Review: San Francisco Crosstown Trail

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here?  

Conceived nearly a decade ago by volunteers, neighborhood activists, and outdoor enthusiasts, San Francisco’s Crosstown Trail finally became a reality when it opened in 2019. The epic 17-mile path takes walkers, runners, and bikers diagonally across the city, from the southeast near Candlestick Point Recreation Area to the northwest corner at Sutro Baths. Along the way, you’ll traverse city streets, meander through community gardens and neighborhoods, pass cafes and restaurants (for much-needed food and water breaks), and climb up hillsides and stairways where the city and bay views don’t disappoint. You can do all of it in one long day or break it up into sections over a few days. 

Any standout features or must-sees?    

McClaren Park is a great place to rest while admiring the city skyline. San Francisco is full of stairways, and one of the most impressive sets—the 16th Avenue tile steps—is along the route. You’ll cut through gorgeous Golden Gate Park and skirt Stowe Lake, known for its paddle and rowboat rentals, with a snack bar too, for a quick pick-me-up. The tony Sea Cliff neighborhood, with its bridge-view mansions and manicured gardens, is on the route and passes the south end of sandy Baker Beach, one of the prettiest in San Francisco, and a perfect place for a selfie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

Was it easy to get around?

This is an urban trail, so there are distractions such as cars, buses, and traffic. There is also very little official signage along the route, but more are popping up all the time. The best way to navigate the trail is to print a paper map (so old school) at from the official Crosstown Trail website or use the Outer Spacial: Get Outside app (also on the website) and plot your course ahead of time.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?

Walking, running, biking the trail is free, but to do the entire thing in a day would take 8-10 hours. If you have limited time, pick a part of the trail. Or do small bits of the trail each day. For mobility challenged travelers, the Crosstown Trail will difficult if not impossible as there are occasional stairs, steep hills, and dirt paths.
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