This was the second in a series of three caches that involve
significant hill climbs (and the resulting views), but is the only
one that remains. See also:Stairmaster?
We don't need no steeeeenking Stairmaster and Gee,
those are big letters. Be prepared for a workout, wear
comfortable shoes with good traction, and bring water.
The easiest (but not only) way to the cache involves going up to
the top of Mt. Sutro (908 ft), then seeking the trailhead from
there. Part of the challenge of the cache is finding public access
to Mt. Sutro (especially if you're burdened with an automobile).
Inside the hint below you'll find good directions that do not
involve UCSF.
Mount Sutro, despite being one of San Francisco's tallest hills,
has absolutely no view. The area at the top was formerly a missle
facility. Now it is a nice cleared flat area with some newly
planted native flowers, surrounded by eucalyptus trees. It's
beautiful when the fog is rolling in.
But it's the dense forested areas surrounding the peak that are
interesting. The hillsides were planted with eucalyptus by Adolf
Sutro in the 19th Century. The trees, some of which have now grown
to well over 100' tall, sway and creak (and sometimes fall) in the
breeze. This forested area is a fine example of non-native
vegitation taking over an area. Elderberries? Tropical Ferns? 50
foot Climbing Vines? Orchids? Blackberries? Lush forest-floor Ivy?
In San Francisco? Yes. Under the canapy of Eucalyptus, a strangely
tropical environment is thriving. It's like nothing else in The
City
The trees, however, are reaching the end of their natural
lifespan, and they're not naturally re-planting (partially because
of the density of the forest floor). Many trees have fallen. The
future of this area is somewhat unclear. As more trees fall,
presenting new risks to hikers, public access is likely to be even
further restricted. Visit while you can.
Bonus nearby Location: There is a long, if simple, staircase
starting at: N37:45.252 W122:27.487, climbing up two blocks to 97
Crestmont St. When the wildflowers are blooming, this staircase is
as beautiful to the nose as it is to the eyes.
Here's some more Nike
missle information
And here's the UCSF
Mount Sutro Management Plan which describes what UCSF is doing
to maintain Mount Sutro, bring native plants back to the area, and
keep things open and safe for hikers.