| Twin Peaks | |
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The Twin Peaks |
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| Elevation | 922 ft (281 m) [1] |
| Listing | San Francisco Hill[1] |
| Location | |
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Twin Peaks
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| Location | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Coordinates | [2] |
| Topo map | USGS San Francisco North |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Paved road, hike |
| Twin Peaks | |
|---|---|
| Type | Municipal (San Francisco) |
| Location | San Francisco |
| Area | 34 acres (0.14 km2; 0.053 sq mi) |
| Status | Open all year |
The Twin Peaks are two hills with an elevation of about 922 feet (281 m)[1] near the geographic center of San Francisco, California. Except for Mount Davidson, they are the highest points in the city.[3]
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The North and South Twin Peaks are about 200 meters apart; Twin Peaks Boulevard runs a figure eight around them. The peaks form a divide for the summer coastal fog pushed in from the Pacific Ocean. Their west-facing slopes often get fog and strong winds, while the east-facing slopes receive more sun and warmth.[3] Elevation at each summit is just over 900 feet (270 m). Thin, sandy soil is commonplace on Twin Peaks, making them susceptible to erosion.[3]
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the native Ohlone people may have used Twin Peaks as a lookout or hunting ground.[4] The ecological diversity of Twin Peaks provided medicinal or ceremonial plants, grains and berries.[4] When the Spanish conquistadors and settlers arrived at the beginning of the 18th century, they called the area "Los Pechos de la Chola" or "Breasts of the Indian Maiden" and devoted the area to ranching.[4] When San Francisco passed under American control during the 19th century, it was renamed "Twin Peaks".
The peaks each have their own names: Eureka Peak/North Peak and Noe Peak/South Peak.[4] 100 ft below the Eureka/North Peak is the popular vista point known locally as 'Christmas Tree Point', which offers unobstructed views of most San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay.[3][5]
To the north sits one of the city's many reservoirs. It is owned by the San Francisco Fire Department, and supplies water to the Fire Department's independent HPFS water system for fighting fires, established after the 1906 earthquake and fire.
The summit of Twin Peaks remain mostly undeveloped. They were designated as part of the 31 acres (130,000 m2) Twin Peaks Natural Area,[6] managed and owned by the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.[3] These preserved areas are 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 thrive in these areas.[3]
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 runs up the hills on Crestline Drive.
The San Francisco Police Department Academy is located at the base of the mountain range.
The name 'Twin Peaks' is also applied to the surrounding neighborhood.
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