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Overview
Great for both hardtails and squishy bikes. A climb up Market Street, followed by a drop-in to the new Laguna-Honda trail system, then a convenient way into the Mount Sutro/Interior Greenbelt trail system. Features the best legal singletrack in San Francisco, good cardio on the climbs, and some stunning views.
Need to Know
Frequent hikers in the Sutro section. Don't rip on the downhills, practice courtesy, and ride with a bell!
Description
The center of San Francisco is the epicenter of singletrack in the city. While others drive for 30 minutes or more to find dirt, those willing to climb a bit can find some great singletrack right in city limits.
The Climb
Start the climb up Market Street in the Castro. This is a good slog, and the passing cars can sometimes be close so practice caution. Once at the top, near Portola, turn right on Twin Peaks Blvd and a quick left on Panorama Drive. A steep climb through the residential neighborhood leads to the highest trailhead (Panorama
Trail) for the new volunteer-built Laguna Honda trail system!
Laguna Honda Trail
Drop in at the Panorama
Trail, and ride
Troop 88 Trail downhill. The trail is nice dirt, with a few technical features and optional berms. It joins with the
Steep Ravine Trail (also known as Bedpan Alley) at the upper parking lot. More switchbacks lead into a rolling downhill through a beautiful canyon overgrown with greenery. Watch out for the sides of the trail, where blackberry bushes rule the roost. At about 2/3 trail distance, bear left uphill on the
Knob Trail. This provides a short climb to another parking lot, and options to drop into
Sherwood Road Trail (a loop), or directly to Clarendon. Either option will bring you to the Clarendon trailhead, where you begin another on-road climb.
Trail Map for Laguna Honda: sfurbanriders.org/resources…
Clarendon Climb
After exiting the Laguna Honda system, turn right on Clarendon. Climb the hill on the road until you reach the interior greenbelt. The entrance to the
Clarendon Connector is on the north side of the road (left as you climb) and is marked by granite steps and an obvious trailhead.
NOTE: Use caution crossing Clarendon at this point. Cars drive at high speeds on this road.
Sutro Trail System
Sutro presents MANY loop options, so study the map! Climb the
Clarendon Connector to the Quarry road, then bear right on the
South Ridge Trail. A left turn on Nike Road leads to the
North Ridge Trail, a nice downhill singletrack with switchbacks in the trees. This trail system can become very slippery when the fog is dense, so practice caution! Cross Medical Center way, and re-enter the trails and follow
Historic Trail to the Stanyan
Trail and Cole Valley. Loop as desired!
Sutro Trail Map: sutrostewards.org/trail-map
The Final Downhill
Climb the hill on 17th Street to the stoplight at Clayton, and use the bike lanes/arrows on eastbound 17th St to descend. You may turn off into the Castro neighborhoods as needed here.
History & Background
The SF Urban Riders (SFUR) have organized many volunteer trail-building days to make both Sutro and Laguna Honda a reality.
Shared By:
Joe Morse
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