Sigmund Stern Grove

About four miles from downtown San Francisco, you and your pup will have a blast hiking on the nature trail at the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove. This 33-acre urban oasis is encircled with giant eucalyptus, redwood and fir trees, providing a peaceful and scenic place for you and your dog to hike without even leaving the city. You’ll love the sights of the sunlight filtering through the trees onto the lush grass that lines the trail.

You'll find this natural gem at the intersection of 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard. If you’re on foot, you and your pup can access the trail on the east end of the park from Sloat Boulevard, and also from four entry points on Wawona Street. If you’re driving, take the first right off 19th Avenue on to Stern Grove Entry Road and you'll find a small parking lot. In the middle of the park, just off Vale Avenue, there’s another small parking area, too. Parking is usually available in these lots except on weekends or when the park hosts a concert.

The Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove out-and-back trail meanders about mile and a half through this massive green space. You and your dog also have the option of making a lap around Pine Lake on the west end of the grove. It’s a scenic little spot where there are often geese, ducks and other waterfowl.

While dogs are required to be leashed on the trail, there is an off-leash area located about halfway down the trail. The Stern Grove Dog Park is an unfenced three-acre grassy area located near the center of the grove. This beautiful open space is relatively quiet during the week with more visitors on the weekend, as is true in the rest of the park, too. Be sure to clean up after your dog in the off-leash area and throughout the grove.

For a short hike with your dog through some stunningly gorgeous landscape, check out the Sigmund Stern Recreation Grove trail!