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

Mt. Ellinor - Olympic Peninsula, WA

Obviously, this hike is so popular that parts of the trail could get congested with traffic. Also, I was surprised to see many family hikers with small children trekking up all the way to the top. Believe me, this is NOT an easy hike. In fact, it's rather strenuous. And yet, it's worth the effort. 

I started my journey from Upper trailhead which climbs about 2,500 ft in 1.6 miles. It starts out with a series of merciless switchbacks through the forest.....some of the trees are really TALL! Once the tree line thins out, rocky trail begins, which eventually makes you feel like a mountain goat. It certainly kicks your butt! 

To speak of mountain goats, I saw five of them in this hike. They seem to be good-natured, but it is advised to stay calm and keep a safe distance from them. You never know how aggressive or even lethal they can be. After all, they are wild animals. 

When it's a clear day, the view from the summit is spectacular. Wild flowers are just beginning. I saw glacier lilies for the first time in this season.

 

3.2 miles RT (Upper trail)

2,500 ft elevation gain