Last time hiked here had encountered aTrail Closed sign ar the footbridge over the creek trailhead for this northernmost stretch of trail I’ve a;ways loved, especially when it was a tangle of climbover treelimbs.
So wondered if they might be making the trail at Portola more accessible. Good job guys! Love ‘em.
Two #44 O’Shaughhnessy buses showed up before the #52 Excelsior (to Diamond Heights), so took the second #44 to the Elk stop near the stairway down to the Glen Park Rec. Center.
A short distance to the main south park entrance and onto the upper westside trail (with all the trees on the steep slope above): 1, 2, 3
This west trail merges into the main east canyonfloor trail at the stairs (68) on the north side of the climbing rocks: 4
Continuing north, up (pic 5), then down, pleased to see that the trail’s open again. Trailjoggers 'n damselflies.
Then a delightful surprise when I saw the foot of the new stairway ahead. Up: 6 thru 23
At the top, viewable from Portola, is a new park trailmap: 24, 25
In a perfect world there’d be a new skyway over Portola for crossing over to Twin Peaks Park. Like the green one over Clarendon from the foot of the Ashwood stairs in Forest Knolls to Midtown Terrace.
But at least there IS a crosswalk here on Portola and I did see drivers slowing down. All check out Twin Peaks Park’s southside to see if there’s anything new. Several years ago they constructed a new trail alongside Twin Peaks Blvd. Liked it.
Down again: 26 thru 31
Up the aforementioned north-rock steps: 32, 33, 34, 35
Coming from the lower trail this time: 36
Continuing up another of the park’s newer stairways, this one extended to 79 steps, to the trail just below
Christopher Park: 3, 38, 39