Glen Canyon Park San Francisco
Back county experience
San Francisco has no shortage of parks and hiking trails. From Land's End to the Presidio, we love to hike. But if you are looking for a more "back country" feel that doesn't have a tourist bus in sight, Glen Canyon Park is a perfect spot.
Nestled in the Glen Park neighborhood, this 70 acre nature reserve will make you feel like you're in the Sierra Mountains, but is only moments away from BART and Muni. Glen Park Canyon has numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty, from low impact strolls through the nature reserve to high intensity bouldering. Depending on the time of year, you will be able to spot hawks and native California flowers, like poppies!
The formal entrance of the park is the best way to access the canyon. You can access the canyon from the surrounding neighborhoods but be warned: you might find yourself tromping through someone's backyard. Don't be surprised if you have to navigate through a little league game or birthday party on your way to the trails. The park offers a playground for children, a recreational center, and best of all: public restrooms. This truly is a neighborhood gathering place.
There is no food for sale in the park, so I bring snacks if I'm planning to be there for a couple hours. If I'm looking to get a bite or have a full meal after my hike, I pop over to Diamond Street.
About this spot
Elk St and Chenery Street
- 07:00 - dusk daily
US$
free
Find your way with 157 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Pier Market
Another great one!
"Pier Market" in San Francisco's Pier 39 specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood. You should try the Mixed Grill and the lobster with drawn butter...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Blazing Saddles
Bike rental shop
"Blazing Saddles" is the most extensive bike rental establishment in San Francisco. Are YOU ready to bike the bridge? If so, you should come here...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Hole in the Wall Coffee
Don’t miss it
"Hole in the Wall Coffee" in San Francisco is in the beautiful neighborhood of Telegraph Hill/North Beach. Its name says it all, really...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Stow Lake
Paddle the afternoon away
I never hear anyone going to "Stow Lake" in San Francisco, yet it's one of the neatest little nooks in town! Time just seems to slip by there...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Tantrum
Darling shop for kids
I can tell you, if I was a child now and went into "Tantrum" in SF, I would freak out with genuine joy! So many playful gifts, books and party supplies!
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Sightglass Coffee
Kick back with quality coffee
"Sightglass Coffee" was one of the first coffee shops I visited in SF and remains one of my favorites. It's a neighborhood spot for friends to connect...
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Fog Harbor
One of the best restaurants at Pier 39
"Fog Harbor" Fish House in San Francisco's Pier 39 is a total winner: the food is incredible, the people are friendly and it won't break your wallet!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Little Baobab
Senegalese food and music
Whatever your favorite restaurant in San Francisco might be, it's about to become your second-favorite after Senegalese restaurant "Little Baobab"...
by
Marcus
D'Avignon
San Francisco Circus Center
Run away with us
Ι stumbled into the SF "Circus Center" to try a class. I didn't realise that I would soon be addicted to being up-side-down and high in the air!
by
Nadine
Johnson
Mountain Lake Park
Your Neighborhood Park
My neighborhood park is San Francisco is "Mountain Lake Park." It's one of our last remaining natural lakes,
by
Brooke
Ekdahl
Adventure Cat
Sailing the SF Bay
You'll sail completely around Alcatraz and then out to sea, pass other boats, and experience the fog rolling into the Bay—a very cool experience.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Heading to San Francisco?
157 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 157 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Relaxing
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
