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Strawberry Hill
4.7 ★★★★★ 323 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Strawberry Hill'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.
Hill in a lake reaching 430 feet with Golden Gate views & a man-made waterfall, accessed by bridges.
What runners say about Strawberry Hill
“Blue Heron Lake and Strawberry Hill in Golden Gate Park offer a serene retreat with scenic trails, waterfalls, and stunning city views.”
“I think anyone who visits San francisco should come here, its a gorgeous, serene spot and is my favorite free area in all of Golden Gate Park.”
So much to see without spending a penny. We park (for free) along Stow Lake Drive and walk the path to cross Rustic (Boulder) Bridge, which rowboats & paddle boats pass under. An easy, relatively flat walk on the island/hill goes past the Golden Gate (Chinese) pavilion and then to the base of Huntington Falls.
An easy short hike with rewarding views. You’ll come across a man made waterfall and small reservoir. Takes about 5 minutes to get up. 15 if you’re not a strong walker.
This hill is surrounded by the Stow Lake, and seem to be very well preserved to keep it's natural state. You will find some peace and quiet climbing up this little hill. There you will find the reservoir that is the head water of the Huntington Fall.
Great experience to get away from the city within the city at this superfluous urban park. The moat around Strawberry Hill is riveting with several species to gaze upon as you meander the pleasant trails.
Trail conditions & character
“Beyond outstanding views of the city, Strawberry hill offers a peaceful environment to relax and disconnect from the city bustling and chaos.”
“I came up to Strawberry Hill accidentally and have to say this is the best spot in Golden Gate Park to see the city view of San Francisco.”
“I think anyone who visits San francisco should come here, its a gorgeous, serene spot and is my favorite free area in all of Golden Gate Park.”
“There was decent parking around the area and wasn't overly busy.”
Plan your run at Strawberry Hill
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- 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, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitesfrecpark.org
- Phone(415) 831-2700
- 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 |
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Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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