Corona Heights Park

Corona Heights Park is a 16-acre urban park located in the Castro and Corona Heights neighborhoods of San Francisco, California. The park is situated immediately south of Buena Vista Park and is bounded by Flint Street to the east, Roosevelt Way to the north, and 16th Street to the south.

The park's most distinctive feature is its rocky summit, which offers panoramic 360-degree views of San Francisco, including the downtown skyline, Bay Bridge, and Twin Peaks. The base of the hill starts at approximately 300 feet (91 m) above sea level, while the peak extends to 520 feet (160 m).

Corona Heights Park has a rich history, dating back to the 1800s when it was the site of a quarry and brick factory. The Gray Brothers operated the quarry until 1915, excavating Franciscan chert bedrock and producing bricks. Today, the park's exposed red chert rocks and steep terrain are remnants of this industrial past.

The park features a network of hiking trails, including a one-mile trail that winds around the hill and leads to the summit. These paths consist of fairly stable but sometimes steep dirt trails, with box step staircases scattered throughout. The trail leading to the 15th Street tennis courts is particularly challenging, with steep terrain and loose gravel.

Corona Heights Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna. In spring, the grasslands are carpeted with wildflowers, including checkerbloom, California poppy, footsteps of spring, Douglas iris, mule's ears, and Johnny jump-up. The park is also home to native reptiles such as northern and southern alligator lizards and garter snakes. Birdwatchers can spot red-tailed hawks, common ravens, and various songbirds.

At the base of the park, visitors will find the Randall Museum, a community museum focusing on science, nature, and the arts. The museum adds an educational component to the park, making it a popular destination for families and school groups.