SF now has a giant 38-mile loop trail
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Bayfront Park is one of many scenic spots along San Francisco's new Roundabout trail. Photo: Lea Suzuki / San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images
Wake up, babe. A new 38-mile trail just dropped.
The big picture: The Roundabout, an ambitious route that circles the edge of San Francisco, debuted this week and offers sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, the Daly City border, the ocean and the Golden Gate strait.
- It's the latest project from Crosstown Trail, the walking group behind the popular Crosstown Trail and Double Cross.
What to expect: The Roundabout starts and ends at the Ferry Building. The whole loop takes fast walkers 13 to 14 hours to finish, though you can tackle it in smaller sections.
- You'll pass through bird-watching haven Heron's Head Park, the recreational gem Visitacion Valley Greenway and the "Cow House" neighborhood landmark.
- Other points of interest include Lake Merced (one of only three remaining natural lakes in San Francisco), popular hang-gliding spot Fort Funston, the Point Lobos promontory (a sea lion hub) and antique arcade attraction Musée Mécanique.
The intrigue: Part of what makes the Roundabout exciting is its route through less-traveled neighborhoods — and the history embedded there.
- On your way down to Daly City, check out the vibrant carved figures, totem poles and statues stationed throughout Cayuga Park. Filipino groundskeeper Demetrios Braceros carved many of the sculptures using wood found onsite after he was tasked with revitalizing the area in 1986.
- Just before reaching Lake Merced, keep an eye out for the Broderick-Terry Duel Site, where two government officials who were former friends faced off over slavery in 1859. It's considered the last major duel in U.S. history.
- And in the last stretch of the trail, the Roundabout passes by Black Point Battery, where you can check out one of the original cannons used in 1863 against potential Confederate attacks.
Behind the scenes: The idea for the Roundabout started with a "rag-tag band of fantatics" who walked the city's entire perimeter twice a year, according to the Crosstown Trail website. It's accessible both on foot and by bike.
- The organizers see it as an opportunity to draw attention to parts of the city that get less foot traffic, such as the Bayview, where trail users will get to experience the public art showcased at Hunters Point Shipyard SF.
What's next: Crosstown Trail is leading 20 guided walks at various intensity levels over the next few weeks, starting Saturday.
- Sign up here to join or try your hand at the Roundabout yourself via AllTrails.