Hiking Tiburon Part 2 of 2 - Tiburon, CA

June 25, 2017

Explore beautiful Tiburon by visiting Old St. Hilary's and hiking through Old St. Hilary's Open Space Preserve and Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve.

Old St. Hilary's is Tiburon’s iconic hillside landmark. It was originally a mission church named for St. Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers. The church was built as a place of worship for local railroad workers in 1888. The building retains significant architectural importance because it is one of the few remaining Carpenter Gothic churches to survive in its original setting. Hiking up Old St. Hilary's Open Space Preserve offers wildflowers along the trail and breathtaking views in all directions from the top.

Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve is located on the west side of the Tiburon peninsula and can be hiked from several access points. The best approach is to start at the trailhead on Paradise Drive and follow the Phyllis Ellman Loop Trail to the top. Views of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area from the top are stunning. Ring Mountain Open Space was preserved to benefit future generations and saved from development due to the efforts of concerned citizens led by local conservationist Phyllis Ellman.

Hiking Tiburon Part 1 of 2:
https://youtu.be/haJvZORbaQo

 

Video by Lifeisamt

Bernal Heights Park - Best view of San Francisco

June 18, 2017

 

Want the best view of San Francisco? Ditch the crowd at Golden Gate Park and Twin Peaks! Bernal Heights offers spectacular vantage points for the best views of SF...."wow" moments no doubt. The hike to Bernal Heights is short and easy. For the views, choose a clear day. Bernal Heights may be a hidden gem for viewing July 4th fireworks.

 

  Video by Lifeisamt

Hiking up Mt. Davidson, Corona Heights and Buena Vista Park - San Francisco, CA

June 17, 2017

Mt. Davidson (927'), is the tallest mountain peak in San Francisco. It is known as the mountain with the cross on top. If you are a movie buff, you may recall Mt. Davidson's cross from the Dirty Harry movie. Hiking through the green forest with tall trees is such a pleasant experience and you almost forget about the fact you are in the middle of the city by the bay! Views from the top are spectacular in all directions.

Corona Heights....I never noticed the existence of this rocky peak in the city until now. What a shame! Its fantastic....SF downtown vistas seen from Corona Heights are perhaps the BEST of the best, I'd say. Buena Vista Park is also nearby....another beautiful park....so, don't miss it. Watch out for coyotes! I ran into one on the trail.-

Buena Vista Park is located right by Haight Ashbury....San Francisco's iconic district....and named for the spectacular views from its upper slopes. It's also the oldest park in San Francisco, with interconnecting trails through the forest. Blooming flowers are beautiful and the smell of trees and vegetation mystically permeates in the park.

 

 

Video by Lifeisamt

Hiking up Twin Peaks from the Castro - San Francisco, CA

June 11, 2017

Going to Twin Peaks? Sure, to capture amazing views of the SF city and bay, Twin Peaks is no doubt one of the best views of SF....perhaps, shoulder to shoulder competition with Golden Gate Bridge. I used to drive up there, but this time I chose heading up there on foot instead of driving. Wow, it was fun and interesting!

I started the walk from the west end (20th and Douglass) of the Castro district. Walking through beautiful Victorian homes with flower gardens and seeing local scenes are quite interesting and educational. It makes you appreciate what SF offers with its beautiful scenery and unique character within in small details. And it's a good workout to walk up and down neighborhood stairways and streets, and the trails to Twin Peaks - Eureka Peak (north peak) and Noe Peak (south peak). Highly recommend!

360 panorama in all directions.....to the east - Oakland/Berkeley, East Bay hills, Mt. Diablo, Mission District, Potrero Hill and Bernal Hill; to the south - Mt. Davidson, Diamond Heights, San Bruno Mountain and Santa Cruz Mountains; to the west - Sunset District, Pacific Ocean and Daly City; to the north - downtown San Francisco, Golden Gate Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headands and Marin County with Mt. Tam.

Twin Peaks is also known for gusty wind, so bring a jacket with you and choose a less windy day for the trip.

 

Video by Lifeisamt