PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2025
CONTACT:Marta Lindsey, Communications Director, Walk SF, marta@walksf.org, 617-833-7654 (cell); Jodie Medeiros, Executive Director, Walk SF, jodie@walksf.org, 415-596-1580 (cell)
500 people will take on ‘challenge’ connecting 36 stairways in Bernal Heights in a celebration of San Francisco’s 900+ public stairways
San Francisco, Calif. – Tomorrow, Saturday, May 3, 2025 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 36 stairways in the Bernal Heights neighborhood. It features many colorful tiled stairways, public art, the steepest street in San Francisco, and panoramic views of the 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 enjoy the city. Walk SF created this event in 2023 to celebrate stairways and introduce more people to them. The SF Stair Challenge has become the organization’s biggest fundraiser.
Time: Saturday, May 2, 2025, 7:30AM – 1:30PM. Participants will start the route from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM, departing from Garfield Square.
Location: The route begins at Garfield Square and loops around the Bernal Heights neighborhood (link to map). There are many highly photogenic locations along the route (see below).
Visuals:
- Hundreds of people hiking up and down 36 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 a zebra to help people cross dangerous Cesar Chavez Avenue.
Route Highlights
- Bradford Street, the steepest street in San Francisco
- Esmeralda Corridor, a lush stairway that features a hillside slide
- Virginia Garden Walk, a mini-garden featuring a 13-panel mural by artist Amos Goldbaum
- Mullen & Peralta Mini Park, which features a sweeping view of downtown San Francisco
- The Tompkins Stairway Garden, a hillside garden featuring a colorful, tiled stairway
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.
Last year, District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman officially designated October 2024 as the first-ever San Francisco Stairway Month.
# # #
Walk San Francisco (‘Walk SF’) advocates for streets that are safe for everyone who walks. On average, three people are hit each day while walking in San Francisco. Since our founding in 1998, Walk SF has been leading the way to make San Francisco a pedestrian-first city where people of every age and ability can walk safely. Learn more.