We went on a really cool tour with Kevin! We started in Castro and made our way to Twin Peaks. We got to see a side of SF we had never visited before. Heard the history and also what certain buildings and areas of SF are used for now. It was a fun way to tour a section of the city. read more

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5 star no doubt! Where else would you go and see absolutely stunning views of the City? Okay, let me just add emphasis to "stunning"! Because seriously, this IS what you will see when you take an Urban Hike tour! I never imagined feeling like this, like I'm enamored with San Francisco, seriously doing this hike took my love for San Francisco to another level! For all you beginner hikers, get ready! You're in for a joyful ride (or should I say walk) LOL! If I had to rate this hike, it would be easy to moderate. In the beginning, you are going to sweat...after you pass Twin Peaks, the rest is totally easy! Trust me; you will learn A LOT about San Francisco that you didn't know. Even for all of you old timers that have been living in SF for "years"...Yes, you will learn a lot as well! Urban hike gets you really acquainted with the City, taking it to a whole new level. This tour guarantees beautiful views of the City. Get ready, because you'll be treated to the lovely views looking from Twins Peak, roam through the hidden landmarks and staircases such as Pembleton Street, Tank Hill, Sutro, through a hidden forest trail; OMG, the views everywhere you go are so dreamlike. Did I mention we even spotted goats?! PRICELESS! I was able to do this hike on one of San Francisco's most beautiful days. The views were clear and the weather was perfect! My tour guide was awesome and the people I was with made the hike 10x better! So, go ahead....Open up that Groupon app (dammit, download it if you have to!) But you seriously need to hurry up and book this tour! You will be blown away by how much of a great time you will have! (Just make sure you thank me later (smiles). read more

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I enjoyed the hike with two of my friends. Steep hills and I really enjoyed the walk through the forest at the top. Our guide was knowledgeable and fun to talk to. read more

I am a frequent business traveler to San Francisco, and as soon as possible I try to politely ditch my co-workers, because I love to go on a walkabout to see parts of SFO that I have never seen before. And the best way to explore the City is with an expert guide. Let Alexandra lead you on one of her fantastic expeditions through the Urban Jungle or the Presidio! She is very knowledgeable about the local history, her snacks are wonderful, and she is one groovy sherpa. Honestly, the most memorable parts of my last trip were taking two of her urban hikes. Highly recommended! read more

We signed up for the "urban jungle" hiking tour and had a really great time exploring the Castro neighborhood, Twin Peaks, and areas I would've never known about or visited otherwise. The "urban jungle" hike is a good mix of urban and nature. There are some steep areas so it was an excellent workout for 3 hours and 5 miles long. It's $45 a person + tip. I like that they keep the group small. I think they cap it at 6 and everyone got along well. Dalya was an excellent guide, very down-to-earth and friendly. Id definitely recommend this hike for locals and tourists alike. read more

This was an amazing morning for our team from work. We decided to do an urban hike to help us get to know each other better as part of an offsite. Alexandra was fantastic. After a consultation with her, we chose the "Tales of the City," hike, which led us through North Beach and Telegraph hill among other destinations. She calibrated the tour to our fitness levels, which are all decent, which enabled us to see some spectacular views and get our heart rates up a little. Everyone on the tour was from the Bay Area, yet most everything we saw was unique, and completely new to all of us! Alexandra knows her city very well. Next time I want her to organize a combination pub-crawl and Urban Hike, and I want it to be soon! Thank you Urban Hiker San Francisco. read more

If you're adventurous, love exercise and want to get to know the "real" San Francisco, I highly recommend signing up for a hike with Urban Hiker SF. Alexandra (the owner) has personally scouted each and every route that is offered. You'll go through a variety of terrain and see the most spectacular views of the city. And trust me, you've never seen this side of San Francisco. From hidden stairways, to mosaic art installations, to rainforest-like woods, to edible berries and fruits, to lawn mowing goats and a 103-foot Corcovado-like cross, Alex's hikes can show you things you would never associate with the city! If you want, she can even personalize a tour for you (and a group if you wish!) to include the delicious dim sum delicacies of the outer Richmond. Plus, you'll get to learn all about the places you stop. I've been on a number of her tours now and I have one word that can sum them up for you OUTSTANDING. read more

