Urban
Hiking
Walks in or close to urban areas are very different from traditional hikes in
bay area parks, preserves, and wilderness areas. Typically, vegetation is disturbed
and you never get far enough from the city to enjoy peace and quiet. However,
there are parks right in San Francisco where you might see a skink basking in
the sunshine, a cottontail rabbit scampering through the brush, or a redtail
hawk snatching a pigeon from the ground. These urban parks are convenient locations
for dogwalking or exercise (you can even take public transportation to get there),
but use good judgment and proceed cautiously. Here are some tips.
Make sure you park legally. Lock your vehicle and leave anything valuable
at home.
Use caution around the trailhead. If there are suspicious-seeming people
hanging around, consider walking elsewhere.
Don't walk alone.
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