Balboa - McLaren Park - Bernal Heights - Mission Hike: 7.6 miles, 1150’ elev
Details
We will be doing a moderately strenuous urban hike in San Francisco starting at the Balboa Park Train Station and ending in the Mission (at 19th and Folsom Streets). This hike is for INTERMEDIATE HIKERS only. The beautiful route will offer scenic meadows, grasslands and wetland habitats along with fabulous views of the city as we traverse through John McLaren Park, Holly Park, Bernal Heights Park and the Mission. The trek will involve ascending 1,150 feet along its 7.6 mile route along streets, dirt paths, hills and steps. Those interested can come for food and drinks at Southern Pacific Brewing, about one block from the ending point, at 19th St and Treat Ave.
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 will meet at 10:00 am at the Balboa Park BART Station (outside the station on Geneva Avenue near the freeway entrance) and depart at 10:15 am sharp. We begin the trek by heading south along Geneva Avenue to John McLaren Park, the city’s second largest park. We will navigate the park primarily via the Philosopher’s Way Trail, enjoying many sites along the route such as Lovers Rock, the Wilde Overlook Tower, the Hidden Bridges, the Philosopher’s Hill and the Water Tower View. We will take a 30 minute food and restroom break at McNab Lake. Upon exiting the park we head north, passing through Holly Park and then ascend the Bernal Heights Summit (433’). Finally, we continue north into the Mission to finish the hike at 21st and Folsom Streets.
Bring water and lunch/snacks. Dress for the weather.
Information:
AllTrails Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/legacy-map/bs-mp-bh-mi-d3deb4e
Level: Moderately strenuous. Intermediate level. You will be expected to hike an average of 2.5 to 3.0 miles per hour.
Total Distance: 7.6 miles (one-way)
Elevation Gain: 1,150 feet
Hiking Time: 3.5 hours (not including stops)
Restrooms: At Balboa Park BART Station (mile 0.0), McNab Lake (mile 3.4), and Holly Park Playground (mile 5.5).
Directions:
Take BART or Muni (K/M) to the Balboa Park Station. We will meet just outside the station on Geneva Avenue by the freeway entrance.
From the Mission, take BART at 24th Street Station on Mission St, or the 14R at Mission and 20th Streets.
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.