I love this spot, it's the kind of community-driven joy that makes SF special. If you're going to run through Crissy Field to Fort Point, you've got to high five (or ten) the hands. There are paw prints for dogs too! Y'all about a little extra motivation boost halfway through a run. Lore is that these are maintained by the GGB Ironworkers. read more

Curiosity got the best of me. While going on my urban hikes in and around the Presidio, I've ended up here several times to enjoy the view and watch the surfers while eating my lunch. I noticed several joggers tapping their hands against the fence as soon as they reach the end then jog back out. I took a closer look and saw a metal sign with "Hoppers Hands" on the fence. There's an outline of a pair of hands painted in yellow against a black backdrop so it stands out. The color scheme is similar to the Pittsburg Steelers. There was even one on the bottom of the fence for dogs complete with doggie paws. It's painted in International Orange and the edges had worn off revealing the silver-colored metal sign. So I had to do some research on this phenomenon. Kevin Hopper works as an ironworker for the Golden Gate Bridge. He had access to off-limit areas when they placed the fence on this side of Fort Point to prevent and protect visitors from accidentally falling into the bay or being swept off by sneaker waves. When the fence was installed around the year 2000. he noticed that joggers would clap the newly-installed fence before turning around. He then had a bright idea of installing a sign to make it more welcoming and the initial sign was a simple black-colored hands on a white background. The sign was initially installed as a gag, but due to its popularity, it began to wear off from numerous and constant tapping from joggers and visitors alike. The signs eventually evolved into different iterations and even made one in the color of the 49ers. (Should've kept that color scheme) Hopper noticed that several of the joggers had their four-legged companions with them and they would also tap the sign. A lightbulb went up and he installed a doggie version just a few inches above the ground for the K9 joggers so they wouldn't feel excluded. The signs have become a unique and beloved part of San Francisco and particularly Fort Point, and something that I just discovered recently. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 59 read more

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"Every now and then I fall apart"... it's true for all of us, isn't it? Hopper's Hands bring new meaning not only to the Golden Gate Bridge, but also to one of the best/worst karaoke hits of all time. Many people know that SF's most iconic landmark is also the world's #1 suicide destination. Known to a lesser extent are the rescue volunteers, namely bridge construction workers, who are trained in saving jumpers and talking them out of losing themselves to the depths below. I know I for one was unaware of them, at least at the time I started doing the Hopper's Hands loop with my running group last year (I mean, it was kind of cool to high-ten some random hands at the halfway point of my run, but other than that it didn't mean all that much). Later I learned that Hopper was one of the workers who'd risk his own life many times over to salvage the lives of others. The pair of hands named for him on the chain link fence at historical Fort Point, at the base of the bridge, are meant to give hope to all who encounter them. They are there to remind us of Hopper's plea: turn around. The story behind the hands has definitely added a new layer of significance to my beloved bridge. But what's cooler is anything that allows me to combine my loves for running, dogs (look for the accompanying pup's paws!), so-awful-it's-awesome karaoke, and kindness. So turn around, bright eyes. read more

Hopper's Hands - Turn around, bright eyes... - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

Hopper's Hands... You gotta do it. Just put your mitts on it. You'll feel better... Put your hands on the plaque, take a moment then look up. Soak it all in.. You're looking at the most magnificent of bridges. Runners run to this point and touch the plaque and go on their way. Tourists take a pic of this plaque and of the dog paws below it to the right. Pretty cool, I think. Hopper's Hands is located just outside the entrance to Fort Point and as close to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge as you can get these days. They have K-rails and fencing to prevent people from walking around the exterior of Fort Point now because the bigger waves can wash people off. Check it out the next time you're in and around the Fort Point area. Make sure you put your hands on Hopper's Hands. read more

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Run up, touch, and turn around. Sounds silly, but when you are reaching the midpoint of a long run and the cold wind is blowing in your face, it is so easy to give in and turn around. But thanks to Mr. Hopper, there is something to think about and keep you going. I won't repeat the story that others have stated here. But I will say - hat's off to the iron workers and suicide volenteers that Hopper represents. The plaque gets occasional update - thanks guys (and girls) who take care of it. read more

