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, or bike to explore this easily accessible escape.

Editor's Note: Please wear a mask and keep a physical distance of at least six feet while riding the trains or at an in-person event. Before you travel on BART, use our Trip Planner to get estimated arrival and departure times. See BART's 15-step plan to safely welcome back riders here.

The park is within walking distance from Glen Park station. Exit the station and walk down Diamond St to Chenery St. Take a left on Chenery St and walk for about eight minutes until you reach the park. Once inside the park, 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 poison oak on some of the trails in the park.