PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, May 1, 2026
CONTACT: Jodie Medeiros, Executive Director, Walk SF, jodie@walksf.org, 415.596.1580; Marta Lindsey, Communications Director, Walk SF, marta@walksf.org, 617.833.7654
Hundreds to take on 2,000-stair-step ‘challenge’ in celebration of San Francisco’s public stairways
San Francisco, Calif. – Tomorrow, Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7:30AM – 1:30PM, more than 500 hikers will take on the ‘SF Stair Challenge,’ an annual event hosted by nonprofit Walk SF that celebrates San Francisco’s 900+ public stairways.
This year’s event will take participants along a five-mile route connecting 30 stairways in the Pacific Heights neighborhood. It features many grand stairways, vibrant public murals, and panoramic views of the city skyline. Learn more about the SF Stair Challenge.
While other tourist attractions get more attention, San Francisco’s stairways are one of the most unique and popular ways to experience the city’s neighborhoods and views.
Walk SF created this event in 2023 to celebrate stairways and introduce more people to them. It has since become an attraction in itself, with some participants traveling from great distances to do the SF Stair Challenge. But it’s the sheer number of locals who love the event that speaks to how unique and original the SF Stair Challenge, with routes that surprise even the most experienced urban hikers and long-time residents.
NOTE: Photos and videos of this year’s route are already available if you want to do a preview story. Contact Fiona on Friday, May 1 at fiona@walksf.org.
Time: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 7:30AM – 1:30PM. Participants will start the route from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM, departing from Alta Plaza Park.
Location: The route begins at Alta Plaza Park and loops around the Pacific Heights neighborhood. There are many highly photogenic locations on staircases along the route (see below).
Visuals:
- Hundreds of people hiking up and down 30 of San Francisco’s best public stairways. This includes families, seniors, serious fitness folks, and more.
- Volunteers with signs cheering on participants along the route. One volunteer will be dressed as ‘Zoey the zebra’, Walk SF’s mascot for safer intersections who will help people cross dangerous Geary Boulevard.
Route Highlights
- The grand staircase down to Clay at Alta Plaza Park
- The Spanish Steps up to Lone Mountain at USF
- The Lyon Street Steps
- Goldberg Alley and Cottage Row off Fillmore
- The Blues Evolution murals at the Hamilton Recreation Center on Steiner and Post
Photos and videos will be available after the event. Contact Marta at 617.833.7654.
Background
San Francisco has more than 900 public stairways and is one of the world’s premier stairway cities. The hills, stairways, and views offered by San Francisco’s stairways are one of the most iconic and unique features of our city. These stairways serve as important public spaces and places to exercise. Many are decorated with mosaics and are supported by community groups.
In 2024, District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman officially designated October as San Francisco Stairway Month.
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Walk San Francisco (‘Walk SF’) advocates on behalf of all pedestrians in San Francisco. Since its founding in 1998, Walk SF has successfully pushed for solutions to design and enforce streets where people of all ages and abilities are safe walking. Learn more.