Hopper's Hands - The latest version of the hands - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I first spotted Hopper's Hands during our March For Babies team's six-mile trek through the Presidio, shortly after giving birth to my preemie. Since then, my (now thriving) toddler hasn't been able to resist slapping Hopper's Hands with a double high 5 to signify the turn-around-point of our fun run. And I can never resist slathering her with Purell after. Germies, cooties, and heebiejeebies aside, the story behind Hopper's Hands is inspirational. Locals and tourists alike visit Fort Point, admiring the Civil War era masonry and bayviews of the Golden Gate Bridge. Many pause in between snapshots, curiously observing the endless stream of joggers who put their hands against the chain-link fence at the farthest end of Fort Point. Beside the "No Trespassing" sign where the sidewalk ends, a small placard is mounted. It reads "Hoppers Hands," with a life-sized tracing of Ken Hopper's own hands. Ken is a Golden Gate Bridge ironworker who's been called to rescue over 30 bridge jumpers in during his last 32 years of service. He painted this current (7th version) orange-and-black as a nod to our San Francisco Giants. Below the sign, a few feet to the right, is a smaller placard, with a pair of doggy paw prints for your four-legged friend to join in on the tradition. Whether it's out of curiosity, tradition, or inspiration, smack the plaque (and listen to your inner OCD voice, sanitize after). read more

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A run from Fort Mason through Crissy Field to the base of the Golden Gate is one of the best paths you can take on planet earth. Out here you're sure to be in awe of the scenery (maybe you'll even see a DOUBLE RAINBOW), but as you approach the bridge (the halfway point for most) you'll be hankering for a high five. Fortunately one of the bridge workers anticipated this need and put up some virtual hands for you and your pooch. We (me and Darwin) hit them every time, it's a religious experience. Make sure you Purelll afterwards :). Thanks Hopper! read more

A plaque of high-five hands located on the fenced gate at Fort Point. We saw joggers running up to it, high-fiving/tapping and turning and running back. What an inspiration to runners from whatever place they commenced their run. If you look down, there are also a set of paw prints at the bottom, which I thought were so adorable for runners and their four-legged friends. Of course, we all high-fived the pair of hands and even got my little puppy to high-five the paw prints. How could you not? It was like having our own little version of Mann Chinese theatre right there under the Golden Gate Bridge, complete with paw prints. After inquiring the background behind the hands, we found that "Hopper's Hands" are actually Golden Gate Bridge's iron workers that volunteer their time to suicidal victims attempting to jump off the bridge. What a moving and inspirational story behind these set of hands (and paws). Best views of the Golden Gate, turn around and you have wonderful views of the city and the Palace of Fine Arts.. and your cherry on top? High-five the hands of these great workers. You'll be moved! read more

This is very cute concept I discovered today while on a photography adventure. I was confused by at first and then I observed a number of runners touch Hoopers Hand. It is super cute and a great reward after a long walk or jog. read more

Hopper's Hands - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place has such a close view to the golden gate! I love it. It's just so beautiful. If you go on a weekend it's pretty crowded but the real reason why I put 4 stars is because there is a part of this area where there is no sidewalk and you have to walk on the road which is pretty dangerous. Other than that. Love it! read more

Hopper's Hands - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great view and beautiful scene to stop to enjoy. Definitely a must-visit in San Francisco. read more

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For the longest time, I've never known what Hopper's Hands were. I noticed them after running to the GG bridge and saw fellow runners touching the hands. As is the routine to my runs to the GG bridge, I found myself touching Hoppers Hands. I finally googled it this morning, I really appreciate the Hopper and his fellow Ironworkers for their tireless effort to help with suicide prevention, especially when it's on their own time. I noticed when I ran last week that there were doggie paws for dogs hands. I thought it was really cute, too bad I don't have a dog still...HIGH TEN! read more

Hopper's Hands is a small plaque that runners touch (high-five) upon getting to this point in their route. If you look down there's also some paw prints your dog can touch too if they're with you. (Most of these reviews are actually for Fort Point.) There's a cute story behind its origin that you can google. Here's a snippet from runnersworld.com -- "Hopper got the inspiration for the sign by watching, day after day, runners and walkers touch the fence, which was put up in December of 2000, before turning around. Wouldn't it be nice, he thought, if they had something more inspiring to touch than rusty chain-link or the "No Trespassing" or "Men at Work" signs on it? So, in 2000, he had the bridge's sign painter create a small plastic sign with a pair of high-five hands and affixed it to the fence." read more

