Tank You Very Much

Hike Pemberton Steps to San Francisco's Tank Hill

Quietly located just below Twin Peaks, tiny Tank Hill is a premier place for gaining an incredible vista of our city by the bay. How do you get to it? Take the stairs! This 1-mile (all-in) walk starts just above the intersection of Clayton and Corbett, where you’ll find the base of Pemberton Place (aka Pemberton Stairs).

Once upon a time, conquering San Francisco’s steep flights of stairs was one of the quickest ways to scale the city. Today the steps provide a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle. The stairs of Pemberton Place are divided in a trio of sections, each with unique characteristics. The first part, rising from Clayton Street, features bright red bricks, quaint homes, and wooden benches for taking it all in.

When you reach Villa Terrace, cross the street to the second flight—cement steps overgrown with ferns and shrubs (just consider it the awkward phase). From here cross Graystone Terrace and take the last flight of stairs up charming cobbled and moss-covered brick steps surrounded by lush private gardens and twinkling lights. (Views of San Francisco are beautiful from here.) At Crown Terrace, make a right and head to Twin Peaks Boulevard. Across the street, you’ll see the stairway leading up to 650-foot Tank Hill.

Sure, it’s 300 feet below towering Twin Peaks, but the secluded oasis and 180-degree view make it quite the ideal spot. The Presidio rolls its way to the Golden Gate and San Francisco's skyscrapers shimmer below. Spend some time exploring the little park’s trails. Tourists are rare; however, you may cross paths with locals coming out to snap some photos, hula hoop, picnic, or watch the sunset.

Here's a map to the start of the walk. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View
  2. Golden Gate's Blue Heron

    Golden Gate Park’s Blue Heron Lake is home to birds of many feathers, turtles lounging on rocks, visitors from afar, and locals who love this urban oasis in San Francisco. Try the "Boats and Breakfast" rowboat or pedal boat deal.

    View
  3. This Is Paradise

    Granite mountain-scape, superb sunset views, crystal lakes, and shoreline campsites … the trip to Paradise Lake in Tahoe National Forest lives up to its idyllic name.

    View
  4. Aloha from California

    Say Aloha without leaving California with a 7-mile out-and-back hiking adventure to Lake Aloha in El Dorado National Forest. You can also camp here, a premier place for stargazing.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. Underground Garden

    Looking to escape the summer heat? Head to Fresno and discover its cool secret: the Forestiere Underground Gardens–an enchanting garden and architecture oasis like no other.

    View
  4. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View