Completed: February 24, 2023 | Elevation: 925′ | Trail: Hiking Trail from Juanita Way Entrance | Distance: < 1 mile
Having just bagged the peak of Bernal Heights, we made our way west to Mount Davidson, the highest point in San Francisco with a large cross marking its summit. We parked on Juanita Way, located in the tiny neighborhood of Sherwood Forest, and accessed the hiking trail by walking up a small set of steps just off the sidewalk.
Signs of the recent winter storms were evident on the trail, with fallen branches and leaves strewn everywhere, making it feel a little bit like an obstacle course in some areas. It was sad to see that even a giant eucalyptus had succumbed to the rains. I can’t imagine what kind of sound it must have made when it cracked right at its base and the large trunks broke off. Fortunately, the large tree was well enough inside the park and couldn’t have damaged any homes or cars.
We followed the trail as it wound its way up the hill, eventually reaching a short, steep ascent that led to a large concrete platform upon which the cross sits. I didn’t realize that the cross had such an interesting history, and that it’s now privately owned.
From here we walked out to the vista point where we were rewarded with more amazing views of the city and the bay. We took a slightly different path down the hill before eventually meeting up with the same trail that we had taken to go up. As we neared the bottom, the setting sun was casting golden hues across the trees and lighting up the forest. It was really beautiful.
Back in the warmth of the car, we made a stop at St. Mary’s Pub, a cute neighborhood watering hole, for a drink before heading home.
Eight down, only 82 more to go!
Follow our progress bagging the Bay Area’s Nifty Ninety here.