Nothing beats a great high ten and Hopper's Hands will always be there to give you a great high ten day in and day out! Hopper's Hands was conceptualized by Ken Hopper, a Golden Gate Bridge ironworker for the last 30 plus years. Ken noticed that after a chain link fence was put up around the base of the south end of the Golden Bridge around December 2000 that runners and walkers would touch the fence before turning back around. He thought it would be nice if there was something more inspiring to touch rather than a rusty chain link fence or 'No Trespassing' signs So he asked the bridge's sign painter to create a small plastic sign with high ten hands and mounted it to the fence. Subsequently a pair of dog paws was created after Hopper noticed that a woman made her dog the fence below. The lettering "Hopper's Hands" was there until one of Hopper's coworker took it upon him to paint it on in 2003. I'm not sure which version Hopper's Hands is at currently, but there have been at least 7 versions as of 2013, with the 7th version traced from Hopper's own hands! The colors have also changed throughout the years and have time been painted in 49ers(red and gold) and Giants(black and orange) colors. LOCATION: Hopper's Hands is located at the base of the southern end of the Golden Bridge, right next to Fort Point. A popular way to get to Hopper's Hands is to jog through Crissy Field along the Golden Gate Promenade(Bay Trail). You can also jog there through some trails that run through the Presidio such as the California Coastal Trail (I actually first discovered Hopper's Hands through Strava, a running app, when I found Hopper's Hands listed as a landmark for the Presidio Trail Run. And if you're not to fancy about jogging, you can also drive there, since there are parking spots next to Fort Point. SERVICE: 5 Stars for being always there for you. INTERESTING NOTE: With the advent of commercial drones, a sign prohibiting the operation of drones is also amid the ranks of the 'NO TRESPASSING' sign and Hopper's Hands. For further reading regarding Hopper's Hands history: http://www.runnersworld.com/where-to-run/a-pair-of-helping-hands-under-the-golden-gate-bridge. read more

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Yesterday, I decided to take advantage of Karl the Fog's 15 minute union mandated break and head out for a nice 6 mile run. To where you ask? None other than Hopper's Hands at Fort Point. With the sun a shinin', I made my way through Crissy Field and the Presidio bound for my destination. The scenery on the way to Hopper's Hands is dumbfoundingly beautiful and makes me really happy that I live in such an amazing city. Seriously, what other major American city gives you unreal cityscapes and natural beauty within minutes of your front door? I digress. According to the Strava website, "Legend states that Hopper is a Golden Gate Bridge ironworker who noticed that runners were ritually tapping the fence as they turned around. He had a sign made with hands on it so people could slap the hands when they reached the end of the road." I didn't know any of this information before but, found it to be an interesting fact that is based in the 1930's. Pretty cool huh? Anyway, it was an amazing run. If you're down to get your sweat on and run for a purpose, it's a great destination. read more

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As goofy of a 3rd grade art project as this is, these little metallic hands could be the difference between grinding out the end of your run through Chrissy Field, or calling it quits early, only to turn back in the direction you just came from. It's the motivating force to keep you going and going... just like the Energizer Puppy. Or is that the Energizer Bunny? Eh, who cares.... Situated right at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge, actually making it to Hopper's Hands will be more rewarding than just about anything you do all day long. Upon arrival, you have a magnificent view of the Golden Gate Bridge as it gets closer and closer the nearer you get to Fort Point, you're treated to a sweet view of the waves in the Bay as they crash violently against the half-submerged boulders in the wet sand, and from a Southern California guy, it's cool to see people surfing through the pillars of the Golden Gate Bridge as well. Those kids are crazy, so I'll gladly just watch from a distance. It's an equally cool view of the Palace of Fine Arts with the cityscape in the background on the way back from Hopper's Hands as well (especially in the morning hours), so all-in-all, this is one of the best jaunts in the city. Oh - you might want to give the hands a sanitary shake, a.k.a. "knuckle pound." Unless, of course, you're jogging with hand sanitizer in tow. read more

Hoppers hands is pretty cool! You put your hands up against a plaque in the park and for some reason you feel really great about it! Whenever I'm in the Crissy Field area, I head over to put my handprints in this plaque. There's one for your dog to which I think is really cool! I highly recommend checking out hoppers hands next time you're in the area! read more

Run, touch Hopper's Hands, run back. Repeat if necessary.

