Larsen Peak — Attraction in San Francisco

Over two years ago, when I wrote this review Larsen Peak had been listed as Grand View Peak, Larsen is atop Golden Gate Heights to the south. Since then the two peaks have been correctly located on Google Maps. However, the review is now associated with Larsen Peak. Grand View Peak has, though, certainly a grand view from the peak. The vista extends to the west even out to the Farallones, then north to the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands and on past Golden Gate park with Tiburon peeking out in the distance. On the east is seen downtown, then Mt. Sutro and most of Twin Peaks on the right. Ascend the famed 16th Ave. Tiled steps from the west, cross the road and climb to the top on a wooden staircase with plenty of switchbacks, shallow steps and a bench on which to rest. Beware of the strong winds sitting on the bench at the top amid the Monterey Pines and Eucalyptus trees and descend the old concretes steps on the east side to Funston and from there down to...

Just to be clear Larsen Peak is at Grandview Park (known to locals as Turtle Hill) NOT Golden Gate Heights park which is to the south. Since Larsen Peak has only a few trees and sits apart from other hills it affords close to a 360º panorama sweeping from the southwest across the Pacific, Marin Headlands, North Bay, downtown San Francisco, Twin Peaks and ending in the direction of Mount Davidson. Spectacular on...

Beautiful sunset views. But sand for the trails makes a big minus since sand jut gets in everything. For me it's not really a destination park, but a nice place to stop at if you are nearby. Allowed us to see the false sunset...