Bayview Hill Park

Natural Features

Bayview Hill Park is a 46.63-acre natural area located in the Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood of southeast San Francisco, California. The park's land is primarily occupied by a large hill known as either Bayview Hill or Candlestick Hill, which rises to a height of 425 feet above sea level.

This prominent landmark is visible from both the former site of Candlestick Park to the east and the Bayshore Freeway to the west.

Flora and Fauna

The park supports one of the most diverse assemblages of plants and animals in San Francisco's natural areas system. Its grasslands boast some of the city's most beautiful wildflower displays, particularly during mid-spring.

Other plant communities in the park include coastal scrub, eucalyptus and oak groves, and the largest population of Islais cherry trees in San Francisco.

Wildlife enthusiasts can observe various species in Bayview Hill Park. On sunny days, visitors may encounter western fence lizards, California alligator lizards, and non-poisonous snakes such as common garter snakes, Pacific gopher snakes, and Pacific ring-neck snakes.

Red-tailed hawks are frequently seen soaring overhead, while great horned owls rest in tree notches during the day. The sound of woodpeckers can often be heard throughout the park.

Trails and Historic Features

The park's main trail is a paved road that forms a loop through the area, beginning and ending at the eastern end of Key Avenue.

Along this roadway, visitors can still see remnants of stairs and retaining walls built by the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression.

History

Bayview Hill Park has a rich cultural history. Around 1900, it was nearly lost to development when George Hearst and the Bay View Land Company proposed to transform the area into an exclusive district for wealthy residents.

Fortunately, these plans were abandoned as the land was considered too far from downtown. In 1902, the city acquired a large portion of the hill's crest, initially intending to build an isolation hospital.

However, due to concerns from nearby landowner Charles Crocker, the hilltop was officially declared a park instead. In 1997, the City and County of San Francisco acquired an additional 16 acres of the upper northeast slope to be used as open space.