I've been touching this plaque at the edge of the Fort Point parking lot for several months at the turnaround point for my run, but felt a little silly. If someone asked me what the hands were, why everyone touched them, and who "Hopper" was, it would have been embarrassing to admit that I didn't know! I decided to do a little research to get the story. (Well, it wasn't really "research" since I just Googled it...) The ironworkers on the Golden Gate Bridge have the skill, equipment, and courage to go over the rail, so they all participate in a suicide prevention program that helps save people who are about to commit suicide by jumping. "Hopper" is one of those brave guys and has personally saved at least 30 people. He noticed that runners would touch the fence before turning around, so he had the bridge sign-painter make the plaque with the hands. There's even another smaller one near the ground with paws for the doggies to "high ten"! Cool hands and a cool story! (I just have to keep mind over matter and not think about all the germs from everyone touching it...) read more

These hands encourage me to keep goin'. I love running up to them, touch them, turn around and run! On a nice day like today, it is gorgeous to run to Fort Point, under the Golden Gate Bridge and touch the Hopper's Hands (for doggies, there are paw prints too). Many runners touch them so you definitely have to wash your hands afterwards. I highly recommend all runners to run to the Hopper's Hands!! Tip: Try going there early in the day. Lots of tourists and tourists on bikes in the area. It can get annoying for a runner.... read more

I love quirky things and this is one of them. It's totally a runner's thing to run out to the Hopper's hands and high five them but it's beautiful out there and I'm glad I'm part of a little cult of runners that knows these exist. Just try not to think of how dirty these things are from every runner who has run there over the years. I may have to go over there one of these days and wipe it down. read more

time for an update. back in march of 2009 when i wrote my initial review i had only visited hopper when i walked the 6 miles from home to the hands and back. this was also back in the day when running 2 miles seemed ambitious. since then (about a year and a half later), i've taken up triathlons and marathons and now running to the hands and back is more of a morning ritual. thinking of hopper got me through the early mornings when it was still dark outside, and now with daylight savings i've seen many sunrises on the path to this turn-around. i love the story of hopper and the whole crissy field area really makes me appreciate living in the marina. read more

This thin metal plaque is responsible for making me run so many extra miles: if I'm having an off day and I've already started on my 8 mile Crissy field loop, I ALWAYS have to touch Hopper's Hands before I can turn around. Its an obsession at this point. I hear the story is that he talked down many people down from committing suicide. Cool. Running to Hopper's Hands always motivates me. read more

It feels so good to touch these hands after a long run to the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. You deserve the reward. Only 4 stars though because you just know they are full of germs... read more

They're plastic hands, you high five em when you run up to it as a sort of "start, finish, or milestone", and they even have some for your dog underneath. It's kind of a cool piece of history, though I'm not really sure what the history is. Sure I could google it, but I almost like the mystery and intrigue of not knowing or that I could make up any story I want. Back in the early 1900s, there lived a man named Gatticus Hopper who lived on the Alcatraz island, long before the prison was built. He had a taken a young woman named Goldie for his wife (though unofficial) and they had sex like rabbits producing a dozen kids over a decade. Contrary to popular belief, Alcatraz was a self sustained paradise in those days, with its own unique wildlife and vegetation, and the Hopper family lived life like Adam and Eve, all natural and nude, feeding off the land. Back in the 1930s, the city came in to terraform the island to make it a center point of a tri-bridge which would connect San Francisco, Marin, and Oakland. Finding an army of a nude Hopper clan hostile to the workers, the city asked the army to go in and forcibly remove the native people of the island. In a surprising feat, the Hopper clan repelled them with their uniquely crafted weapons, clever Home Alone-style island traps, and seductive trickery of the infamous Hopper daughters. They had also managed to tame the dinosaurs, yes dinosaurs, on the island to fight for them, which helped shape an overwhelming victory for the family. Embarrassed, the city of San Francisco asked the Hopper family to forget the incident and offered them monetary compensation. Gatticus refused their offer as money was useless to them, but made a counter offer. He and his family would agree to keep quiet if he could go and high five everyone in san francisco. He was an eccentric man, and the the city officials were dumbstruck. They told Gatticus this was impossible but to get the project done and get this sillyness over with, they told him they had a better idea. The bridges were to be redesigned to be as far away from Alcatraz as possible, and to keep Gatticus and his family happy, they named their project the Golden Gate bridge and put the Hopper's Hands under it which, upon Gatticus's death, would hold inside his very hands so that he may high five everyone for centuries to come. Gatticus died, and per agreement, his hands were made as part of the plaque. Then one day, they firebombed the Alcatraz island and made it a big ol' prison. Sucks. Pro: You get to high five a legend. Con: You're touching everyone's dirty hands before you. read more

