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All the United States California San Francisco Philosopher’s Way
AO Edited

Philosopher’s Way

Around the perimeter of San Francisco’s second-largest park is a meandering 2.7-mile path designed to inspire contemplation.

San Francisco, California

Added By
Scott Mansfield
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The path features a spectacular view of downtown San Francisco.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
The path features a spectacular view of downtown San Francisco.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
The musing tiles invite viewers to contemplate.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
Several benches sit next to the trail.   Drpaluga
This plaque marks the beginning of the trail.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
The musing tiles are scattered along the route.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
Follow the trail markers.   Scott Mansfield / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Solvitur ambulando is a Latin phrase often attributed to the Greek philosopher Diogenes and it translates to “It is solved by walking.” Around the perimeter of McLaren Park, San Francisco’s second largest—after the more famous Golden Gate Park—is a meandering 2.7-mile path designed to inspire contemplation for the solo saunterer, discussion for two or more, and spectacular views for everyone.

San Francisco’s Philosopher’s Way was modeled on earlier paths in three other cities. In the hills above Heidelberg, the path overlooks the old town and castle; in Kyoto, the path follows a cherry-lined canal; Toronto’s traces the route of an underground stream. San Francisco's path traverses open fields and twists among towering Eucalyptus, scrubby Oaks, and moss-adorned Cypress. Where the path skirts an open hillside, walkers can enjoy views of Angel Island, Mount Davidson, Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, and Twin Peaks. 

Interspersed along the path are 14 black granite tiles called “musing stations” etched with quotations, snatches of poetry, explanations of the adjacent flora, and bits of local history. There are also benches to relax and connect with nature. At the various intersections are 62 stone markers with arrows pointing out the main trail. The markers are handy as some paths are shortcuts.

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Parks Hiking

Know Before You Go

Although you can access the trail from many places in the park, the official trailhead is next to a parking lot at 1229 Mansell Street. Sections of the path are wheelchair-accessible.

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Added By

Scott Mansfield

Published

September 23, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.kalw.org/show/crosscurrents/2019-09-25/walking-the-philosophers-way
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosopher%27s_Way,_San_Francisco
Philosopher’s Way
1229 Mansell St
San Francisco, California, 94134
United States
37.718234, -122.41281
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