Resources for curious minds

San Francisco Aerial Views
David McClure's Neighborhoods of San Francisco
Pease Press Walker's Map of San Francisco
San Francisco Bike Map and Walking Guide
Adah Bakalinsky's Stairway Walks in San Francisco book

Fits and starts

Street:
Melrose Avenue

Intersection of Foerster and Foerster, pointing the way to a segment of Melrose. Almost as confusing in person.

Neighborhoods:
Sunnyside, Miraloma Park, and Westwood Highlands
Length:
From Congo-Sunnyside Rec Center steps (at Teresita): 0.25 mile; from Foerster-Mangels: 0.24 mile; from Sunnyside Playground-west: 0.07 mile
From:
Congo to Mangels, with an extra stub off Foerster (interrupted at Teresita)
Character:
Residential
Curious bits:
Melrose is unremarkable between Congo and Teresita. At Teresita it is effectively interrupted and doesn't regain its name again until the end of a spur of Foerster. Additionally, there is a separate two block segment of Melrose that runs from Sunnyside Playground, across Foerster and uphill in a short balloon cul de sac. I always wondered about this odd arraignment; maybe prior to the Sunnyside Playground the street was contiguous? With modern technology it's easy to navigate this street, but in the past Melrose must have bewitched delivery services.
Starting coordinates:
37°44'1.63"N 122°26'31.48"W (Melrose at Congo)

From the intersection of Foerster and Melrose, looking downhill to the balloon-shaped spur of Melrose. In the distance to the east views to the Sunnyside Rec Center and Teresita (on the left).

Walk it:
Parking is often scarce on Melrose at Congo; use patience to find a spot close by. From Congo, walk up Melrose, enjoying the views south. At the intersection with Teresita, bear left. After about 150 feet turn left again, and walk down the steps into the Sunnyside Recreation Center. Continue downhill on the paved path through the playground, then pick up Melrose again at the gate. After one short block, turn right onto Foerster. Another short stub of Melrose staggers up the hillside to the west, cross the street and walk up and back down if you like. Continue north on Foerster, one block past Teresita. Turn left onto a spur of Foerster. The narrow street ascends steeply. At a bend, the street morphs into Melrose. Look downhill here for a view of the balloon spur part of Melrose. Push on uphill, past the intersection with Stanford Heights. At Gennessee there are sweeping views south, past City College. Keep going on a relatively flat stretch of Melrose to end of the street at Mangels. Retrace your steps, or turn left onto Mangels and walk back to the intersection with Congo.

A gated street and knockout views

Streets: 

Knockash Hill and Edgehill Way

One of the two gated streets in the City? Knockash Hill.

Neighborhood:
Forest Hill Extension
Length:
Knockash Hill: 0.13 mile, Edgehill Mountain path: 0.07 mile, Edgehill Way: 0.37 mile (additional 0.08 mile segment of Edgehill Way not walked)
From:
Knockash Hill begins at Ulloa Street and ends at Edgehill Mountain Open Space. Edgehill Way begins at Garcia Avenue.
Character:
Residential, almost surburban in parts.

Path through Edgehill Mountain Open Space

Curious bits:
Knockash Hill is gated, but accessible (during the day) to pedestrians. Edgehill Way feels like a neighborhood in Berkeley Hills, with a variety of houses built from the 1920s to the midcentury and beyond. Lots of trees, amazing views, and a very quiet street. Great for walking.
Starting coordinates:
37°44'31.59"N 122°27'25.46"W (Ulloa at Knockash Hill)

Edgehill Way, near the top of the hill

Walk it:
For a fantastic 0.9 mile balloon trek, start at the Knockash Hill gate. Walk to the left of the vehicle gate and uphill into a small development of townhouse-type residences. A mine once operated near the church on the right. At 0.13 mile, the street ends at Edgehill Mountain Open Space. Continue on the path through eucalyptus and Monterey pine and cypress woods uphill to a spur of Edgehill Way. Note the midcentury houses hanging off the hill on the left. At the intersection with Edgehill Way turn right (love that big iron bear here). The other end of this balloon street comes into view on the right -- stay to the left and ascend some more. Press on uphill, past a lovely white art deco house on the right.  The street crests. A wall on the left (enjoy the warning sign) does not block views south to Mount Davidson. A private drive breaks off to the right, accessing the highest houses, which enjoy an elevation near 780 feet and the views that come with it. The street passes under some cypress trees which block views west. This stretch feels far from the City. Edgehill Way curves back to the right and meets itself. Turn left and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.