Mount Davidson

Mount Davidson is the highest natural point in San Francisco, California, rising to 928 feet (283 m) in the Forest Hill neighborhood. The usual trailhead is at Dewey Boulevard and Myra Way. Visitors can take the Muni K Ingleside to the Monterey Boulevard area and walk a short distance uphill to Myra Way; street parking near the entrance is limited. No permit or fee is required, and the open space is managed by San Francisco Recreation and Parks. The trail is about 1 mile (1.6 km) round trip, takes roughly 45 minutes, and gains about 250 feet (76 m) to the summit, which suits the easy class for most walkers though the grade is steady. The surface is mostly packed dirt with roots, some rough steps and sections of loose gravel. A dense eucalyptus forest shades much of the climb, keeping it cool and sometimes damp, and ground cover includes ferns and native plants. Exposure is low on the way up but increases near the summit clearing. The summit is crowned by a large concrete cross, about 103 feet tall, which was dedicated in 1934 and later sold to a private group, and a small amphitheater that has hosted Easter sunrise services. Views on clear days reach across the city, the Pacific Ocean and the Bay, although tree growth limits some outlooks. The cross and clearing form the natural turn-around point. Several side trails branch through the forest, so a map or phone GPS helps prevent wrong turns. There is no drinking water or shelter on the mountain, so visitors should carry water. Fog is common, and the forest can feel quiet and isolated, so hiking with a companion and daylight is wise. The best views come on clear days in autumn, and the trails are muddy after storms.