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It's great to drop into this Canyon. Nice trails, great for climbing stairs. The park is accessible from many side streets, so parking should not be difficult. See the Strava map. There are a lot of childrens groups who hike through here as part of school / day care.
Awesome park with trialing you can hike without leaving the city! There's a good amount of trails to choose from, all with different difficulties so there's something for everyone. And as you move up the hills you start to get some really great views of the city. My sister and I chose one that took us up to Twin Peaks and it was a really great work out! There's street parking but it's SF so make sure to read all the signs!
As a local I didn't know this was here. Sure we drive by the road all the time but didn't think there were trails in the canyon. If you start at the trailheads there is a map showing all the trails and difficulty of this whole canyon Dirt paths Many dog walkers along the way be safe and bring water!
Beautiful surroundings, you can smell the fresh air & hear the birds singing. A lot of off leash good doggies & joggers. An amazing oasis in the city. I'm kinda jealous. I chose to get my steps in nature today instead of my usual dangerous retail therapy routes. Minus point for: Rec Center unmarked, no signage on various trails. Actually, I found one just before the Rec Center on my way out. Next time, turn right at the fork just past the Rec Center. No map to your left. Never got enough bars to look up city trail maps. No trail markers until well into woods. Unless you have a map, names of trails are meaningless. I wish the trails listed the degree of difficulty, length, & had some benches along the way. How about mile markers? The info boards along the way are interesting, one was so weathered it was unreadable. I think I look harmless, but 1/2 the people looked grumpy & didn't acknowledge my greeting. The other half super friendly. One woman told me that from afar I looked like a witch. I'm not sure why. Regular pants & T, long hair & a baseball hat. Frankly, I watch too many murder shows & imagined i'd be offed before I found my way out. I know there's coyotes here too. Should have carried a walking stick. I'm writing this review now in case I don't get home. Someone will find me eventually! Terrifying lack of guard rails on the narrow rocky upward trail I had no idea I was heading to. Again, where is the rec center? Yelp listing says "Easy walk" . Wrong, unless you know where you're going. So, lower trail lovely. The higher you go, the more treacherous, narrow passages, lots of large rocks & no guard rails. Now that I understand the layout I plan to return with a bag lunch & sit on a picnic table by the playground. Destination Worthy.
I've had repeated negative experiences at Glen Park Canyon, Rec, and Park. Ever since I stopped working for the city as a gardener, the visits here have become uncomfortable and unsettling. Staff often sit in their trucks or drive by on lawnmowers, staring at me and even frightening my wife and our dog. It feels harassing and completely unprofessional. I've also dealt with people making rude comments from their vehicles and even trying to speed past me while I cross the street. Photos have been provided as proof. To make things worse, aggressive off-leash dogs are a constant problem, and no one seems to address it. This park no longer feels safe or welcoming.
We've lived in SF for 8 years and have somehow never been to Glen Canyon Park. We came on a Sunday afternoon and there were quite a few people but it didn't feel too crowded. There were paths in the shade and some in the sun too! Dogs are allowed but are supposed to be on leash however, there were a good amount of dogs off leash. Parking was pretty easy/free which was nice!
Glen Canyon Park nearly blew my mind. The park itself is great and all, and I will most certainly get to that part. But those hiking trails... dayum! Who would have thunk it?! Seriously though! I had no idea that there were hiking trails hiding BEHIND this park. Like, full on dirt paths between shady groves and aaaalllll of that. So UN-San Francisco-like... and that's what makes it even that much more likable. Decided to take a trip to SF one day to go hiking, and AllTrails lead me to this park. At first glance, I thought it was a mistake. The park is definitely gorgeous; large green grassy fields with tons of recreational space, walking paths, kids playground and all of that jazz. Like a mini Dolores Park or damn near any kind of nice SF park for that matter. But once the trail lead me to the back of the park, my eyes lit up. What in the hell was this?! This can't be SF. No way Jose! But it was and it is. Gorgeous little hiking trails that will connect you to several other parks. Ended up doing an 8 mile urban loop hike from Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks to Mount Sutro and back, and it was quite the journey but oh so enjoyable. Hiking through Glen Canyon was definitely one of my favorite parts. I literally walked through tall shady groves that were filled with beautiful ferns and wildflowers. A section of the trail is paved making it perfect for strollers and those who are handicapped to enjoy. There are stairs on a few of the trails that will allow you to connect to other parks and neighborhoods, but you can also just loop around the trails that are right in the park. I started my hike around 9 am and didn't see too many people on the trail. But once I made it back to the park in the afternoon, the park was bustling. People were out having picnics and playing field games. Lots of people walking their dogs, children, and themselves. The park itself is great for leisurely play and picnicking. But don't try to get there at high noon because it will already be packed. This was just a total surprise for me. I knew the park would be nice, but the fact that this park has hidden hiking trails made it special.
** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** This is the very definition of an urban oasis and very San Franciscan in that most of it clings somewhat precariously on a steep hill. Believe it or not, I had never experienced this park myself until just before the shelter-in-place order took full effect but just as social distancing was being strongly encouraged. That necessary requirement became particularly challenging on the wooden stair-step trails that gradually take you down into the canyon adjacent to O'Shaughnessy Hollow. Still there were plenty of resting spots next to the more significant rock outcroppings. I noticed that was where most people stayed put. Otherwise, more casual visitors walked or jogged the central paved walkway. I came by way of the Turquoise Way Trailhead off Amber after an ambitious walk from the Castro, over the Swish Alps, and up into Diamond Heights. I made my way to the main entrance near Chenery. Glad I was able to enjoy it as I'd like to return someday when things normalize...hopefully. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and subsequently reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU
Beautiful park with some interesting vistas and topography, tucked in the middle of Glen Park. There are lots of dogs on and off leash here. So be prepared for heavy canine encounters. Mossst people were courteous and wore face coverings. Thank you! We hiked briefly along a higher ridge trail. Down in the canyon where the path is paved, and on the level grassy knoll, it was pretty much a crowd for my comfort level. This is clearly a popular spot to get outdoor s.
It was a clear day outside, so we decided to check out a hiking spot or be around nature at a place we haven't been to yet. We found this spot online and turns out there's more than one trail here at Glen Canyon Park! We chose the Christopher Playground Trail. We went here around 3:30pm on Saturday and it wasn't crowded. I thought there would be more people because of the lack of activities to do during COVID right now. There were a few times where people passed by us hehe, but that's because we were busy taking pictures of this beautiful place at different elevation levels! I'd recommend this place! It's an easy hike with mostly flat trails and lots of good views. It didn't feel like we were still in the city, so that was nice. I also saw a few people bring their dogs here too.
You can "hike " from this park to Christopher Park taking some nice uphill staircases and dirt trails with pretty views of the city ( on clear days ). Trails branch out in several different directions but , they are nicely marked so you won't get lost. Both playgrounds are spacious, nicely maintained and clean. Today , both places were pretty crowded but plenty of play structures and large grass areas for kids to run around. A warning sign says Adults must be accompanied by a child. Park code 3.02 . I thought that was cute.
