Glen Canyon Park

Elk St and, Chenery St, San Francisco, CA 94127
70 acres | 28 hectares

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About the Location

Natural Landscape

Located in the heart of San Francisco, Glen Canyon Park unfolds across 70 acres as a wild, unexpected escape from city life. This isn't your typical manicured urban park - it's a rugged canyon with steep terrain and diverse ecosystems that make you forget you're still within city limits.

One of the park's treasures is Islais Creek, one of San Francisco's few surviving free-flowing waterways. The creek nurtures a thriving riparian habitat where willows sway alongside delicate horsetails, vibrant seep monkey flowers, and elegant red columbine - little pockets of nature doing their thing despite the surrounding metropolis.

Shaded section with tall grasses
Shaded section with tall grasses
Photo: Liz Henry (CC0)

Trail Network

With a 3.7-mile trail system winding through various environments, there's a path for everyone here. The trails come with helpful markings (Easy, Moderate, and Challenging), so you know what you're getting into before lacing up your boots.

If you're looking for a gentle stroll, the Gum Tree Girls Trail offers an accessible route, while the Islais Creek Trail provides a moderate hike alongside the babbling water. Just a heads-up: some areas get a bit overgrown, especially near the creek, so proper footwear is a good idea - particularly when rain turns those dirt paths into slippery adventures.

Rolling green hills under blue skies within the park
Rolling green hills under blue skies within the park
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)

Wildlife and Seasonal Highlights

The park's plant diversity creates homes for all sorts of creatures - insects buzzing about, amphibians hiding in damp corners, reptiles sunning themselves on rocks, and birds (some traveling all the way from South America) filling the air with song. You might even spot members of the local coyote population, especially if you visit during the quieter dawn or dusk hours.

Spring transforms the canyon into a natural garden, with wildflowers painting the landscape in orange, blue, pink, and yellow. The purple blooms that blanket the grassy hillsides create a particularly stunning display that's worth seeking out.

Sloping green hills with Sutro Tower visible in distance
Sloping green hills with Sutro Tower visible in distance
Photo: Marc Liyanage (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Geology and Views

The geology here is nothing short of fascinating, with dramatic formations of Franciscan chert and Franciscan greenstone rising up to 350 feet from the canyon floor. These ancient rocks create a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery.

If you're into climbing, this is one of the best "bouldering" spots near San Francisco. For those who prefer keeping their feet on the ground, certain viewpoints offer perspectives where the city seems to vanish completely - giving you that rare feeling of wilderness despite being surrounded by one of America's most densely populated cities.

Swing sets at George Christopher Playground
Swing sets at George Christopher Playground
Photo: silvereye (CC BY 2.0)

Recreational Facilities

The southern end of the park houses a community recreation center complete with a gymnasium, basketball court, rock climbing wall, and ping pong tables. Outside, you can find ball fields, tennis courts, and a playground that keeps kids entertained with slides, swings, and climbing structures.

The rec center runs various programs for community members of all ages. There are restrooms available both at the recreation center and near the tennis courts - a practical detail for your visit.

Panoramic trail view with paths through hillside terrain
Panoramic trail view with paths through hillside terrain
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)

Picnic Areas and Accessibility

Scattered across the park, especially near the recreation center, you'll discover plenty of picnic tables and benches - perfect spots to unpack lunch with family or friends. While the park is accessible via public transportation, street parking in the area can be limited, so plan accordingly.

Natural meadow area with rocky outcroppings
Natural meadow area with rocky outcroppings
Photo: Charkrem (CC BY 2.0)

Historical Significance

The canyon comes with its share of stories, dating back to the 1850s when Adolph Sutro purchased the land and dubbed it "Gum Tree Ranch." In a surprising industrial twist, it later became the site of America's first commercial dynamite factory, run by the Giant Powder Company from 1868 to 1869.

Today, Glen Canyon Park provides a green retreat for San Franciscans seeking a brief escape from urban intensity. It feels remarkably detached from city life, even while being surrounded by it - a pleasant contrast that adds to the canyon's appeal.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Baseball FieldBasketball CourtClimbingTennis CourtVolleyball CourtTable Tennis

Nature & Wildlife

Dog-Friendly AreaWalking TrailWildlife Viewing

Water Features & Activities

River

Visitor Services

PlaygroundRecreation CenterRestrooms

Food & Gathering

Picnic Area

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Running track at the athletic field in the north section of the park
Running track at the athletic field in the north section of the park
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Wooden stairs leading up the hillside trail
Wooden stairs leading up the hillside trail
Photo: Charkrem (CC BY 2.0)
Rolling green hills under blue skies within the park
Rolling green hills under blue skies within the park
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Natural meadow area with rocky outcroppings
Natural meadow area with rocky outcroppings
Photo: Charkrem (CC BY 2.0)
Stone steps winding through vibrant spring wildflowers
Stone steps winding through vibrant spring wildflowers
Photo: Charkrem (CC BY 2.0)
Dirt trail with wooden fence guiding hikers through the park landscape
Dirt trail with wooden fence guiding hikers through the park landscape
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Shaded section with tall grasses
Shaded section with tall grasses
Photo: Liz Henry (CC0)
Houses on stilts overlooking the northern edge of the park
Houses on stilts overlooking the northern edge of the park
Photo: aballant38 (CC BY 2.0)
Large flat grass field near the playground
Large flat grass field near the playground
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Curved dirt path following the natural hillside contour
Curved dirt path following the natural hillside contour
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Panoramic trail view with paths through hillside terrain
Panoramic trail view with paths through hillside terrain
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Sloping green hills with Sutro Tower visible in distance
Sloping green hills with Sutro Tower visible in distance
Photo: Marc Liyanage (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Swing sets at George Christopher Playground
Swing sets at George Christopher Playground
Photo: silvereye (CC BY 2.0)
Natural playground with wooden climbing features
Natural playground with wooden climbing features
Photo: silvereye (CC BY 2.0)
Walking path cutting across sun-drenched grassy hillside
Walking path cutting across sun-drenched grassy hillside
Photo: NAParish (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Steep hill with tall grass on a sunny day
Steep hill with tall grass on a sunny day
Photo: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Boulders and dry grass against the blue sky
Boulders and dry grass against the blue sky
Photo: Joe Passe (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Stunning valley view with mountains and greenery in foreground
Stunning valley view with mountains and greenery in foreground
Photo: tvol (CC BY 2.0)
Rocky outcropping emerging from tall grasses on hillside
Rocky outcropping emerging from tall grasses on hillside
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Rolling hills with oak trees dotting the landscape
Rolling hills with oak trees dotting the landscape
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)
Panoramic view of the city with San Bruno Mountain on the horizon
Panoramic view of the city with San Bruno Mountain on the horizon
Photo: Franco Folini (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Shaded forest path dappled with sunlight through tall trees
Shaded forest path dappled with sunlight through tall trees
Photo: igb (CC BY 2.0)

ParkMagnet Score

Top Park

Park Size

70 acres | 28 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:5AM-12AM
Tuesday:5AM-12AM
Wednesday:5AM-12AM
Thursday:5AM-12AM
Friday:5AM-12AM
Saturday:5AM-12AM
Sunday:5AM-12AM

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