Twin Peaks

Although the name Twin Peaks has been pinched by David Lynch’s bizarre but brilliant TV series, San Francisco’s Twin Peaks had it first. These two prominent hills are found near the geographic centre of San Francisco and rise to nearly 300m. Each peak has its own name - Eureka and Noe - and they stand about 200 metres apart. The Twin Peaks Boulevard runs a dizzying figure of eight around them.

‘Christmas Tree Point’ can be found about 20 metres below the North Peak and provides some of the best views to be had of San Francisco and San Francisco Bay. On a clear day you can see Santa Ana Mountain, 143km to the southeast. But you must explore the entire area to get the full feel for San Francisco. If you’re lucky, you will see the famous fog that blankets the city. Sometimes you can catch it rolling in off the Pacific. If the fog is low, you can watch the sun beat over it as it envelops the city; if it’s high, it may climb up and tumble over the Twin Peaks themselves.

The top of the two mountains remain undeveloped. These natural areas have been preserved to protect their wildlife. Twin Peaks is in fact one of the last remaining habitats for the Mission blue butterfly. Lower down you can hike through protected areas too, and see what they looked like before animal grazing changed them forever. Expect strong winds as you walk among coyote brush, lizard tail and lupine, with white-crowned sparrows and brush rabbits eyeing you carefully.