Mount Sutro, Forest-covered summit in San Francisco, United States
Mount Sutro is a forest-covered summit in San Francisco that rises approximately 911 feet above sea level. The open space reserve features several hiking trails winding through dense eucalyptus groves and offering views across the city.
The hill was originally barren until the late 1800s when Mayor Adolph Sutro started planting trees there during an Arbor Day event in 1886. His effort to reforest the land transformed it from a bare slope into the wooded summit seen today.
The summit meadow displays native California plants that change colors and blooms with each season. Visitors naturally observe local vegetation during their walks and gain insight into what grows naturally in this corner of the city.
The terrain is easy to explore on foot, with parking available near street entrances along main roads. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for changing weather, especially when fog rolls in.
The site sits within a natural fog zone where trees absorb much of their moisture directly from the air rather than the ground alone. This creates a woodland microclimate quite different from the rest of the city below.
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