The 2026 SF Stair Challenge: epic ‘hoods, views, and stairs (PHOTOS!)
Another SF Stair Challenge climbed and conquered, and what a day it was.
This year’s adventure took us through Pacific Heights and the USF Lone Mountain campus for a route packed with grand staircases, secret passages, sweeping views, and plenty of glute-busting uphills.
We thought last year’s Bernal Heights route would be impossible to beat, but based on the many “This was incredible” comments (and more than a few “I think this topped last year”), we’re calling this one a success. Even longtime San Franciscans discovered hidden stairways, tucked-away paths, and views they’d never seen before. And to everyone who thought they already knew Pacific Heights: surprise! Turns out the neighborhood still had a few tricks up its sleeve.
A grand start with a deceptive opening twist
We kicked things off at Alta Plaza Park with its Grand Stairs making a dramatic first impression and setting the tone for the day: beautiful, iconic, and just a little intimidating.
At first, things felt easy. Maybe too easy. The route opened with a suspicious amount of downhill, which was fun for everyone until the majestic Spanish Steps up Lone Mountain when gravity kicked in.
From there, it was a steady climb back through some of the city’s most iconic staircases – Lyon, Baker, Fillmore, and Webster among them – with plenty of scenic payoff along the way.
The best parts were the ones you didn’t see coming
As always, much of the magic was in the hidden gems. There was the narrow little mystery tunnel of Goldberg Lane. The larger-than-life surprise of The Blues Evolution mural. The lush, peaceful pathways winding through Loyola Village. The delightful peekaboo downtown view waiting at the end of Normandie Terrace.
That’s the Stair Challenge special sauce: part workout, part celebration, part urban treasure hunt.
Familiar faces, fast finishers, and a few furry friends
More than 500 people signed up this year – our biggest crowd yet. We had veterans keeping their perfect attendance streak alive, solo adventurers, duos, friend groups, work teams, and families who turned the route into a moving block party.
One participant stumbled into the event while walking through the park, bought a ticket on the spot, and joined in. Another family of three heard about it on the radio that morning and came straight from across the bay.
Congrats to Katie and crew, who were once again the first to finish and have officially entered Stair Challenge legend.
And of course, the canine division showed up in force, with dogs either happily accompanying their humans or very clearly leading them.
Photos from the big day of stairs, sights, and miles of smiles
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One very special anniversary coming up
Next year marks the fifth anniversary of the SF Stair Challenge, and yes, we are already scheming.
We’re cooking up an extra-special route to celebrate the milestone, and you’re going to want in. Mark your calendars now: Saturday, May 8, 2027.
The thank-you lap
A huge and heartfelt thank-you to everyone who bought a ticket and made this our biggest Stair Challenge yet – whether you climbed every last stair with us or cheered us on from afar.
Your support powers Walk SF’s work to make our streets safer for everyone, of every age and ability. The Stair Challenge is our big spring fundraiser, and this joyful, glute-busting urban adventure helps fuel advocacy for safer, more walkable streets in our city.
Thank you to our superstar volunteers, who rose with the sun, kept things running smoothly, and brought the energy from start to finish and helped out in the office, too.
Endless appreciation to WalkLab, the all-volunteer route-building dream team behind every Walk SF adventure. And another standing ovation for Eric Chase, architect of this year’s route masterpiece.
A big thank-you as well to our generous in-kind donors: Browser Books, Ghirardelli Chocolate, JAMBAR, and Other Avenues Grocery Cooperative. Thank you for keeping our challengers fueled up and happy.
And finally, thank you to our event sponsors for making Walk SF’s events possible, plus the Friends of Alta Plaza Park and the University of San Francisco for their support and SF Recreation & Park for hosting us.
