THE SWISH ALPS 2.0: A SAN FRANCISCO HIKE REMEMBERING STAN & JOHN
Leader: Chuin Phang
Leader Email: chuinphang@yahoo.com
Leader Phone: 530-330-5524
Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Trailhead Meeting Place: Alamo Square Park, just above Fulton and Steiner Sts. Google Maps Link
Trailhead Meeting Time: 9:45 AM
Trailhead Departure Time: 10:00 AM
Rating: Level-3
Mileage: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1150'
Description: In memory of Stan Mandell, past club president, join us in a city hike inspired by one of his earliest hikes: The Swish Alps. The original hike was held on Nov 11, 2006. This hike is also in memory of John Hayden who passed away in early October. John had been a fixture in the club for almost 4 decades. On this urban hike, weather permitting, we will walk the hills that make up the northeastern part of the peninsula. We will see views of the city and the bay, explore green spaces, climb and descend stairs, see how the city has changed or remained the same. We will meet at Alamo Square Park, facing the iconic Painted Ladies. From there we will walk through Japan town, swish past Pacific Heights before going through Alta Plaza Park, Lafayette Park, Sterling Park, Francisco Park (site of former Hyde St reservoir), Ina Coolbrith Park, and Pioneer Park. We will glide down (safely) the Filbert steps and finish with a walk along the Embarcadero towards the Ferry Building. Transit options will be within easy reach at the Embarcadero. We will lunch when we see a suitable spot along the way. The first part of the hike will be fairly flat with some elevation towards Pacific Heights. Those wishing to join for the easiest portion may join us at the start and hike for as long as you wish. This hike is easily accessible via public transit or Uber/Lyft. Hikers can easily join and drop off where it makes sense for them. For those with vertigo, please note the final stretch involves coming *down* the Filbert Steps.
Bring fond memories of Stan and John, historical trivia of SF, and city discoveries of your own for a nostalgic urban hike in beautiful San Francisco.
The original "Swish Alps" are known to many as another name for the hills above the Castro. The title of this hike, with a tech inspired label of "version 2.0," is a tongue in cheek reference to the hilly nature of SF, the club's ties to the Castro, and an homage to one of Stan's first stylish hikes with the club.
Bring/Wear: Lunch, snacks (chocolate!), plenty of water, sunscreen, hat, layers and good walking shoes. Poles, if desired.
Rain Policy: Contact hike leader if weather is questionable
Carpooling: Ideally, everyone will arrive via public transportation. If you do choose to drive, you can park near the N-Judah around Duboce Park and walk the few blocks to Alamo Square. The hike will end at the Embarcadero, allowing easy transportation to anywhere in the Bay Area. From Embarcadero Station the N will take you back to Duboce.
Level-1
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Level-2
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Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
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easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
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moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
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strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
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very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |
