Mt Davidson, San Francisco CA

• 4-star hike
• ½ mile loop
• Easy | Gain 140 feet
• San Francisco, CA | San Francisco Region
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A large cross monument standing tall against a bright blue sky. The sun is positioned directly behind the cross, creating a halo effect around it. The monument is surrounded by tall trees, and there are two people walking towards the cross.

A large cross monument standing tall against a bright blue sky. The sun is positioned directly behind the cross, creating a halo effect around it. The monument is surrounded by tall trees, and there are two people walking towards the cross.

Take in the superb views across San Francisco from the highest point in the city, yet far away from the throngs of tourists and tour buses of Twin Peaks. These less well known vistas from Mount Davidson are a short hike away from the roadside, which means there's a good chance that you'll have the city to yourselves when you reach the top.

Our recommended short loop trail begins at a fire road at the top of Dalewood Way and spirals up through a non-native eucalyptus forest to the summit marked by an enormous 100-foot high cross. Though this cross is commonly used for Easter services, though it's much more likely that you've seen it before in a slightly more secular location - namely a location for a key scene in the 1971 Dirty Harry movie setting in San Francisco.

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⬤ 4★ Mt Davidson Loope 0.5 mi loop, easy, gain 140 ft
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The park is also accessible from several other places around its boundary thanks to the many other trails that criss-cross the hilltop. Security may be a concern for folks hiking in parks near the city, and don't be surprised to find homeless encampments in the area. Street parking is available and there is no fee for use of the park.

A panoramic view of a hilly landscape with a dirt path leading up a hill in the foreground. There is sparse vegetation and a lone tree. In the mid-ground, a tall red and white transmission tower stands prominently. The background reveals a sprawling urban area with numerous buildings and a body of water. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

A panoramic view of a hilly landscape with a dirt path leading up a hill in the foreground. There is sparse vegetation and a lone tree. In the mid-ground, a tall red and white transmission tower stands prominently. The background reveals a sprawling urban area with numerous buildings and a body of water. The sky is clear and blue, suggesting a sunny day.

Panoramic views towards San Francisco from Mount Davidson

Tangents:
• Official: Mt Davidson Park
• AllTrails Public: Mt Davidson
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