John McLaren Park
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About the Location
San Francisco's Second-Largest Green Space
John McLaren Park spans 312.54 acres in southeastern San Francisco, making it the city's second-largest park. Established in 1926, it was named after John McLaren, the "grandfather of Golden Gate Park."
The park offers a diverse landscape of forests, meadows, and grasslands, serving as a natural refuge within the urban environment.
Scenic Topography
Known for its hilly terrain, the park reaches elevations up to 525 feet above sea level. This unique topography rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of San Francisco, the East Bay, and San Bruno Mountain.
The park's terrain is notably steep, with only 19% consisting of gentle slopes (0-10% grade). Half of the park has slopes between 10-25% grade, while more than one-third exceeds 25% grade, creating a distinctive and challenging landscape.
Natural Habitat
The varied landscape supports a rich ecosystem of native plants and wildlife. Visitors might spot raptors, California quail, and even the endangered mission blue butterfly while exploring the park.
Trails and Recreation
McLaren Park features over 7 miles of walking trails, including the popular Philosopher's Way, a 2.7-mile loop that winds through the park's natural areas. These paths offer excellent opportunities for hiking, jogging, and nature observation.
The park serves as a vital community resource for surrounding neighborhoods including Excelsior, Crocker-Amazon, Visitacion Valley, Portola, and University Mound, providing recreational facilities and natural spaces for diverse interests and age groups.
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