Glen Canyon Trails Improvement Project

Background

Beyond Glen Canyon Park’s recreation center, ball field, and tennis courts lies a large urban canyon that has incredible spring wildflower displays, dramatic rock (chert) formations, and Islais Creek, one of the few remaining free-flowing creeks in San Francisco. This 60 acres of wilderness, formerly referred to as the San Miguel Hills, not only provides critical habitat for a wide array of wildlife, but serves as a relaxing sanctuary from the city’s urban bustle. An extensive network of hiking trails leads through a variety of habitats, from the lush creekside vegetation to the rocky grass- and scrublands of the canyon’s steep eastern slope, where a profusion of wildflowers blooms each spring.

Scope of Work

The Glen Canyon Trail Restoration project repaired existing trails and steps, provided fencing for public safety and to protect sensitive habitat areas, added erosion control measures, worked to restore native plant communities, and added wayfinding signage. The existing trails were in poor condition and in need of restoration. The trail restoration:

• Improved safety
• Repaired retaining edges
• Addressed seeps and wet areas to improve pedestrian access
• Addressed invasive plant and hazardous tree removal
• Enhanced the trail experience in Glen Canyon Park by retaining the rustic quality of the trail

Funding Source

• 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood Parks Bond: $900,000
• 2008 Habitat Conservation Fund (Glen Canyon Park Islais Creek Restoration Project) grant: $157,000
• 2010 Habitat Conservation Fund (Creekside Loop Trail Improvements) grant: $163,587
• 2013 Habitat Conservation Fund (Creeks to Peaks) grant (for trail improvements at Twin Peaks as well as at Glen Canyon): $130,000