Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop

The Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve Loop explores a wooded hill in the Inner Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco, California, just above the UCSF Parnassus campus. The trailhead is at the Medical Center Way trailhead, near 513 Parnassus Avenue. Visitors can take the Muni N Judah light rail to Carl Street and Cole Street or to UCSF Parnassus and walk to the trailhead, since parking near the medical campus is scarce and expensive. No permit or fee is required, and the reserve is cared for by UCSF and volunteer groups such as the Sutro Stewards. A typical loop covers about 3 miles (4.8 km) in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours, with about 500 feet (150 m) of cumulative ascent, which fits the easy class for those used to hills but includes sustained uphill sections. The surface is mixed dirt trail, roots, wood chip and some boardwalk and steps. The trail is mostly shaded by a dense forest of blue gum eucalyptus planted in the 1880s by Adolph Sutro, with understory ferns and moss. The shade keeps the forest cool and damp, and the paths turn muddy in the rainy season, so traction matters. Exposure is low, though the canopy can drip in fog. Landmarks include the broad summit area near the Sutro Tower base, forest clearings and several junctions where signage is limited, so a downloaded map helps. The summit has no sweeping city views because the trees block the outlook, so the appeal is atmosphere and quiet. Possible turn-around points are the clearings near the summit or any of the lower junctions. There is no drinking water or shelter in the reserve, and restrooms are only available at nearby UCSF buildings, so hikers should carry water. Foggy mornings give the forest an especially atmospheric feel. Eucalyptus limbs can fall in high winds, so the reserve should be avoided during storm warnings.