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Sign Hill Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 314 Google reviews · Running trail in South San Francisco, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Sign Hill 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.
A 30-acre hilltop preserve featuring several short hiking trails & habitat for birds & butterflies.
What runners say about Sign Hill Park
Nearly everyone has seen the South San Francisco The Industrial City Sign. Very few visit. Great fun you can touch the letter. And walk the Ridgeline which has awesome views. Well worth an hour or two on a nice day.
This is a beautiful hike with moderate elevation gain. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping 360 views. There was a fire during the late summer of 2020 so parts of the hill are being restored.
Amazing view of the bay area. You can walk right up to the letters! I tried sliding down the letters on a cardboard box but the paint doesn’t help you slide well. Other than that, check it out, it’s worth, good spot for a picnic or stargazing at night.
Climbing up is pretty steep, but the view is really something else. I think this is also where the giant tree gets put up for the winter. We only went up just a little past the letters. It was a bit terrifying on the way back down since it had rained and the path was heavily eroded. Still worth it.
Trail conditions & character
“A nice and steep hill awaits you then you'll take a deep breath and enjoy the view.”
“A nice and steep hill awaits you then you'll take a deep breath and enjoy the view.”
“There is a parking lot close to the trail up to the viewing point.”
“The first one is level 3 because of the incline going up for sure.”
Plan your run at Sign Hill Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitessf.net
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–9 pm |
Running trails near South 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.
San Francisco Bay Trail
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San Bruno Mountain State Park
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Mountain recreation space featuring city & bay views, hiking trails, picnic areas & open meadows.
Point San Bruno Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 81 reviews
Relaxed spot for picnics, dog walking and bike rides, plus views of the Bay.