By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 31, 2022 | Lifestyle Neighborhoods Travel
San Francisco is notorious for having numerous incredibly scenic and lush parks which everyone flocks to for a thrilling hike. Aside from these popular, and somewhat touristy, sites, here’s one that many have not heard of that is just, if not more, exhilarating for its trail and Instagrammable city view.
Tucked away above the Castro neighborhood and just barely peeking above the top of these unassuming suburbs lies Corona Heights Park, a hidden hiking gem known by the community for its sweeping panoramic views, vibrant natural red rocks, and surrounding local amenities.
Considered the sister of nearby larger Buena Vista Park, ascending Corona Heights’ short but steep .60 mile trail reveals a summit that offers one of the best 360-degree views of San Francisco.
While almost seeming like a Hollywood backdrop because of how vivid the view is, you will be able to see not only a clear view of North Beach and Market Street leading into the Financial District, but also across the Bay to Oakland and UC Berkeley’s Campanile.
The view however, is just one of many things this lesser-known park gifts the locals.
The longer northern side of the mountain may be steeper, but it also provides bucolic native foliage and rest bench stops to appreciate them and the elevation’s periodic views. Wildflowers, California poppies, mule’s ears, and Douglas irises surround the trail and its considerate wooden box steps.
The callippe silverspot and vibrantly yellow anise swallowtail butterfly also enjoy visiting this exquisite park for its flowers.
There is an off-leash dog park at the base that was voted “Best Dog Park View” by Curbed, and situated along the trail’s brief, but challenging winding corners are the Beaver Street Wall, tennis courts, playgrounds, and the significant Randall Museum.
Opened in 1951, the Randall Museum is community-led with local natural history exhibits and arts and science programs for all ages.
The Randall Museum features many art exhibits, such as this one which repurposes scraps.
The Randall Museum is great for kids, offering free science and art workshops, and Wildlife Wednesdays with different live animals.
Once you finish the hike and take impressive photos, the walk straight down to Castro proper will reward you with plentiful trendy and quality restaurants or bars to refresh and nourish at. The highly recommended are Lookout for their fun balcony and delicious food, and the relaxing and historic Twin Peaks bar.
The colorful Castro District is the nearby neighborhood below Corona Heights Park with plenty of places to stop and refresh.
A quick history begins the park as Rock Hill, a quarry and brick factory that utilized the naturally red Franciscan chert. In 1941, Josephine Randall, San Francisco’s Recreation Superintendent, convinced the city to purchase Rock Hill for recreation. All 16 acres was then renamed Corona Heights where the neighborhood still exists with some of the original bricks used.
While Corona Heights Park does not have an official parking area, there are many nearby open streets like by the tennis courts on 15th, or Roosevelt Way, Beaver Street, and even the Randall Museum’s lot. It is also just a short walk from the Castro MUNI Metro line.
Go at your own pace, or run up with your dog, a captivating achievement photo awaits you at the top either way!
Photography by: Edwin Li/Unsplash
