Twin Peaks, San Francisco, California

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San Francisco panorama from Twin Peaks
San Francisco panorama from Twin Peaks
The Twin Peaks.
The Twin Peaks.
The view of downtown San Francisco from Twin Peaks.
The view of downtown San Francisco from Twin Peaks.
The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Twin Peaks.
The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Twin Peaks.
Aerial photo of Twin Peaks
Aerial photo of Twin Peaks

The Twin Peaks (formerly named San Miguel Hills[1] because of the San Miguel land grant[2], Los Picos Gemelos in Spanish[3]) are two hills with an elevation of about 922 feet[3] that situated in the geographic center of San Francisco, California. They are the second highest point in San Francisco, after Mount Davidson.[4]

The two peaks have a north-south orientation and are divided by Twin Peaks Boulevard, which is the only road that leads up to the summit. Twin Peaks is also a prominent divider for the summer coastal fog pushed in from the Pacific Ocean. Due to this unique geographical condition, the west-facing slopes generally receive substantial fog and strong winds while the east-facing slopes usually receive more sun and warmth.[4] Elevation of the peaks ranges from 600 feet to over 900 feet. Thin sandy soil is commonplace on Twin Peaks, making it more susceptible to erosion.[4]

The hill is littered with many telecommunication towers that provide transmission of television and radio signals. The most prominent radio tower is the Sutro Tower, which can seen from across the bay. To the north sits one of the city's many reservoirs. They are owned by the San Francisco Fire Department, and provide drinking water to nearby residences and local fire stations. On the top of Twin Peaks is the popular vista point known locally as the Christmas Tree Point that offers unobstructed views of most San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay.[4][5]

Aside from the radio towers and reservoirs, the surrounding areas on top of Twin Peaks remain mostly undeveloped. It was designated as part of the 31 acres Twin Peaks Natural Area[3], managed and owned by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.[4] This preserved area is home to many natural resources and wildlife. As part of the Mission blue butterfly habitat conservation, Twin Peaks is one the few remaining habitats for this endangered species. A wide variety of bird species, insects and vegetation also thrived in the area.[4]

The Muni Metro Twin Peaks Tunnel runs beneath the Twin Peaks, linking Downtown San Francisco with West Portal and the southwestern part of the city. There is no public transportation service directly to the summit of the peaks, but the 37 Corbett Muni line stops near a path that goes up the hills on Crestline Drive.

The name Twin Peaks can also be applied to the neighborhood.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Winaker, Pearl & Winn, C. Bernard."History of Islais Creek", islaiscreek.org.
  2. ^ Gudde, Erwin (2004). California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names. University of California Press, pp. 341. ISBN 0520242173. 
  3. ^ a b c Southeastern Natural Areas, Natural Area Program, San Francisco Recreation & Park.
  4. ^ a b c d e f San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (2006). "Twin Peaks," section 6.8 of Significant Natural Resources Areas Management Plan. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
  5. ^ Kelly, Colleen.Twin Peaks: San Francisco's Best View, sftravel.com.

[edit] External links

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