Conquering Concrete Mountains: A Hilarious Hike Up San Francisco's Steepest Street
Ah, San Francisco. City of sourdough, cable cars, and hills that will make your calves scream for mercy. But which hill reigns supreme in the steepness department? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey (emphasis on the "work") to uncover the truth!
The Usual Suspects: Filbert Street and the Media Machine
Let's be honest, Filbert Street between Hyde and Leavenworth gets all the glory. Maybe it's the David Letterman watermelon incident (yes, that really happened), or maybe it's the cable car clinging on for dear life. Whatever the reason, Filbert's got a reputation for being a butt-buster. But hold onto your hats, folks, because there's a new sheriff in town!
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| What is The Steepest Hill In San Francisco |
The True King of Steep: Bradford Street
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Nestled in the Bernal Heights neighborhood, Bradford Street, specifically the section above Tompkins, laughs at Filbert's measly 31% grade. Bradford Street boasts a whopping 41% incline, which basically means you're one wrong step away from becoming a human snowball. Warning: Unless you're training for the Tour de France (or fleeing a particularly grumpy seagull), this is a climb best attempted with a good pair of shoes and a healthy sense of humor.
The Hills Have Eyes (and Possibly Security Cameras): Safety Tips for Conquering San Francisco's Steepest Streets
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So, you've decided to brave the incline. We salute your adventurous spirit (and questionable decision-making skills). Here are a few tips to keep you from becoming a viral video of someone faceplanting down a hill:
- Dress for Success (and by Success, We Mean Sweaty Success): Leave the stilettos at home. Comfortable shoes with good traction are your BFFs.
- Embrace the Lower Body Workout: Those calves will be thanking you later (or maybe never speaking to you again, but that's a risk we're all willing to take).
- Channel Your Inner Mountain Goat: Zigzagging your way up the hill might look silly, but it's way more efficient than going straight up.
- Hydration is Key: San Francisco may be foggy, but dehydration is a real threat. Pack plenty of water!
- Enjoy the View (Unless You're Too Busy Gasping for Air): The reward for your valiant climb? Breathtaking vistas of the city.
FAQs: Conquering San Francisco's Steep Streets Like a Champ
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How to survive a walk down a super steep hill? Take it slow, hug the sides, and maybe invest in some knee pads (we won't judge).
How to impress your friends with your San Francisco knowledge? Casually drop the Bradford Street fact. Bonus points for dramatic reenactment of the climb.
How to avoid a killer calf workout? Stick to the flat parts of town. There are plenty of those...ish.
How to find the best route for biking up a steep hill? San Francisco has some pretty amazing bike paths that avoid the death-defying inclines. Do your research, my friend.
How to make peace with the fact that your car is going to smell like burning clutch after driving up a steep hill? Acceptance is key.