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Twin Peaks Trails Improvement & Promenade Project

Illustration of Twin Peaks and project features

Background

Twin Peaks is one of the most-visited natural areas, with stunning 360-degree views of the city and surrounding Bay Area. The Twin Peaks trail network was in poor condition with failing steps, redundant social trails that contributed to erosion and loss of sensitive habitat, and a lack of trail identification and wayfinding signage.

Scope of Work

The Twin Peaks Access, Roadway, and Pedestrian Walkway Improvement Project involves improving the trail system via more sustainable realignment, restoration of previously disturbed areas, installation of new steps as needed, and wayfinding signage. These measures improve public safety, reduce erosion, help preserve adjacent habitat, and improve the experience for park users. The conceptual plan for this work was approved by the Rec and Park Commission and some of the work completed (see below). However, due to funding constraints, there is still work to be done.

The pedestrian walkway is the section of Twin Peaks Boulevard that runs along the eastern base of the two peaks and that was permanently closed as a roadway via MTA Board action. The scope of work for the pedestrian walkway includes converting the closed roadway to a rustic but welcoming linear park.

Completed

  • 2013-2014 – A new multi-use trail segment adjacent to Twin Peaks Boulevard but off the roadway, starts at the intersection of Twin Peaks Boulevard and Portola Avenue and continues to the first curve in the road. This trail was completed by volunteers, in partnership with V-O-Cal (Volunteers for Outdoor California) and SF Urban Riders. In addition to providing greater pedestrian safety, this trail segment connects, via the sidewalk, Portola Ave crosswalk and through a trail on the School of the Arts property, to Glen Canyon Park, which completes the “Creeks to Peaks” Trail.
  • 2015 – Addition of 3 crosswalks serving trail users, in collaboration with SFMTA and SF Public Works, as part of Twin Peaks Boulevard repaving and the Pilot Road Closure.
  • 2017 – Twin Peaks Trails Improvement Project Phase 1: major overhaul of two critical trail segments: 1) the trail up and over the north peak and 2) the trail adjacent to Mission Blue Butterfly habitat at the first curve.
  • 2015-2018 – SFMTA Figure 8 Redesign Planning Study: funded by a Priority Conservation Area Grant, in collaboration with SFMTA.
  • 2020 – SFMTA initiated the Twin Peaks For All vision in 2020 to reconfigure vehicle circulation and to provide additional recreation space for the public. More information about this program, including surveys and reports , can be found on SFMTA’s Twin Peaks For All webpage .
  • 2024 – Completed trail improvements at Noe Peak and the switchback to the south. These were included as part of the approved concept design, but which were excluded from the Phase 1 project due to insufficient funding at the time.

Planned

  • Trail improvements to the trail down to Crestline Drive, the nearest Muni stop, and the neighborhood to the East (funded, to be completed in 2025).
  • Conversion of the closed eastern half of the Twin Peaks Boulevard “Figure 8” to a linear park “promenade” (still finalizing administration and design and working to secure funding).

Funding

  • 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond
  • 2010 Habitat Conservation Fund (Twin Peaks Trails Improvements) grant
  • 2013 Habitat Conservation Fund (Creeks to Peaks) grant (for trail improvements at Glen Canyon Park as well as at Twin Peaks)
  • Priority Conservation Area grants (2)
  • 2020 Health and Recovery Bond
  • 2022 Priority Conservation Area Grant through State Coastal Conservancy
  • 2022 California State Park Dept. Regional Program – Prop. 68
  • 2024 Recreation Trail Program (RTP) Grant

Project Schedule for Trail Improvements - P hase 1 (2013 - 2017)

Phase

Timeline

Construction of V-O-Cal Creeks to Peaks Trail

2013 - 2014

Construction of Crosswalks

2015

Construction of Trail Improvement Phase 1

2017

Open to the public

2017

Estimated Project Schedule for Trail Improvements - Phase 2 (Noe Peak and switchback) (2021 - 2025)

Phase

Timeline

Planning

2021

Design

2022

Construction

Early 2024 - Late 2024

Open to the public

Late 2024/Early 2025

Estimated Project Schedule for Trail Improvements - Phase 2 (Crestline Drive) (2021 - 2025)

Phase

Timeline

Planning

2021

Design

2022

Construction

Early 2025

Open to the public

Mid 2025

Estimated Project Schedule for Promenade/Roadway Conversion (2021 - 2026)

Phase

Timeline

Planning

2021

Design

2022

Construction

Mid 2025 - Late 2026

Open to the public

Early 2026

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Contact Us

Keri Ayers

Project Manager- Capital and Planning Division keri.ayers@sfgov.org Phone: (628) 652-6642 More Information