Great local trail with lots of variety in the paths. There's lots of switchbacks and areas with trees and open areas with nice views. Doing a loop will take about 1-2 hours. Not ideal for individuals with mobility issues as there are uneven paths and areas with steps. The park itself is nice with lots of open green field for families and tennis courts and baseball fields. Plenty of street parking near Turquoise Way Trailhead
You can explore the great outdoors and indoors in San Francisco at different parks around the city. What if I told you there is a place which has an outdoor pickle ball court, basketball gym, and indoor climbing, and a baseball field all within less than a half block of each other. What if I also told you it was the location were the first dynamite factory in America. You would have seen lots of different dynamite fire at this location in 1868. Today this place is located in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco and it's called Glen Canyon Park and Recreation. On a Spring stroll you can enjoy the sun in San Francisco and go out for a jog and hike and also walk the dog at Glen Canyon Park. This place feels as you stepped into nature inside a forest and canyon outside San Francisco. This place looks far from the scenery around the Civic Center. You will also find a community painted mural which reflects the Glen Canyon Park habitat like the animals and birds designed by animated television series Bob Burgers artist Sirron Norris. There are no amusement parks in San Francisco but you can be amused at the different local parks the city has by living that park life. Make " sometime "to go on a stroll to Glen Park Canyon you will see flowers the color of lemon and grass the color of "lime" don't be sour in SF you can book online for some "pickleball time" or an indoor rock wall "climb" Hike around the canyon and get view of some birdies like the owls and the coyotes and" Sutro Tower" Glen Canyon Park a former site in 1868 of a place which they built dynamite with blasting "fire power" now you can do some rock wall climbing for "$15 an hour"and go outside and see the purple and yellow "flower" read more
It's great to drop into this Canyon. Nice trails, great for climbing stairs. The park is accessible from many side streets, so parking should not be difficult. See the Strava map. There are a lot of childrens groups who hike through here as part of school / day care. read more
Awesome park with trialing you can hike without leaving the city! There's a good amount of trails to choose from, all with different difficulties so there's something for everyone. And as you move up the hills you start to get some really great views of the city. My sister and I chose one that took us up to Twin Peaks and it was a really great work out! There's street parking but it's SF so make sure to read all the signs! read more
As a local I didn't know this was here. Sure we drive by the road all the time but didn't think there were trails in the canyon. If you start at the trailheads there is a map showing all the trails and difficulty of this whole canyon Dirt paths Many dog walkers along the way be safe and bring water! read more
Beautiful surroundings, you can smell the fresh air & hear the birds singing. A lot of off leash good doggies & joggers. An amazing oasis in the city. I'm kinda jealous. I chose to get my steps in nature today instead of my usual dangerous retail therapy routes. Minus point for: Rec Center unmarked, no signage on various trails. Actually, I found one just before the Rec Center on my way out. Next time, turn right at the fork just past the Rec Center. No map to your left. Never got enough bars to look up city trail maps. No trail markers until well into woods. Unless you have a map, names of trails are meaningless. I wish the trails listed the degree of difficulty, length, & had some benches along the way. How about mile markers? The info boards along the way are interesting, one was so weathered it was unreadable. I think I look harmless, but 1/2 the people looked grumpy & didn't acknowledge my greeting. The other half super friendly. One woman told me that from afar I looked like a witch. I'm not sure why. Regular pants & T, long hair & a baseball hat. Frankly, I watch too many murder shows & imagined i'd be offed before I found my way out. I know there's coyotes here too. Should have carried a walking stick. I'm writing this review now in case I don't get home. Someone will find me eventually! Terrifying lack of guard rails on the narrow rocky upward trail I had no idea I was heading to. Again, where is the rec center? Yelp listing says "Easy walk" . Wrong, unless you know where you're going. So, lower trail lovely. The higher you go, the more treacherous, narrow passages, lots of large rocks & no guard rails. Now that I understand the layout I plan to return with a bag lunch & sit on a picnic table by the playground. Destination Worthy. read more
1 year ago
