just read where enzian said he walked the coastal trail in May from Cliff House to GGB. Also read where Stu said to take it from east to west. I also have the article Where Land Ends and Views begin which is great and the Stairways book, but could you describe the trail a little better -- mainly from China Beach to GGB. Like how strenuous it is (or is it just because of the steps at China Beach) and approximately how long it took.

I also read that it is a popular path for runners and about a 5 plus mile trip (one way). They sounded like it was usually pretty crowded. I see where it is on maps, but is it easy to follow once you are there since it appears you go on the street at times.

Enzian is a "she"!!!

I don't know about going east to west versus west to east, but it is a wonderful walk. We actually walked all the way back to our hotel downtown, in the financial District, making a walk of around 11 miles (I think). My sister had run most of the way as a half-marathon, so she estimated the mileage. I don't know that I would do all that through the City again---the best part by far was from Cliff House to GG Bridge. We're planning on walking that again in October, maybe in the other direction so we end at Cliff House.

You can make it as strenuous (or not) as you like. There is a new section with stairs that was just opened when we were there in April---not on the maps yet. We did that part because we like going up and down, but it is optional. (We also did the steps up Telegraph Hill on our way back). There is also one viewpoint that you access by steep steps, but again that is optional. As I recall, Land's End is right on the trail itself.

There is a part where you are on the street through a neighborhood (where there are some lovely homes to admire). Only one of our several maps showed the way to connect back to the beach, down a small cul-de-sac. You would want to have good information about that part. I can try to find it for you on my maps, but they are at home. Maybe someone else remembers the street?

I would not describe any part between Cliff House and GG Bridge as crowded at all. We saw a few other people, but not many until we arrived at the Bridge. This was on a Saturday morning, starting around 9 am. After the bridge, through Fort Mason and on to Fishermans' Wharf, it became progressively more crowded and crazy. (That's why we would skip that part next time).

"There is a part where you are on the street through a neighborhood (where there are some lovely homes to admire). Only one of our several maps showed the way to connect back to the beach, down a small cul-de-sac. You would want to have good information about that part. I can try to find it for you on my maps, but they are at home. Maybe someone else remembers the street?"

enzian will need to verify me -
I think you are walking along Sea Cliff Ave at this point. When you come to 25th Ave, turn left, then you come to a "T", turn right, you'll see a parking area-the trail head is there.

It's been a few years since I lived up there

R5

Oops -- sorry. Sometimes I click on the name and see what people have written before, but I was just so excited when I searched and found your post and saw that you had actually just walked that trail. Thanks so much for the information -- just what I was looking for.

I think maybe that neighborhood you walked through might be SeaCliff which is about where I am losing the trail on my maps.

Getting excited about walking it now -- although I'm sure we won't go as far as you did. Thanks again.

Didn't see above message until after I posted, but I can see exactly what R5 is talking about on my map and Google. It looks like it ends on El Camino and then begins again off 25th Ave.

Is that the only place you walk on the street before you get to the bridge area?

R5---that's it! From Sea Cliff Ave., turn left on 25th, then right at the "T" to the gate down to the beach. I just couldn't remember the number of the street. (This is if you are taking the trail west to east).

Is it true that Robin Williams and Sharon Stone live in that neighborhood (not together!)?

maj--no apology necessaary---I was just kidding. My name is indeed very non-specific gender-wise, unless you happen to speak German. "Enzian" is the name of a beloved alpine flower (gentian in English).

<<<Is that the only place you walk on the street before you get to the bridge area?>>>

Hmmmm. Taxing my memory here, but as I recall, the only other place we walked along a street was at the very beginning, from the bus stop (# 38 bus down Geary) along the Esplanade to the Cliff House. Just past Cliff House and the baths, the trail heads away from the pavement (and toward the ocean/bay views).

Yes, Robin Williams lives in that neighborhood. Not sure about Sharon Stone.

Enzian

What a great way to pick a screen name. Thanks again for your help.


dmlove

Does Robin Williams still live there? I read somewhere when I was trying to find out which house was his (since I figured we would be in that area) that he had moved out recently?

I read someplace (I think on this forum) that RWilliams' place had a hedge clipped into the shape of a dragon....or something to that effect. I think it may have come from Stu Dudley's document.

Maybe he's moved out since he and his wife split?