San Francisco, a city celebrated for its iconic hills and breathtaking vistas, often sparks the question: “What is the Steepest Street In San Francisco?” If you’ve ever turned to online search engines for a definitive answer, you’ve likely encountered outdated lists, perhaps even originating from the San Francisco Bureau of Engineering, seemingly frozen in time from the last century.
These older lists might present rankings that look something like this:
- Filbert between Leavenworth and Hyde (31.5% grade)
- 22nd between Church and Vicksburg (31.5% grade)
- Jones between Union and Filbert (29% grade)
- Duboce between Buena Vista and Alpine (27.9% grade)
- Jones between Green and Union (26% grade)
- Webster between Vallejo and Broadway (26% grade)
- Duboce between Alpine and Divisadero (25% grade)
- Jones between Pine and California (24.8 grade)
- Fillmore between Vallejo and Broadway (24% grade)
However, as any local or keen observer knows, this list feels incomplete. Many streets that appear demonstrably steeper are conspicuously absent. Consider Kearny Street just north of Broadway, for example – its incline is clearly formidable. The discrepancy highlights the need for a more accurate and contemporary ranking of San Francisco’s truly steepest streets.
To rectify this, we collaborated with data expert Stephen Von Worley. By integrating the detailed elevation data from the National Elevation Dataset with the street grid information from Open Street Maps, we’ve compiled a definitive and updated list. Prepare to be surprised – and perhaps challenged to a walk – by the real steepest streets San Francisco has to offer.
The Definitive Ranking: San Francisco’s Gnarliest Inclines
Here is the updated list of the steepest streets in San Francisco, presenting a true reflection of the city’s challenging topography:
1. Bradford Street above Tompkins: The Undisputed Champion (41% grade)
2. Romolo Street between Vallejo and Fresno: A Close Second (37.5% grade)
3. Prentiss Street between Chapman and Powhattan: Another Very Steep Contender (37% grade)
4. Nevada Street above Chapman: Consistently Steep (35% grade)
5. Baden Street above Mangels: Steep in the Southern Hills (34% grade)
6. Ripley Street between Peralta and Alabama: Making the Top Tier (31.5% grade)
7. 24th Street between De Haro and Rhode Island: Another 31.5% Grade Challenge (31.5% grade)
8. Filbert Street between Hyde and Leavenworth: The Familiar Face (31.5% grade)
9. 22nd Street between Vicksburg and Church: Also at 31.5% Grade (31.5% grade)
10. Broadway above Taylor: Rounding out the Top Ten (31% grade)
This revised list not only includes some familiar names like Filbert and 22nd Street but also introduces streets like Bradford, Romolo, and Prentiss, which are significantly steeper and perhaps less known to the average visitor. These are the streets that truly test your leg muscles and offer a unique San Francisco experience. So, next time someone asks you about the steepest street in San Francisco, you’ll have the accurate answer – and a whole new set of hills to explore.
