How Steep Are San Francisco's Hills? The Answer May Surprise You (Unless You've Been There)
San Francisco. City of sourdough, cable cars, and, of course, hills that could launch a small rocket (with enough duct tape and optimism). But just how steep are these legendary inclines? Buckle up, because we're about to dive headfirst (or should we say, feet first?) into the fascinating world of San Francisco's topography.
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| How Steep Is The Hill In San Francisco |
steeper than your ex's side-eye: Filbert Street (the Almost Champion)
For years, tourists flocked to Filbert Street, snapping photos and marveling at its imposing incline. Filbert, between Hyde and Leavenworth, boasts a grade of over 31% - that's like trying to walk up a slide covered in butter (we don't recommend it). This legendary street even had a brush with fame when David Letterman, in a moment of glorious absurdity, released 100 watermelons down it. Spoiler alert: it was messy.
But hold on to your hats (or wigs, if that's your thing), because Filbert Street isn't even the top dog (or should we say, top hill?) in San Francisco.
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
plot twist! the reigning champion: Bradford Street
Move over, Filbert! The true king of steepness is actually Bradford Street, specifically the section just above Tompkins in Bernal Heights. This bad boy clocks in at a staggering 31.5% grade, making it officially the steepest street in San Francisco. So next time you're bragging about conquering Filbert, remember, there's a whole new hill waiting to humble you (and maybe give you a killer calf workout).
so, how steep are these hills, REALLY?
Let's translate this steepness business into real-life terms. Imagine a regular staircase in your house. Each step is probably around 7 inches high. Now picture a staircase where each step is almost 5 feet high. That's the kind of incline we're talking about on these San Francisco streets.
QuickTip: Reflect before moving to the next part.
In other words, these hills are no joke. They'll challenge your glutes, test your balance, and make you question every life decision that led you here (but hey, the views are pretty amazing from the top!).
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FAQs: Mastering the San Francisco Hill Situation
How to survive walking up these hills? Pace yourself, friend. San Francisco is a marathon, not a sprint (unless you're being chased by a rogue sourdough roll, in which case, sprint away).
QuickTip: Reading regularly builds stronger recall.
How to bike down these hills? With caution and a healthy dose of respect. These inclines are no place for daredevils (unless you enjoy ending up in a rose bush).
How to drive up these hills? Low gear is your friend. And remember, if a cable car can make it, so can you (with a little more sputtering and maybe some envious glances at those grip-propelled trams).
QuickTip: Skim slowly, read deeply.
How to impress your friends with your San Francisco knowledge? Casually drop the fact that Bradford Street, not Filbert, is the true steepness champion. Bonus points for air quotes.
How to avoid these hills altogether? Befriend someone with a car, or stick to the flat parts of the city (which, admittedly, aren't as plentiful).
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