Glen Canyon Park Trails

Glen Canyon Park Trails form a network of short loops in a rare natural canyon in the Glen Park neighborhood of San Francisco, California. The main entrance is at 70 Elk Street. Visitors can ride BART or the Muni J Church line to Glen Park Station and walk about ten minutes to the park, while street parking in the neighborhood is limited. No permit or fee is required, and the park is managed by San Francisco Recreation and Parks. Combined loops cover about 1.5 to 2 miles (2.4 to 3.2 km) and take one to 1.5 hours, with about 200 feet (60 m) of elevation change. This makes the area easy and suited to beginners, families and casual walkers. The surface is mostly dirt and gravel, with some rocky stretches, a few steps and a seasonal creek crossing, so shoes with grip are useful. Shade is mixed: eucalyptus groves and willow along the creek provide cover, while the rock outcrops and upper slopes are open and breezy. Landmarks include Islais Creek, one of the few surviving natural creeks in the city, the red chert and rock outcrops popular with climbers, the eucalyptus groves and the recreation center near the entrance. Longer routes climb the canyon walls and connect toward Twin Peaks, giving experienced hikers a way to extend the outing, while the creekside area makes a gentle turn-around point for families. The recreation center near the entrance has restrooms and drinking water, but there are no huts or shelters along the trails. Visitors should watch for poison oak in brushy areas and stay on marked paths to protect habitat. Spring brings green slopes and wildflowers, while fall is often clear and dry. Wet-season trails can become slippery, particularly near the creek and on steeper sections.