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Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 737 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 4.4 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Peaceful green space features a variety of meandering trails through lush forest surrounds.
What runners say about Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
“A beautiful place with 5 miles of trails that you can walk or ride your bike on.”
“Many of the paths are partially shaded by the Eucalyptus Trees.”
“Once the site of Adolph Sutro’s historic eucalyptus forest project in the late 1800s, it’s now a lush urban woodland with peaceful trails winding through towering trees.”
With many ways to enter this escape from the urban jungle it's not hard to imagine why so many people find themselves "lost". This open space often had me reflect on the biodiversity that had been lost due to modernization. With that in mind I cherish my time with this little reminder of what once was.
Nice hike with okay views. Some parts of the trails on the east side are very steep. When it's really foggy, the trail areas with just dirt can get a bit muddy. Watch out for poison oak and bring water if you plan to be here for a while as there are no water fountains.
Sutro forest - a hidden gem! Just love it whenever is get a chance to visit this place! Middle of the city and so green (& foggy too). It’s difficult to find a street side parking as it starts right in middle of residential neighborhood.
Nice trails with plenty of shaded areas thanks to tree cover. Not too crowded on a Saturday morning. Park itself isn’t too big so not a very long hike.
Trail conditions & character
“(Everyone was super nice and most had bells to warn you) The diversity of urban walks, forest trails, and breathtaking views was well worth the hike.”
“If you are coming from the West via the Sunset district, there is a long steep staircase up that is a workout in and of itself.”
“Once the site of Adolph Sutro’s historic eucalyptus forest project in the late 1800s, it’s now a lush urban woodland with peaceful trails winding through towering trees.”
“Many of the paths are partially shaded by the Eucalyptus Trees.”
“We parked near Laguna Honda hospital and started the trail near there which I think was the right call for parking and also so you do the more downhill section at the end.”
“Because sun doesn't always shine through the trees on the trail, it can get very muddy.”
“Watch out for poison oak and bring water if you plan to be here for a while as there are no water fountains.”
Plan your run at Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance4.4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteucsf.edu
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
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