AROUND McLAREN PARK, SF: URBAN HILLS & HIDDEN VIEWS

AROUND McLAREN PARK, SF: URBAN HILLS & HIDDEN VIEWS

Hike Date:  Saturday, January 24, 2026

Leader:  Carlos Morillo | cmorillo@gmail.com | 908-902-0914

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:15 AM, departing 10:30.

Rating: Level 2.5

Mileage:  6.75 miles

Elevation Gain:  875'

Description: Get ready to explore one of San Francisco’s hidden gems — McLaren Park and its surrounding neighborhoods — on a scenic, urban hike that blends city streets, hillside trails, and sweeping views.

We’ll kick off our adventure at Balboa Park BART Station, meeting at the rideshare pickup area off the Geneva Avenue South Exit. From there, we’ll set out through the Crocker Amazon neighborhood, where the streets bring their own sense of charm (and yes — we’ll pass that famous house with a cow on its roof!).

Crossing into the Crocker Amazon Soccer Fields, we’ll make our way up into the hills of McLaren Park, winding through eucalyptus groves, grassy ridges, and quiet trails that eventually open up near Visitacion Valley. We’ll climb Visitacion Avenue to Mansell Street, pausing to catch our breath — and the views — before heading to one of the park’s highlights, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater.

From there, we’ll wander past the shimmering Upper Reservoir to the top of the water tower, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the city. Then we’ll weave through the Portola neighborhood to Gambier Plaza for lunch, a perfect spot to relax and recharge.

After lunch, we’ll tackle a few stair climbs in Portola. On clear days, you’ll glimpse the Pacific Ocean glinting to the west and the Bay Bridge stretching across to Oakland. From there, we’ll make our way back through the lively neighborhoods of Excelsior and Ocean Avenue before returning to Balboa Park BART — tired, happy, and full of new local discoveries.

Expect a mix of paved streets, park paths, a few hills, and some hidden corners of the city you may never have visited before. This is a true “hiker’s San Francisco” experience — a blend of urban texture and natural beauty that captures what makes the city so special on foot.

What to Bring:  Water, lunch, snacks, comfortable walking shoes, lunch and layers.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.