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Mt. Davidson Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 740 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Mt. Davidson Park'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.
Wooded park at the city's highest peak offering a few walking trails & sweeping urban vistas.
What runners say about Mt. Davidson Park
“I set out to the highest peak to see the stunning city view as many reviews wrote, but I couldn’t at the first attempt.”
“The trail was surprising quiet and beautiful with blossoming white and pink wild berry flowers.”
Mt Davidson is a scenic and quaint getaway from the buzzing streets of SF. Located close enough to Twin Peaks to almost offer the same views, it brings the advantage of being less crowded, so overall a good time. Reasons you should visit: 1. Dramatic panoramic views in every direction.
Let everyone else flock to Twin Peaks, I will always prefer Mt. Davidson. Fairly unobstructed 360 views of everything except the Golden Gate. Next to Corona Heights park, best of SF downtown. It's a nice, short jaunt from various entry points in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Mount Davidson is a nice smaller park to go hiking at with a few trails, a giant hidden cross, and some nice views of San Francisco. It wasn't to busy on the middle of a weekday and likely a little less popular due to its location in the southern part of the city.
This is a great place to hike and safely social distance. Dogs are allowed on leashes. There are some rocky areas small children will need help on, ideal for older kids. Very beautiful and serene place to hang out and not too crowded shhh don’t tell anyone.
Trail conditions & character
“San Francisco offers an exceptional starting point for a day of relaxation from the top of this park, providing an awe-inspiring view of its skyline.”
“The trail was surprising quiet and beautiful with blossoming white and pink wild berry flowers.”
“The hike is easy though at an incline, there is a massive cross dedicated to the Armenian genocide up top, and I'm sure without the fog there are amazing views as well.”
“Great place for peaceful hikes with your quiet, well mannered, well behaved off leash dogs.”
“Remote, densely wooded, quiet, with great views and a huge hidden cross.”
“I turned back and drove up Dalewood Way to Mount Davidson Paved Path.”
“During the golden hour, nothing beats seeing the cross lit up by that orange sunlight.”
Plan your run at Mt. Davidson Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitesfrecpark.org
- Phone(415) 831-6331
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Tuesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Wednesday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Thursday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Friday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Saturday | 5 AM–12 AM |
| Sunday | 5 AM–12 AM |
Running trails near San Francisco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Mount Davidson Hiking Path Entrance
4.8 ★★★★★ 103 reviews
Scenic hiking to the area's verdant highest peak, topped by a soaring 100-ft. cross.
Glen Canyon Park
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A deep canyon runs through this park, which features sports fields, tennis courts & playgrounds.
Glen Canyon Creeks to Peaks Trailhead
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Hiking area with public restroom and picnic tables, plus a marked field where dogs are not allowed.
Glen Park Greenway
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Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve
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Peaceful green space features a variety of meandering trails through lush forest surrounds.
Interior Greenbelt
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Lush park features a eucalyptus forest, an old creek bed with seasonal streams & a half-mile trail.