Twin Peaks (San Francisco)

Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks
Highest point
Elevation	NAVD 88
Listing	San Francisco Hill
Coordinates
Geography
Twin Peaks is located in San Francisco County Twin Peaks Location of Twin Peaks in San Francisco
Location	San Francisco, California, U.S.
Topo map	USGS San Francisco North
Climbing
Easiest route	Paved road, hike

Twin Peaks
Type	Municipal (San Francisco)
Location	San Francisco
Area	34 acres (14 ha)
Operated by	San Francisco Recreation & Parks
Status	Open all year

The Twin Peaks are two hills with an elevation of about 925 feet (282 m) near the geographic center of San Francisco, California. Except for Mount Davidson, they are the highest points in the city.

Location and climate

The North and South Twin Peaks are about 660 ft (200 m) apart; Twin Peaks Boulevard runs a figure eight around them. The peaks form a divide for the summer coastal fog pushed in from the Pacific Ocean. Their west-facing slopes often get fog and strong winds, while the east-facing slopes receive more sun and warmth. Elevation at each summit is just over 900 feet (270 m). Thin, sandy soil is commonplace on Twin Peaks, making them susceptible to erosion.

History

Twin Peaks Boulevard, 1920

Before the arrival of the Europeans, the native Ohlone people may have used Twin Peaks as a lookout or hunting ground. The ecological diversity of Twin Peaks provided medicinal or ceremonial plants, grains and berries. When the Spanish conquistadors and settlers arrived at the beginning of the 18th century, they called the area "Los Pechos de la Chola" or "Breasts of the Indian Maiden" and devoted the area to ranching. When San Francisco passed under American control during the 19th century, it was renamed "Twin Peaks".

Attractions

Each peak has its own name: Eureka Peak/North Peak and Noe Peak/South Peak. 70 ft (21 m) below the Eureka/North Peak is the vista point known as 'Christmas Tree Point' that has views of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay. The view to the north extends no farther than Cobb Mountain () 120 km away, but looking southeast down the Santa Clara Valley on a clear day, Santa Ana Mountain is just visible 143 km away.

To the north is one of the city's many reservoirs. It is owned by the San Francisco Fire Department, and supplies water to the Fire Department's independent HPFS water system for fighting fires, established after the 1906 earthquake and fire.

The top of Twin Peaks is undeveloped. It is part of the 31 acres (13 ha) Twin Peaks Natural Area, managed and owned by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department. These preserved areas are home to many natural resources and wildlife. As part of the Mission blue butterfly habitat conservation, Twin Peaks is one of the few remaining habitats for this endangered species. Many bird species, insects and vegetation thrive in these areas.

The Muni Metro Twin Peaks Tunnel runs beneath Twin Peaks, linking Downtown San Francisco with West Portal and the southwestern part of the city. There is no public transportation all the way to the top of the Peaks, but the 37 Corbett Muni line stops on Crestline Drive near a path up the hill.

The San Francisco Police Department Academy is at the base of the peaks.

The name 'Twin Peaks' is also applied to the surrounding neighborhood.

View of San Francisco

See also

• 49-Mile Scenic Drive
• List of San Francisco, California Hills

External links

• Twin Peaks-Lake Merced travel guide from Wikivoyage