The SF Stair Challenge
5 miles. 2,000 steps. 100% pure fun!
Are you up for the Challenge?
Take on a unique, scenic physical challenge connecting some of San Francisco’s best stairways into one epic route!
The fourth annual SF Stair Challenge will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. This year’s secret route, crafted by our mastermind team of WalkLab volunteers, explores the incredible stairways of the Pacific Heights neighborhood. The total length is approximately five miles with roughly 2,000 stair steps, and will take most participants 3.5 to 4 hours to complete the self-guided loop route.
This year’s route includes:
- 30 staircases (big and small) that will delight and put your quads to the test
- Grand neighborhoods full of majestic homes with richly diverse architecture
- Jaw-dropping panoramic views stretching across the Bay and city skyline
- Bustling commercial corridors — beware of tempting detours!
- Vibrant murals and colorful public art surprises along the way
- Secret alleys and tucked-away passageways waiting to be discovered
Run or race the route or hike it at a leisurely pace. Do it solo or with friends and family. Walk it your way! But just don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience celebrating one of the best things about San Francisco.
Tickets
This self-guided walk will have timed releases onto the route during 30-minute windows from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Start time window options are available for selection during the ticket purchase process.
A ticket includes (provided at the event):
- An exclusive printed turn-by-turn map of the secret route
- Drinks and snacks along the route to keep hydrated and fueled
- A mini-celebration at the finish line
- A special keepsake for completing the 2026 SF Stair Challenge
Single and multiple tickets available. We encourage you to team up with friends and colleagues to make it the social event of the season!
Please note that the route includes uneven paths, dirt trails, steep hills and, of course, stairway climbs, as well as street terrain. Participants must be in good health, without any mobility limitations, and able to walk for several hours at a steady pace.
Feel great about your support of safe streets
This event will be a blast, plus all proceeds support Walk SF, a small nonprofit dedicated to making San Francisco the safest, most pedestrian-friendly city in the United States. Consider asking friends and family to support you in taking on the SF Stair Challenge!
Refund policy
Cancellations on or before Friday, April 17 will receive a full refund. Cancellations on or after April 18 will NOT receive a refund due to nonrefundable event costs for Walk SF. Contact events@walksf.org to request a refund.
Volunteers needed!
We need help at the big event. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, have fun, and support Walk SF. Learn more and sign up.
Thank you to our generous event sponsors!
Seeking sponsors and in-kind donations
The SF Stair Challenge is a great opportunity for your company to get its brand out there to a new, wider audience – plus support a better San Francisco.
Contact events@walksf.org for details about our range of sponsorship opportunities.
We are also seeking in-kind donations of snacks and drinks to keep participants energized along the route.
Info for Participants
Where to meet us: Alta Plaza Park in Pacific Heights on the north lawn at the top of the stairs at the Jackson and Pierce Streets entrance (above the playground and tennis courts if entering from Clay Street). The route is a loop that ends back at the park.
How to get there and away: Muni buses 1 California, 24 Divisadero, and 22 Fillmore have stops at or within two blocks of the park. There is street parking available in the surrounding neighborhood, but public transportation is encouraged, of course. Please check signs for any parking/time restrictions.
What time to arrive: Please arrive within your start time window that you selected during the ticket purchase process. We will release participants onto the route in stages. Start times are from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Registration opens at 8:00 AM (and not before). Note: Ticket info may show 8:00 AM for the event start time as that is the first window. Please do not arrive at that time unless you selected the 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM window.
What to bring: Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Dress in layers – the Challenge is rain or shine. IMPORTANT: Please bring a refillable water bottle. There are filling points at Alta Plaza Park, plus one park and our snack station along the route that are marked on the map you’ll receive. We’ll have coffee (bring your mug!) and snacks, but feel free to bring along your favorite goodies.
Dogs: We love our four-legged friends; they are welcome! Don’t forget to bring their supplies (leash, water bowl, snacks, and cleanup bags).
Restrooms: In addition to the ones at Alta Plaza Park, there are public restrooms available in another park along the route that is marked on the map you’ll receive.
Share your pics: Be in the running for special walking prize packs. Share on social with #SFStairChallenge and @walksf.
Questions? Contact events@walksf.org.