Short Hike through Bernal Heights Park in SF

Hike Date: March 10, 2013
Distance: ~ 1 mile
Trail(s): Bernal Heights Park Trails
Where’s it at? Bernal Heights Park in southeastern San Francisco

Bernal Heights Park / Summit is one of the several grassy hills that you can see jutting above the urban cityscape, in the Mission District of San Francisco to the southeast side. There is one main trail loop to the summit with some side spur trails crossing the hill. You can park anywhere you can find it nearby, for free. No cost to visit. There are a lot of good restaurants nearby…I ate at Liberty Cafe before taking my first trip here. Very good food.

I’m not really one to love the urban hikes as much as any other but this one has a little bit of hill to it and does offer some nice views of San Francisco from the south, the bay bridge, and the mission district and Bernal Heights. If it’s specifically a good view that you’re after, I’d more recommend McLaren Park, San Bruno Mountain or Twin Peaks. (or go to Angel Island). I also wouldn’t really call this a ‘destination hike’…it’s just not long enough. It’s a great hike if you’re trying to explore all the trails and different viewpoints, or a good exercise hill if you live in the neighborhoods next door.