I've had repeated negative experiences at Glen Park Canyon, Rec, and Park. Ever since I stopped working for the city as a gardener, the visits here have become uncomfortable and unsettling. Staff often sit in their trucks or drive by on lawnmowers, staring at me and even frightening my wife and our dog. It feels harassing and completely unprofessional. I've also dealt with people making rude comments from their vehicles and even trying to speed past me while I cross the street. Photos have been provided as proof. To make things worse, aggressive off-leash dogs are a constant problem, and no one seems to address it. This park no longer feels safe or welcoming. read more
We've lived in SF for 8 years and have somehow never been to Glen Canyon Park. We came on a Sunday afternoon and there were quite a few people but it didn't feel too crowded. There were paths in the shade and some in the sun too! Dogs are allowed but are supposed to be on leash however, there were a good amount of dogs off leash. Parking was pretty easy/free which was nice! read more
Glen Canyon Park nearly blew my mind. The park itself is great and all, and I will most certainly get to that part. But those hiking trails... dayum! Who would have thunk it?! Seriously though! I had no idea that there were hiking trails hiding BEHIND this park. Like, full on dirt paths between shady groves and aaaalllll of that. So UN-San Francisco-like... and that's what makes it even that much more likable. Decided to take a trip to SF one day to go hiking, and AllTrails lead me to this park. At first glance, I thought it was a mistake. The park is definitely gorgeous; large green grassy fields with tons of recreational space, walking paths, kids playground and all of that jazz. Like a mini Dolores Park or damn near any kind of nice SF park for that matter. But once the trail lead me to the back of the park, my eyes lit up. What in the hell was this?! This can't be SF. No way Jose! But it was and it is. Gorgeous little hiking trails that will connect you to several other parks. Ended up doing an 8 mile urban loop hike from Glen Canyon Park to Twin Peaks to Mount Sutro and back, and it was quite the journey but oh so enjoyable. Hiking through Glen Canyon was definitely one of my favorite parts. I literally walked through tall shady groves that were filled with beautiful ferns and wildflowers. A section of the trail is paved making it perfect for strollers and those who are handicapped to enjoy. There are stairs on a few of the trails that will allow you to connect to other parks and neighborhoods, but you can also just loop around the trails that are right in the park. I started my hike around 9 am and didn't see too many people on the trail. But once I made it back to the park in the afternoon, the park was bustling. People were out having picnics and playing field games. Lots of people walking their dogs, children, and themselves. The park itself is great for leisurely play and picnicking. But don't try to get there at high noon because it will already be packed. This was just a total surprise for me. I knew the park would be nice, but the fact that this park has hidden hiking trails made it special. read more
1 year ago
** The following review reflects my experience prior to the shelter-in-place order currently in effect. ** This is the very definition of an urban oasis and very San Franciscan in that most of it clings somewhat precariously on a steep hill. Believe it or not, I had never experienced this park myself until just before the shelter-in-place order took full effect but just as social distancing was being strongly encouraged. That necessary requirement became particularly challenging on the wooden stair-step trails that gradually take you down into the canyon adjacent to O'Shaughnessy Hollow. Still there were plenty of resting spots next to the more significant rock outcroppings. I noticed that was where most people stayed put. Otherwise, more casual visitors walked or jogged the central paved walkway. I came by way of the Turquoise Way Trailhead off Amber after an ambitious walk from the Castro, over the Swish Alps, and up into Diamond Heights. I made my way to the main entrance near Chenery. Glad I was able to enjoy it as I'd like to return someday when things normalize...hopefully. RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and subsequently reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more
Beautiful park with some interesting vistas and topography, tucked in the middle of Glen Park. There are lots of dogs on and off leash here. So be prepared for heavy canine encounters. Mossst people were courteous and wore face coverings. Thank you! We hiked briefly along a higher ridge trail. Down in the canyon where the path is paved, and on the level grassy knoll, it was pretty much a crowd for my comfort level. This is clearly a popular spot to get outdoor s. read more
It was a clear day outside, so we decided to check out a hiking spot or be around nature at a place we haven't been to yet. We found this spot online and turns out there's more than one trail here at Glen Canyon Park! We chose the Christopher Playground Trail. We went here around 3:30pm on Saturday and it wasn't crowded. I thought there would be more people because of the lack of activities to do during COVID right now. There were a few times where people passed by us hehe, but that's because we were busy taking pictures of this beautiful place at different elevation levels! I'd recommend this place! It's an easy hike with mostly flat trails and lots of good views. It didn't feel like we were still in the city, so that was nice. I also saw a few people bring their dogs here too. read more
