Filbert Steps and Telegraph Hill

The Filbert Steps and Telegraph Hill route is a staircase walk through hillside gardens in North Beach, San Francisco, California, ending at Coit Tower. The trail begins at Sansome Street and Filbert Street, at the base of the east face of Telegraph Hill. Visitors can take the Muni 8 Bayshore or 30 Stockton bus to the Sansome and Filbert area, or walk from North Beach; street parking is very limited, and Coit Tower itself sits at 1 Telegraph Hill Boulevard. No permit or fee is required to use the public stairs. The out-and-back walk is about 0.6 miles (1 km) round trip, takes 45 minutes to an hour, and climbs about 275 feet (84 m) mainly on stairs, so it rates easy by distance though the steps are sustained. The surface combines wooden and concrete steps, brick landings and short sections of narrow path, with handrails in many places. Shade is provided by mature trees and densely planted private and community gardens, which bloom in spring, especially from April to June. Landmarks include the cottages along Napier Lane, a rare surviving wooden boardwalk lane off the steps, the gardens first planted by residents, the views of the Bay Bridge, Treasure Island and Alcatraz, and the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill, which often perch in the trees. The summit area around Coit Tower is the natural turn-around point, with a lawn, benches and sweeping city views, and the tower interior has murals and an elevator to the top for a fee. Restrooms and water are available near Coit Tower, but not along the stairs. Visitors should respect the privacy of residents, stay on the public steps and keep noise low. Steps can be slippery when wet, so shoes with grip are advisable, and the early morning is the quietest time.