Telegraph Hill Stair Walk
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location:Filbert Steps and/or Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, San Francisco
Starting Point:The Filbert Steps base is near the intersection of Filbert and Sansome Streets, and the Greenwich Steps base is near the intersection of Greenwich and Sansome Streets, halfway between Coit Tower and the Embarcadero
Info/Links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
Coit Tower info link (San Francisco Rec and Park):
https://sfrecpark.org/destination/telegraph-hill-pioneer-park/coit-tower/
Filbert and Greenwich Steps info/commentary link (SFGate):
https://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Filbert-and-Greenwich-Steps-3232465.php
Map link:
Input “Greenwich Steps” or “Filbert Steps” in the “Telegraph Hill” or “Coit Tower” area of San Francisco, CA on your map app of choice.
Distance:
As the crow flies (or as the wild parrot flies: read Mark Bittner’s The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, or see the film of the same name by Judy Irving), it is not a long distance to walk a loop up the Filbert or Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower and back down the other, but remember, this trek involves stairs, stairs, and more stairs.
Considerations:
• We have had surprisingly good luck finding street parking for this walk even on a weekend, with a bit of hunting and walking an extra block or two. Heed all parking rules and regulations. San Francisco parking tickets are expensive.
• There is a public bathroom noted near Coit Tower on online maps. On street level, walkers may find a coffee shop or restaurant for a snack/drink and bathroom break.
• This is a city walk. San Francisco is not known for pedestrian safety, so stay alert for street crossings.
• This walk involves numerous stairways, requiring the stamina to climb many steps. Walkers can always take multiple breaks, but be prepared for lots of climbing.
The Trail:
Both the Greenwich Steps and Filbert Steps start near the intersection with Sansome Street. They both eventually connect with Montgomery Street, which has to be crossed to reach the next sets of stairs to climb to reach Coit Tower. The mixture of concrete and wooden steps in different sections is part of the visual interest of this walk.
The Filbert Street Steps cross the charming Napier Lane, with lovely gardens and cottages as you pass through.
The Greenwich Steps take walkers past Julius’ Castle, a long-closed restaurant which was collecting cobwebs last time we passed by (but there is news of plans to reopen).
Both sets of steps offer stunning views as you turn back to look at the bay, Bay Bridge looming in view.
Listen for the hallmark sound of the parrots who flock in this area as described in Mark Bittner’s book The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, and shown so movingly in Judy Irving’s film of the same name.
Coit Tower itself is a tourist magnet which often has very long lines to ride the elevator to the top, particularly on weekends and during the height of tourist season. We enjoy seeing some of the historical points and information without going up the elevator. Coit Tower is known not only for the great views, but also for its Depression era murals.
The Greenwich Steps and the Filbert Steps each has its own charms. Climbing up one set and back down the other will get you back near the same starting point while doubling your scenic intake. Charming gardens, cottages, and amazing views offer delights both on the ascent and the descent.
(Telegraph Hill Stair Walk Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Unexpected Angels” Insights post.)
Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop page! Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, Twitter at @HikingAutism, Instagram at lisalouis777, and Bluesky @hikingautism.bsky.social
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location:Filbert Steps and/or Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill, San Francisco
Starting Point:The Filbert Steps base is near the intersection of Filbert and Sansome Streets, and the Greenwich Steps base is near the intersection of Greenwich and Sansome Streets, halfway between Coit Tower and the Embarcadero
Info/Links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
Coit Tower info link (San Francisco Rec and Park):
https://sfrecpark.org/destination/telegraph-hill-pioneer-park/coit-tower/
Filbert and Greenwich Steps info/commentary link (SFGate):
https://www.sfgate.com/outdoors/article/Filbert-and-Greenwich-Steps-3232465.php
Map link:
Input “Greenwich Steps” or “Filbert Steps” in the “Telegraph Hill” or “Coit Tower” area of San Francisco, CA on your map app of choice.
Distance:
As the crow flies (or as the wild parrot flies: read Mark Bittner’s The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, or see the film of the same name by Judy Irving), it is not a long distance to walk a loop up the Filbert or Greenwich Steps to Coit Tower and back down the other, but remember, this trek involves stairs, stairs, and more stairs.
Considerations:
• We have had surprisingly good luck finding street parking for this walk even on a weekend, with a bit of hunting and walking an extra block or two. Heed all parking rules and regulations. San Francisco parking tickets are expensive.
• There is a public bathroom noted near Coit Tower on online maps. On street level, walkers may find a coffee shop or restaurant for a snack/drink and bathroom break.
• This is a city walk. San Francisco is not known for pedestrian safety, so stay alert for street crossings.
• This walk involves numerous stairways, requiring the stamina to climb many steps. Walkers can always take multiple breaks, but be prepared for lots of climbing.
The Trail:
Both the Greenwich Steps and Filbert Steps start near the intersection with Sansome Street. They both eventually connect with Montgomery Street, which has to be crossed to reach the next sets of stairs to climb to reach Coit Tower. The mixture of concrete and wooden steps in different sections is part of the visual interest of this walk.
The Filbert Street Steps cross the charming Napier Lane, with lovely gardens and cottages as you pass through.
The Greenwich Steps take walkers past Julius’ Castle, a long-closed restaurant which was collecting cobwebs last time we passed by (but there is news of plans to reopen).
Both sets of steps offer stunning views as you turn back to look at the bay, Bay Bridge looming in view.
Listen for the hallmark sound of the parrots who flock in this area as described in Mark Bittner’s book The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill, and shown so movingly in Judy Irving’s film of the same name.
Coit Tower itself is a tourist magnet which often has very long lines to ride the elevator to the top, particularly on weekends and during the height of tourist season. We enjoy seeing some of the historical points and information without going up the elevator. Coit Tower is known not only for the great views, but also for its Depression era murals.
The Greenwich Steps and the Filbert Steps each has its own charms. Climbing up one set and back down the other will get you back near the same starting point while doubling your scenic intake. Charming gardens, cottages, and amazing views offer delights both on the ascent and the descent.
(Telegraph Hill Stair Walk Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Unexpected Angels” Insights post.)
Check the Home page for the broader background story. Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page, and scroll to the bottom of each hike page to see full photo galleries.
If you’d like to support HikingAutism, check out the Support/Shop page! Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links. Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, Twitter at @HikingAutism, Instagram at lisalouis777, and Bluesky @hikingautism.bsky.social
