Twin Peaks (San Francisco, California)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Twin Peaks | |
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 The Twin Peaks |
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| Elevation | 922 feet (281 m) [1] |
| Listing | San Francisco Hill[1] |
| Location | |
  Twin Peaks
location of Twin Peaks in California
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| Location | San Francisco, California, United States |
| Coordinates | 37°45′06″N 122°26′52″W / 37.75167°N 122.44778°WCoordinates: 37°45′06″N 122°26′52″W / 37.75167°N 122.44778°W [2] |
| Topo map | USGS San Francisco North 37122G4 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Paved Road, Hike |
| Twin Peaks | |
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| Type | Municipal (San Francisco) |
| Location | San Francisco |
| Size | 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] situated at the geographic center of San Francisco, California. They form the second highest point in San Francisco, after Mount Davidson.[3]
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[edit] Location & Climate
The two peaks have a north-south orientation and are divided by Twin Peaks Boulevard, which is the only road leading up to the summit. Twin Peaks also form a prominent divider for the summer coastal fog pushed in from the Pacific Ocean. Due to this unique geographical condition, their west-facing slopes generally receive substantial fog and strong winds, while the east-facing slopes usually receive more sun and warmth.[3] Elevation of the peaks ranges from 600 feet (180 m) to over 900 feet (270 m). Thin, sandy soil is commonplace on Twin Peaks, making them more susceptible to erosion.[3]
[edit] History
Before the arrival of the Europeans, the native Ohlone people may have used Twin Peaks as a lookout or hunting ground. [1] The ecological diversity of Twin Peaks provided medicinal or ceremonial plants, grains and berries. [2] When the Spanish conquistadors and settlers arrived beginging in the 18th century, they called the area “Los Pechos de la Choca” or "Breasts of the Indian Maiden" and devoted the area to ranching. [3] When San Francisco passed under American control during the 19th Century, it was renamed "Twin Peaks".
[edit] Attractions & Characteristics
The peaks each have their own names: Eureka Peak/North Peak and Noe Peak/South Peak.[4] 100ft 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][4]
To the north sits one of the city's many reservoirs. It is owned by the San Francisco Fire Department, and provides drinking water to nearby residences and local fire stations.
The summit of Twin Peaks remain mostly undeveloped. They were designated as part of the 31 acres (130,000 m2) Twin Peaks Natural Area,[5] 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.
 The view of downtown San Francisco from Twin Peaks. |
 The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Twin Peaks. |
 Aerial photo of Twin Peaks |
 San Francisco Downtown, and Golden Gate Bridge early morning panorama from Twin Peaks. |
 San Francisco panorama from Twin Peaks. |
 San Francisco at night from Twin Peaks. |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c "Twin Peaks, California". Peakbagger.com. http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1189. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
- ^ "Twin Peaks". Geographic Names Information System. U.S. Geological Survey. http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=gnispq:3:::NO::P3_FID:236709. Retrieved 2010-01-18.
- ^ a b c d e f San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department (2006). It is one of San Francisco's 44 hills, and one of its original "Seven Hills." "Twin Peaks," section 6.8 of Significant Natural Resources Areas Management Plan. Retrieved April 21, 2007.
- ^ Kelly, Colleen.Twin Peaks: San Francisco's Best View, sftravel.com.
- ^ Southeastern Natural Areas, Natural Area Program, San Francisco Recreation & Park.
[edit] External links
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