Lands End to Golden Gate Park Hike - 8.5 miles, 500 ft elev

We will be doing a moderately strenuous loop hike through Lands End and Golden Gate Park in San Francisco. This hike is for INTERMEDIATE HIKERS only. The 8.5 mile route will offer breathtaking views of the Lands End coastline as well as the bucolic meadows, lakes, and gardens of Golden Gate Park. Along the way we will check out the edgy art installations along Golden Gate park’s Golden Mile, including the NAGA sea serpent exhibit, as well as the Queen Wilhelmina Garden and the Dahlia Garden. After the hike, anyone interested is welcome to come for food and drinks at a nearby drinking establishment in the Richmond.

THIS EVENT HAS A WAITLIST. DO NOT SHOW UP FOR IT UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING YOU CAN ATTEND. NO CRASHERS AND NO PLUS ONES ARE PERMITTED.

We meet at 10:00 am in Richmond Playground (at 18th Avenue between Lake and California Streets) and depart promptly at 10:15 am. We begin the trek by heading west into Lands End where we will hike along the Coastal Trail to the Lands End Visitor Center (stopping for a quick restroom break). Next we will head south to Ocean Beach, entering Golden Gate Park at Fulton Street. We will head east through the park on various paths, stopping by the Queen Wilhelmina Garden followed by Spreckels Lake for lunch and the restroom. Continuing east we hike along JFK Promenade’s Golden Mile to view some of the art installations. We will do a final restroom stop at the Conservatory of Flowers before checking out the Dahlia Garden, which should be in full bloom. We exit the park at Fulton and 6th Avenue and head to the starting point at Richmond Playground. It's highly likely some of us will detour at 8th Avenue and Clement Street to go to a local bar. Those wanting to return to Richmond Park can simply continue on Clement Street for 10 blocks to 18th Avenue (a 10 minute walk).

Bring water, snacks/lunch, and sunscreen lotion. Dress for the weather.

Information
AllTrails Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-jul-21-05-42-pm-1f74a54
Footpath Route: https://footpathapp.com/routes/b6a63396-6c44-4296-be62-6c5b51977321
Level: Intermediate level. You will be expected to hike an average of 2.5 to 3.0 miles per hour.
Total Distance: 8.5 miles.
Elevation Gain: 500 feet.
Pets: Dogs and Cats are welcome to come.
Hiking Time: 3.5 hours plus stops.
Restrooms: At Richmond Playground Park (mile 0.0), Lands End Visitors Center (mile 2.5), Spreckels Lake (mile 4.4), Conservatory of Flowers (mile 6.5).

Directions
The meeting spot is at the Richmond Playground Park (by the restroom) at 18th Avenue between California and Lake Streets.

• To/from Richmond Playground Park: The 38/38R Bus stops three blocks south on Geary Blvd, and the 1 Bus stops one block south on California St.
• Street parking is freely available near Richmond Playground Park on weekends.

Liability Disclaimer
The organizers of this event are unpaid volunteers and not expert hiking guides. By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and you hereby release its organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.