Coit Tower in the early evening

Heads up: I MIGHT bring Aspyn the dog with me again.

We'll hike up to Coit Tower before the sun sets and enjoy the twilight lights of the city. The forecast calls for cool and clear with some wind. Perfect for an early-evening hike up and down, then a walk along the Embarcadero with the moon on the rise.

We'll leave at 6:00 PM from Harry Bridges Plaza- the center divider across from the Ferry Building. There is a large tower in the middle- we'll meet on its stairs. Watch out for skateboarders!

We start on time and keep a steady but moderate pace, taking breaks on the uphills/stairways as needed. The route is a loop, so the walk starts and ends at the same place and takes under 2 hours, plus break time. Please give yourself time to use the restroom at the Ferry Building or Embarcadero Center. There is no other restroom opportunity on this walk.

We'll start our walk around the Ferry Building, through parks, plazas, and the old Barbary Coast. This first part of the walk is flat and easy, with a few stairs and very small hills. The hike up to Coit Tower is strenuous- over 200 stairs built into a very steep hillside. Be prepared to do a lot of climbing. Once we get to the top, we'll be rewarded with the view from Coit Tower, where we'll stop and catch the sun over the city, the Presidio and the Golden Gate Bridge. Or, we'll imagine it through the fog. Once the sun starts to set, we'll walk through the charming Telegraph Hill neighbourhood before following the extremely flat and easy Embarcadero back to Ferry Plaza. We'll have the waterfront, the Bay Bridge and the city leading us back. Sunset is at 8:30 so it won't be getting dark until after we finish our walk, and The Embarcadero is well-lit.

Getting there: Parking around the Ferry Building is difficult and expensive. Public transportation is your best best. Harry Bridges Plaza is between the former Justin Herman Plaza and the Ferry Building, in the center island where the Embarcadero meets Market Street. The Embarcadero MUNI/BART underground station is about a block away. Multiple Muni buses stop at the corner, with routes #1, #6, and #9 and the California line cable car a block in either direction. The Transbay Terminal is 4 blocks away.

BRING
-- water (and extra for your dog)
-- a warm jacket as it's sure to cool down once the sun sets. Also:wind!
-- your camera
-- hand sanitizer.
--We won't be stopping for a snack break, so you might want to bring something you can eat while on the move.
--Don't forget your sense of adventure and fun!

DOGS: Friendly, well-behaved dogs are always welcome on my walks. Aspyn is a people-person, but she gets along with other dogs. (Note- Dogs aren't allowed in the Ferry Building, if you're stopping in to use the restroom, please plan accordingly). Dogs must be on leash at all times on this walk.

ATTENDANCE: This group has an RSVP policy and takes attendance. Members who no-show, place hold, or habitually late cancel will be removed from the group. Crashers will be turned away. This walk is only available to City Steps members- guests or plus ones are not permitted.

LIABILITY & SAFETY: You are responsible for your own safety on all City Steps walks. Your yes RSVP confirms that you have read the liability waiver that can be found at the bottom of every Meetup page.