You can "hike " from this park to Christopher Park taking some nice uphill staircases and dirt trails with pretty views of the city ( on clear days ). Trails branch out in several different directions but , they are nicely marked so you won't get lost. Both playgrounds are spacious, nicely maintained and clean. Today , both places were pretty crowded but plenty of play structures and large grass areas for kids to run around. A warning sign says Adults must be accompanied by a child. Park code 3.02 . I thought that was cute. read more
8 years ago
7 years ago
Great local trail with lots of variety in the paths. There's lots of switchbacks and areas with trees and open areas with nice views. Doing a loop will take about 1-2 hours. Not ideal for individuals with mobility issues as there are uneven paths and areas with steps. The park itself is nice with lots of open green field for families and tennis courts and baseball fields. Plenty of street parking near Turquoise Way Trailhead read more
My roommates and I wanted to get out of the house for a bit and walk around at a park nearby. One of them had been to Glen Canyon before so we decided to go this time all together. It was close by and perfect for a before dinner stroll. It takes you through many different heights and parts of the park too! The views are great from the top and it was such a nice escape from the city while still being in it. A lot of the walking was also in really nature-y parts with plenty of green and forest. I also liked the walking bridges spread around throughout the park too. There's places to walk your dog, go for a run, or maybe even bike a bit. There's also a flatter section to have a picnic at with your friends and/or family. I definitely recommend this park for you to drop in and spend some time at. read more
2 years ago
Hiking here makes you feel like you are in wilderness away from it all similar to Mt. Sutro or Mt. Davidson yet it is more open and not as canopied in trees. The loop takes about 1 hour/2 miles but there isn't an exact path so it's good for people that like to mix it up so they aren't always doing the same thing. I usually use the entrance on Amethyst which adds more of a trail making the hike longer but I also like the entrance that connects to the Safeway parking lot because I can get snacks beforehand. There are plenty of plants, trees, birds, and rocky outcrops which are good for photos and to picnic on. At the bottom of the loop there is a baseball field and public restrooms, so perfect for people like me that always have to go to the bathroom. Go in the spring! This place explodes with wildflowers and greenery at this time. read more
5 years ago
Easy parking, easy trails, multiple entrance, super versatile and dog-friendly! It says that dogs should be on leashed, but there are plenty of well behaved unlesshed dogs. In the weekends, there can be a well-rounded mix of visitors: families, individuals, runners, partners. The loop trail is very popular and takes less than an hour overall. This is a heavily-trafficked trail but there are different routes you can take, so you don't often bump into people. At the southern part of the loop, you'll pass by a rec center and a big field with picnic tables and a playground. There are restrooms here and water fountain. read more
3 years ago
Hidden gem in the middle of Glen Park! There are a number of winding trails that you can start from with a lovely view through the canyon. Beware there are coyotes around so it's a good idea to have small dogs on a leash especially in the evenings. It's a good 2 mile run if you start at Portola Drive and do a loop. Beautiful wildflowers blooming at the moment is definitely a mood booster :) It's great to have a slice of nature so close without having to get out of the city. Please be aware to maintain social distance while running or walking through this park as the trails can be quite narrow. read more
3 years ago
This is a hidden gem to me. This park is so beautiful. I never knew this park existed until I did an adopt a crag event to help repair a trail. I'm also an avid rock climber so finding out there's boulder here lit up my eyes. I was a little sad to hear that there are idiotic people tagging the boulders with graffiti but I'm glad to know there's a community that comes out to help clean up. The park is actually very large and we even saw coyotes. It's a good park to visit if you want to go for a hike or bouldering! A good amount of hilly hikes and there's a lot of easy climbs here apparently. Aside from climbing it's dog-friendly, has a baseball field and a playground for kids. Not sure what else there is but that's all I saw. This is for sure a place I will visit again soon. Too bad it's the rainy season but I will be back in spring time for lots of climbing! read more
7 years ago
