford St. (the steepest, topping out at 41%), Nevada St. (max 35%), and Prentiss St. (max 37%), climbing between Crescent Ave. & Powhatten Ave., with the steepest sections toward Powhatten. So our route does Bradford, Nevada, & Prentiss, then winds around Bernal Heights Blvd./Folsom St. to Ripley St., with grades up to 31.5% headed toward Peralta Ave.
Bernal Heights Park. Flickr: Danny Ramirez
Retracing your steps, the next section passes through two scenic, hilltop parks. Bernal Heights Park is a lovely open space featuring lovely city views and ~1.5 miles of paths. At the western end, take Bocana St. south for 0.3 miles to Holly Park, a circular hilltop park also featuring fine views. Head back east for 0.5 miles along Tomkins Ave. or Ogden Ave. to the start.
Scroll Down For Route Maps
Essentials
5 miles (8 km), with options for longer or shorter
Our favorite residential neighborhood for running in San Francisco is Pacific Heights. Lovely streets and attractive homes just east of the Presidio. We also love running in the Nob Hill, Sea Cliff and Noe Valley neighborhoods.
Some great options in South San Francisco, just north of SFO: waterfront paths at Candlestick Point and a Bay Trail section at Sierra Point; some nice hills & trails at McLaren Park; and some serious but rewarding climbing at San Bruno Mountain.
The run along Chrissy Field from Fort Mason to Fort Point is one of the great urban runs of the world. Water views the whole way. Heading north, views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands, and south, the SF skyline.
Running across the Bridge is not only encouraged…it’s a tourist attraction. There is a dedicated path for runners/walkers. It's 1.7 miles across the bridge. Spectacular views. Lots of add-on potential. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS!
The iconic, memorable San Francisco run includes the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Crissy Field to Fort Point, and then over the Golden Gate Bridge. Fantastic views! Choose a section or do the entire 9.6 miles!
The run between the Golden Gate Bridge and Land’s End is unique: spectacular ocean views, hills, wooded sections, and some beautiful homes. We've mapped several options. VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS!
A former military installation, now a gorgeous park with miles of trails for walking and running. There are hills, wooded trails, and scenic vistas out to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean. Also some great loop options involving Crissy Field.
Another great loop option involving the Presidio, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Golden Gate Promenade. Take the Presidio Promenade Path through the Presidio, then return along Crissy Field. Great views and variety.
Golden Gate Park is the left coast version of New York’s Central Park. The Park runs from Highway 1 at the ocean to the west, to the Haight-Ashbury area to the east.
The Great Highway runs for 3.8 miles from the Cliff House to Lake Merced in the Sunset/Ocean Beach area. A 2-mile stretch is closed to cars. Run on the road, beach, or interior bike path. Scenic & festive!
Some good running options just south of Great Highway/Ocean Beach. There's a 4.5 mile loop around Lake Merced, some nice trail running in Fort Funston including a 2-mile bike path, and pedestrian paths around the campus of SFSU.
A unique, traffic-free run with views and hills. Angel Island is in the middle of the Bay, accessible by ferry only. There's a 5 mile loop around the island, or a longer run can include the hill to the top. Other trail options too.
Three unbelievable runs. Marin Headlands/GG National Recreation area is challenging & hilly running just over the GG Bridge. Mt. Tam has a switchback fire road to the summit. And Point Reyes has spectacular trails and running options.
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!
Subscribe
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Essentials
5 miles (8 km), with options for longer or shorter
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!