Streetsblog San Francisco

Tomorrow is the early-registration deadline for Walk San Francisco's fifth annual Peak to Peak Walk, a 12-mile challenge designed give even avid walkers a workout. The fully guided walking tour features some of the city's finest vistas, covering 15 peaks in total, and will help the organization raise money for its pedestrian safety and advocacy work. The walk will begin at West Portal station, starting first with Mt. Davidson and wending its way across the city towards Coit Tower.

"It's a great way to see the city," said Manish Champsee, WalkSF's president. "It's a great way to see areas of the city you might not have known about. It's a great way to see the beauty of the city."

Gourmet lunch at the Panhandle, a map of the route, and one-year membership in WalkSF are also included. The early bird registration fee is $50, and $65 after tomorrow.

Local architect and SFBC board member David Baker is a veteran of the walk. "This is a great urban hike," said Baker. "It's a mindset-changer to walk from one side of town to another through San Francisco's unique neighborhoods, stopping for breathtaking views from Twin Peaks, Telegraph Hill, and Mt. Olympus."

Nathan Brennan, who has been on the walk, gave another testimonial. "I enjoyed different neighborhoods while discovering pathways and stairways I never knew existed," said Brennan. "During the day each climb rewards you with a panoramic view of the City, bay or ocean."

Champsee said that the walk has drawn many people back year after year. "We have people who've done it every single year," he said. "They find out about it, they do it, and then they keep doing it."

WalkSF's Fifth Annual Peak to Peak Walk, October 24, 2009. Early-registration deadline: October 9 ($50). Regular registration deadline: October 22 ($65).