Best local park that combines actual nature with city park amenities. At the main entrance lie tennis courts, ball fields, a rev center with hoops court and more, and a top notch kiddie playground. Dog walkers, joggers, city hikers, all love this spot a bit further into the canyon. The rock climbing draws folks from from away. It's a nature oasis in an urban location, with views of twin peaks, coyotes, red tail hawks, at least two varieties of owls, Harmless snakes, lizards, rodents, other fauna and so many varieties of flora... one can not go wrong! read more
Outstanding views, hidden canyons and big boulders perfect for climbing. We've stumbled upon this "secret" park on a warm Sunday afternoon, while picking up supplies at Safeway. Wondering why everybody kept disppearing into the woods, we followed suit. If you're coming from Diamond Heights area, you need to go behind Safeway, past the softball field to access the roughly marked trail. Once you descend the wooden steps, this whole scene before you unfolds: narrow trails meant for one person at a time, with pretty views of the surrounding neighborhood and a gradual drop off into the canyon below. You can also access the trails near the Glen Park BART station, by O'Shaughnessy blvd. and enter through Marietta drive. Stay on the gravel path until you pass by the dynamite factory (long closed to the public) and continue on to the wooden path, easily accessible by wheelchair users as well, if only for a short distance. You are shaded by the Eucalyptus trees and sounds of slow running water from Islais creek will make you think, "wow, am I still in the city?" Watch out for Forktail damselflies, Red Tail hawks, field mice and snakes. I like that this park is mostly used by locals -- runners, dog walkers and rock climbers -- there is much more breathing space when you're hiking and can fully enjoy the quietness around you. read more
I never realized this was here until a few weeks ago while jogging around the neighborhood. I've always drove by but was never able to actually see down the canyon from my car. Now I come here a couple times a week. There's a recreation center and children's park at the very bottom that's updated with all new structures. There were a lot of kids playing before the sunset around 5pm. Across from the playground are a couple fields for baseball and soccer. Around the back is an open grassy area where people have picnics. If you keep going there are trails that lead into the canyon. All seem very safe but there are signs that warn about coyotes. Still there are plenty of people walking and jogging around with their children and dogs. The trails lead up into the neighborhood or towards Christopher park where you can go to Safeway or Walgreens for whatever need. Highly recommend for a quick hike that's close to home! read more
This park is amazing. I've been in the SF Bay Area for years, and I just discovered it today. Hiking trails are easy to follow and offer beautiful views. The park is a geologic goldmine. Beautiful wildflowers and huge rock outcroppings everywhere. And there's even a stream running through. If you're interested in seeing FANTASTIC geologic examples of the Franciscan Melange, you'll find plenty here. Tourists and locals alike should visit this beautiful urban park. Were it not for the amazing San Francisco views you'd forget you were in the middle of a crowded city. read more
5 years ago
TICKS! (Meant to post this yrs ago) I miss walking the Canyon from Elk to behind Safeway to Portola Drive. Dogs love this hiking trail and it's absolutely beautiful but the last time I went the dog came home w/ two ticks. A female Pacific Coast tick & a male American Dog tick. I used to frequent this trail often and didn't come home w/ ticks... but no more. I will NOT enter this park again. I notified Park & Rec but they were only concerned w/ Blacklegged ticks because those are the known carriers for Lyme Disease. I know it's complicated but they said tick eradication isn't feasible w/ or w/out chemicals and referred me to the CDC (not a reliable source, grossly underestimate & rely on flawed guidelines by IDSA who has serious conflicts of interest and don't believe in chronic Lyme because...that scientific data collects dust - it's all in your head bs https://www.lymedisease.org/15/). I wish it were safe to plant a ton of opossum's in Glen Canyon (since they eat ticks and are immune to Lyme) but probably not a good idea w/ free roaming dog's ;/ Wish the city took tick infections more seriously because the pathogens they carry can destroy your entire life, no exaggeration. Easier to treat dogs than humans. Know your tick. Not all ticks carry pathogens, most don't. But when they do, here's a few potential infections they carry (cuz you need to know what to test for and identifying the tick helps a great deal): AMERICAN DOG TICK: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, tick paralysis. PACIFIC COAST TICK: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Colorado Tick Fever Virus, Rickettesia (two kinds), Tularemia. I'm sure I missed some too. It's easy for authorities to say there's no infectious ticks in S.F. when they don't look for and test them. Sample pic attached, the smallest are hard to see (size of a period at the end of this sentence). read more
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Bosworth St
San Francisco, CA 94131
Diamond Heights
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