A New Work of Heart

Hike from the Lincoln Steps to Mile Rock Beach in San Francisco

Heart Art at the Coastal Trail near Mile Rock Beach in San Francisco

Ready for a heartfelt hike? This urban walk in San Francisco features a beautiful mosaic stairway, panoramic views, a new work of "heart," and plentiful coastal drama. Indeed, Lands End is a popular outing on the weekend, so go on a weekday or early in the day, or a bit before sunset to avoid big crowds. Start at the Lincoln Park Steps at the very end of California Street.

The mosaic tiles of the Lincoln Stairs in San Francisco

This once simple and crumbling staircase was transformed into a colorful work of mosaic art. Brightly colored tiled steps lead up to Lincoln Park. At the top, turn right and walk the dirt trail along the golf course. The trail crosses the street to join Lands End Trail, the coast-hugging beauty that gives way to views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Point Bonita Lighthouse.

Hikers on the Coastal Trail overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

Less than a mile in, take the turnoff for Mile Rock Beach. This is also the way to what was once the famous Lands End labyrinth. The labyrinth is no longer there because it was continually destroyed by vandals. Now a new work of art has replaced it thanks to the good spirit of two individuals, Thomas Lew and Christian Tabing-Dalit. They took the time and care to build a beautiful rock formation in the shape of a heart. And that's just very San Francisco. Pass by the art on the way to Mile Rock Beach, where you can sidle up to a piece of driftwood (watch the tides).

Hikers sitting at Mile Rock Beach in San Francisco

Lands End Trail continues for another half mile to the visitor center and popular Sutro Baths ruins. Return the way you came. We love you, San Francisco.

Start at the Lincoln Park Steps, at California St. and 32nd Ave. (map). Walk up the stairs and turn right. Walk beside the golf course, cross Lincoln Hwy., and start walking the Lands End Trail. It's about 1.5 miles (one-way) to the end. Turn around and come back the way to you came. Dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

    View
  2. Picnic and a Pedal

    West Marin has all the right stuff for an afternoon getaway: bike paths, babbling brooks, canopy forests, and secluded picnic spots. Combine a picnic and a pedal at Samuel P. Taylor State Park by biking the easygoing Cross Marin Trail.

    View
  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

    View
  4. Sebastopol Food & Wine Roll

    One apple farm, three charming towns, multiple wineries, and infinite natural beauty. Savor a perfect autumn day in Sonoma County by biking the West County Regional Trail from Sebastopol to Forestville via Graton. It’s a 17-mile (round-trip) adventure. 

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

    View
  2. Wine Down, Dine Out in Lake Chelan

    The fertile soil around Washington State's Lake Chelan is ripe for more than just the amazing apples. Vineyards here yield high quality grapes, and some of the country’s best less-discovered wineries. Locals know it, and you will too when you start choosing from the more than 30 wineries in the region.

    View
  3. What's Up, Winthrop!

    It’s not just its location close to Washington State’s spectacular and less visited national park (North Cascades) that makes Winthrop such a winsome mountain town. This lively enclave in the Methow Valley bristles with a whimsical blend of Wild West charms, contemporary culture, and a mosaic of outdoor adventures—from river to lake to waterfalls, and beyond.

    View
  4. Hike San Diego Volcan Mountain Wilderness

    Planet of the Oaks

    Let us count the number of oak tree species in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian: coast, scrub, canyon, black, and Engelmann. Five! The preserve’s Five Oaks Trail is a 3.2-mile hike that boasts all five.

    View