Great turn-around point when on a run and needing a destination to run to. Hooper's hands is a small plaque at the end of the roadway/parking area at Fort Point. Eye level on a chain link fence these hands have high "tened" a lot of people. Runners would come right up and tag them and run back to where ever. They are still Orange& black...woot woot!! Also there a plaque for your pooch too! Oh and I wasn't worried about germs. There's a bathroom right across the way. read more

Hopper's Hands - Public Art Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Hopper's Hands are two metal hands suspended on a chain link fence just to the side of Fort Point, in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge. On your run, you're supposed to run to them, high five the hands, and turn around to run back to the city. It's completely dorky, but it's such a nice pump up for the next half of my run! Minus one star because you know the guy just ahead of you hocking luggees every 50 yards? He probably just high fived Hopper too. read more

Love, love, love Hoppers Hands! Every Sunday my friend and I run from the Aquatic Park through Fort Mason, down the Marina green, past Sports Basement and all the way to Hoppers Hands. I love the route, how can you beat running along the water with the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz in view- and of course you can see so much of north bay too (Tiburon, Sausalito, Mt. Tam)! I love running alongside other runners who are also in route for Hoppers Hands- so fun to get to your destination and high five these two little hands which seem to get a face lift once a year! read more

This is one of the fun icons of San Francisco - it's a small sign of two hands, affixed to a fence located just under the Golden Gate bridge. It my running milestone, which I mock high-five (they are dirty!) when I get to them. I love that our city has these small, quirky things. There's even a second small sign, located near the pavement with doggie hands for your running buddy! read more

Just as an addendum to people's fears about how germ ridden the hands get. Caution, don't watch if you've high-fived the hands before http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sRK-3VatE0 read more

I've been running along the Marina Green the past few weeks and I'm happy to report that I made it to Hopper's Hands this past Saturday for the first time. I didn't even know of their existence but I kept seeing people run to the edge of the parking lot just under the GG bridge and touching something and so my curiosity got the best of me. I proudly placed my hands upon these hands that no doubt thousands of people have touched. It was a memorable experience for me in my running journeys! read more

The is the best turn-around spot ever. What a view coming up to them. Do yourself a favor and stop there to take in all the beauty of the bay and the bridge. read more

My favorite run in all of San Francisco, by leaps and bounds! I love the sense of accomplishment when I hi-five your hands : ) Sometime I give ya knuckles! hehe. It is a great run from my house and back! Not too shabby of a view of the bay either! haha. I suggest every San Franciscan to do the run at least once in their stay here. It's well worth it, and I bet it becomes a regular part of your exercise routine as well. Cheers, Dee read more

I saw these \ when I was running to Fort Point for the first time. I saw a few runners before me touch them at the end of their run so I figured, "why not" then continued on to finish my 9 mile run. Today I decided to look up the story behind them and it just made me smile and be glad that I live in San Francisco. :) read more

Another one of those little things that make the Golden Gate Recreation area so special and give it it's character. I often run here . . . give them a high five . . . and turn around. A great view of the bay area that lets you see the bottom of the bridge and Alcatraz from a unique angle. read more

Epic views, dress warm. Bring camera.

what's better than hoppers hands are Hoppers paws right below!

Great story and strong motivator when turning back. Ridicolous comments about washing hands...