It all started back in November 2014 as a team walk in the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area and up Bayview Hill. It then became a regular hiking program but focused primarily on well-known or less-known urban trails in San Francisco. Led by avid hiker, David, these hikes offer OPD paddlers, families, and friends with an opportunity to continue enjoying the outdoors in a group setting, while maintaining fitness levels. These hikes typically happen every other month on Sundays.

Some of the hikes and walks the team has enjoyed since 2014:

The San Francisco Crosstown Trail – This all-day hike was one of the best OPD-led hikes. From Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in the south east to Lands End in the north west’s Golden Gate National Recreational Area, the changes in scenery, landscape, and neighborhood made this 17-mile ocean-to-ocean hike painless and enjoyable. Indeed, our hikers encountered and / or went through rocky shoreline, parks, community gardens, children’s playgrounds, urban farms, restored natural habitats, stairways, tiled steps, hills with expansive views, valleys, bridges, log cabins, lakes, a Japanese tea garden, a rose garden, museums, memorials, beaches, and rocky sea cliffs with the Golden Gate bridge in the background.

Land’s End to Golden Gate Bridge – This California Coastal trail spanning from the Cliff House to the bridge is one of the jewels for hikers. Along the way, panoramic views of the bridge would slow down our hikers as they admired the picturesque landscape. Baker Beach, the Seacliff neighborhood with its multi-million-dollar homes, Marshall Beach, and the gun batteries were all treats on the way to the bridge.

Mission Bay, Salesforce Transit Center, and the Embarcadero – The highlight of this city walk was of course the new Salesforce Transit Center that opened on August 12, 2018. This state of the art 5.4-acre rooftop garden offered our hikers with a much needed tranquil space amidst surrounding overpowering towers. The breath of fresh air coming out of the lush gardens, flowers, and green space was all the more welcoming.

San Bruno Mountain – While this hike was a departure from the usual urban scenes, our hikers did not escape from a full view of San Francisco downtown with the Salesforce tower dominating the landscape. OPD hikers also enjoyed gorgeous views of Guadalupe Canyon, the natural open space, and the City of Brisbane.

Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill, and Nob Hill – Starting at the Levi’s Plaza, our hikers explored the quiet residential neighborhoods of Telegraph Hill before hitting the bustling Russian Hill and Nob Hill areas. Huntington Park in Nob Hill offered our hikers with a well-deserved rest. Grace Cathedral, the Fairmont, and the iconic cable car are always a joy for visitors.

Lone Mountain and Golden Gate Park – Exploring this historical hill was a real treat. Once a cemetery site, the hill is now home to the University of San Francisco and to Rossi Pool. Golden Gate Park remains one of the most frequented parks for city dwellers and tourists alike.    

Potrero Hill and Mission Bay – Starting out as a moderately uphill hike through one of the sunniest neighborhoods of San Francisco, our hikers eventually caught their breath as they walked the flat areas of Mission Bay. Views of the bay and of the city skyline from atop were the rewards of the climb. Mission Bay offered a different scene. Once a place of refuse deposits, Mission Bay is now a beautiful developed area with condominiums, offices, and medical campuses.

Visitacion Valley, McLaren Park, and the Excelsior District – Bordered by a section of Highway 280, Bayshore Blvd, and Geneva Ave, this unique southern part of San Francisco enjoys the San Bruno Mountain as backdrop and the Cow Palace as landmark. These neighborhoods are home to a culturally diverse population, including many students. 

Duboce Triangle, Corona Heights, and Upper Market – These San Francisco neighborhoods north of Market Street and the Castro commercial strip offered hikers with an appreciation for tree-lined and steep streets, beautiful Victorian flats, along with contemporary apartments with views of the south east section of the City.

The Presidio – This hike took place during Fleet Week and was combined with the Blue Angels aerial shows. A stop at the abandoned gun batteries allowed the hikers to appreciate a special exhibit entitled “Home Land Security,” presented by 18 international artists showing art works in various forms to explore the impact of living under the constant threats of today’s world. 

Dogpatch, Mission Bay, and the Embarcadero – This walk took hikers through a large industrial area being rapidly transformed; a historical district with the city’s largest collection of 19th and early 20th century workers’ cottages; and offered expansive views of the bay.

Eureka Valley and Dolores Heights – The highlights of this hike through this quiet and affluent neighborhood included: steep staircases with beautiful views; appreciation for the Victorian homes; and walks through micro neighborhoods like the Castro with its LGBT-pride rainbow flags.

Bay Bridge East Span – The group got to enjoy walking on this span, which opened back in September 2013. Gorgeous city views on one side and gigantic and impressive cranes lining up the Oakland port on the other side, were the treat of the day.

Golden Gate Heights and Forest Hill – Stairways, stairways, and more stairways leading to Grand View Park offered hikers with stunning views of the city: Golden Gate Park, the Sunset district, downtown San Francisco, and the ocean.

Telegraph Hill and Coit Tower – Away from the hustle and bustle of the North Beach Area, Telegraph Hill offered hikers with a quiet and primarily residential area, leading to Coit Tower. The gardens along Filbert Street up from Levi’s Plaza and the flock of parrots were an added treat.

Twin Peaks and Mount Sutro – This famous tourist attraction with spectacular views led hikers up stairways alongside century-old eucalyptus trees, some over 100 feet tall, to Mt. Sutro.

Bernal Heights – With its prominent radio tower atop an open parkland, Bernal Heights challenged hikers with steep streets and more stairs but offered in return wonderful views and a taste of community gardens.

Mount Davidson – Known as the highest natural point in San Francisco, Mt. Davidson surprised hikers with a park surrounded by city development as they soaked into city nature with eucalyptus and pine forests, grassland, and abundant fauna and flora.

Other OPD-led Walks / Hikes –

• • Laguna Honda Hospital Grounds, Forrest Knolls, and Twin Peaks
  • North Waterfront of San Francisco
  • Diamond Heights to Bernal Heights
  • Lake Merced and Fort Funston
  • Sigmund Stern Grove and Saint Francis Wood
  • Tiburon
  • Sweeney Ridge between San Bruno and Pacifica
  • Emeryville
  • Bay Farm Island in Alameda
  • Angel Island
  • The Noe Valley, Eureka Valley, Ashbury Heights, Corona Heights, Castro, and Dolores Heights neighborhoods in San Francisco
  • The Glen Canyon, Sunnyside, Miraloma, Edgehill, and Laguna Honda neighborhoods in San Francisco
  • Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights, and the Presidio in San Francisco
  • Parkside to Fort Funston in San Francisco
  • Mount Sutro to Twin Peaks in San Francisco
  • The Ingleside, Oceanview, Ingleside Terraces, and Westwood Park neighborhoods in San Francisco
  • Mori Point in Pacifica
  • The Ashbury Heights, Mt. Sutro, Clarendon Heights, Midtown Terrace, and Buena Vista neighborhoods in San Francisco
  • Double Cross Trail in San Francisco
  • The Outer Richmond and Beyond in San Francisco
  • Portola District and Beyond
  • Pacific Heights, Russian Hill, Telegraph Hill
  • The Inner Richmond and Beyond in San Francisco
  • Balboa Terrace, St. Francis Wood, Pine Lake, and Stern Grove in San Francisco