Halloween in Buena Vista and The Upper Heights (ending at Belvedere Street)

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so let's stop by the Belvedere Street party after we explore some of San Francisco's most picturesque neighborhoods.

WE START WALKING AT 3:00 PM ON THE DOT. Please arrive a few minutes early to check-in and use the facilities.

We'll meet outside GRATTAN PLAYGROUND on Stanyan at Alma (restrooms), then head towards Cole Valley for the start of our walk. We meander over to the panhandle and the non-touristy part of The Haight. If you've only driven along this area, you'll be surprised how nice the walking paths can be. It gives us a chance to see some of the city's beautiful, pre-earthquake architecture, much of which has been beautifully restored. This part of the walk is almost completely flat. We'll zig zag around side streets, discovering mini-neighborhoods along the way (surely you've been to the "Frederick Nob"!)
We detour down towards NOPA for a "wow" moment, the up to Buena Vista Park, We'll leave Buena Vista and walk through the residential neighborhoods referred to as the "Upper Heights"- Ashbury Heights, Parnassus Heights, Upper Terrace, and Corona Heights. These areas are known for their beautiful, well-maintained homes, and quiet- tree lined streets. I'll bet a few will be all decked out for Halloween. Let's keep an eye out for trick-or-treaters.

We end our walk a few blocks from our starting point, at the entrance to BELVEDERE STREET and their crazy, all-out street party. I can't describe it- you'll just have to google it. We should be there early enough that it will still be mostly kids trick-or-treating, but even still it will be quite crowded. Visiting the party won't be something we can do sticking together as a group. Some people explore for 5 minutes, others party away the night,
If crowds aren't your thing, we'll end just a few blocks from our starting point, so you'll be able to get back pretty easily,

The walk is easy to moderate - some uphill in the park, and a long downhill stairway. It should take about 2 1/2 hours and be finished just before sunset.

THERE IS ONE RESTROOM BREAK ON THIS WALK- in The Panhandle, so fairly early in. I can't remember if there are porta's at Belevedere, but if not, Cole Valley is close by.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: The playground is only a couple of blocks from Stanyan and Parnassus. MUNI lines #6 (Parnassus) and #43 (Masonic) each stop there. The "N' Judah streetcar is one block further at Carl and Stanyan. Muni line #7 (Haight/Noriega) has a stop one block past that at Frederick and Stanyan, and line #37 (Corbett) stops at Cole. It's a bit of an uphill from there. BART users should exit at Civic Center and transfer to an underground N, or overground 6.

DRIVING: Parking is neighborhood only, and Halloween could make it tricky. I suppose in a pinch you could park at the UCSF garage, but that would be quite spendy. Don't park in the Walgreens' lot- you will be towed.

DOGGIE GUEST RULES--
Although this is a nice walk for dogs, The Belvedere Street event after will be crowded and noisy. I wouldn't bring a dog to it. Still, they are welcome on the walk. We will be crossing several streets and will not be in any off-leash areas, there will be plenty of sniffing opportunities.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Be sure to change your RSVP from yes to no at least 12 hours before the walk if you need to cancel. Late cancellations are marked the same as a no show and anyone with a history of flaking or place holding will be removed from the group. This walk is only available to City Steps group members.

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

Rain cancels.

BRING A JACKET.
Coming in Costume? Up to you.