Yes we can-yon: Explore Glen Canyon Park

Sure, San Francisco is a city known for being just “7x7”, but it still manages to preserve plenty of enticing spaces for quiet communing with wildlife. Take Glen Canyon Park, for instance.

Perched where the Glen Park, Diamond Heights and Miraloma Park residential neighborhoods converge, this 70-acre gem sports hiking trails and a rec center. Run, walk, bike or partner up with a buddy to explore this easily accessible escape.

The park is within walking distance from Glen Park BART Station, or you can take the number 44 bus to Elk Street and Bosworth Street. In addition to the natural landscape, you’ll find a playground, a tennis court and two baseball fields.

As the sound of buzzing cars fades into the distance, strap on some headphones or opt for real-time birdsongs and (insert Steven Tyler vocals) hike this way!

Family-friendly trails wind through carpets of green, boulders favored by rock climbers, the meandering Islais Creek and wildflowers.

Scenic, to say the least, the canyon offers all sorts of terrain alternatives to usual city streets and will make rush hour feel like a distant memory you’re happy to forget.

Whether you’re after dramatic canyon views, calm alone time or a sweat-inducing workout, Glen Canyon Park unfolds with options for each visitor. Lofty trees might offer forest shade at one point in your path, while around the bend might be sun-emblazoned, dry grassy knolls.

Even though most paths aren’t strenuous, be sure to break out your comfy walking shoes, a water bottle for a quick visit or a picnic lunch for a fuller day excursion.

Note: Keep an eye out for coyotes and, while you’re scratching your itch for the great outdoors, keep an eye out for the even scarier poison oak.