Highly recommend Alex and her urban hikes. Fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon and really get to know the city. Alex is very knowledgable and leads a fun, engaging hike. I went on the urban hike starting at the Filbert steps. Great views and a great workout. Can't wait to try some of her other hikes soon! read more

When I was in San Francisco for a business trip a few weeks ago, I decided to take some walking tours to get a feel for the city, and decided on Urban Hikers! I took two tours: Presidio and Urban Jungle and they were both fantastic. The Presidio hike gives a tour of this really beautiful (and seemingly little know) part of San Francisco, with stops at two Andy Goldsworthy pieces and some really soothing scenery. The Urban Jungle tour was really different - it went though neighborhoods and gave me the chance to explore the Castro and the hill above the Castro (I'm sure the neighborhood has a name, I just don't remember it) - but I saw more beautiful views, and got a good feel for how San Franciscans live. We also did the concrete slide that, I guess, is kind of famous for having been designed by a 14 year old girl in a 70s city-wide contest. The walks were long (although not too hilly / difficult) and I recommend real hiking / walking shoes. Alex was great! If you're thinking of doing a walking tour of San Francisco, do this! You go to tourist places (especially on the Urban Jungle tour) but also get to see a side of SF that you wouldn't typically get to see. read more

Maybe you've lived here for years -- but did you know there's a hidden Eucalyptus forest in the heart of San Francisco? Have you explored the secret paths between beautifully landscaped homes? When was the last time you went down a slide - a slide! - en route to a spectacular view of the city? Or you, Mr. & Ms. Tourist, maybe you're a visitor to the city and wondering how to get some local flavor and good stories about San Francisco without sitting on your butt in a bus all day. You're hipper than that, aren't you? Oh, or let's say you're a start-up (I hear that's a thing around here) and you want to do a little team-building in the fresh air? Listen to me say words you like -- serendipity! synergy! venture capital! -- and now listen to this: Alexandra has got all of you covered. She has curated a set of hikes that will get your blood pumping in the most pleasant way -- they're mostly five miles or less -- OR she can customize a hike just for you! I met Alexandra for the first time last week when she led a small group of my grad school alumni friends on a tromp over some of SF's highest peaks and through lush forest. It was a great glimpse of a San Francisco I'd never seen before! We ended it with a glorious Ike's sandwich in Dolores Park. Eat one of those. Eat it there. Eat it after an invigorating hike. Plus, despite never having laid eyes on Alexandra before last weekend, I left feeling like I had a new friend in the city. She's warm, super-smart, encouraging and fun. In summary: Get out there! You won't regret it. read more

Terrific service - perfect for the City Dweller that enjoys learning more about our architecture, parks, and the people who built them - all while getting cardio work out and sunlight. Highly recommend it for explorer types and especially for those to want /need to get out of the office. Suggest organizing one of these hikes with your team, around your office or near at least - then make an afternoon of it. Work out is what you make it. The bigger the crowd, the slower we all go but you can take it at your own clip - so to speak. Dogs welcome too which is a treat! Alexandra does her research on the sights and journey before hand - so it's worth the price. read more

Val gave us a most excellent introduction to the city of San Francisco. Val is highly knowledgeable and friendly and tailored our tour to suit our interests. He also led us to a restaurant that we wanted to go to. I would highly recommend booking a tour with Urban Hiker! read more

AMAZING! Alexandra makes a great tour guide with her secret routes and in depth knowledge on San Francisco history. These tours are perfect for locals looking for a weekend activity and a MUST for San Francisco visitors. Hey San Francisco locals, you may be thinking that you've 'been there, done that' so why pay for such a service. I must say, I was a skeptic myself and did this for my out-of-towner guests. But after going on the Urban Jungle hike, I am excited to give all hikes a try and uncover more secret sf history! read more

I took one of Urban Hiker SF's hikes a few weeks back. The Presidio hike. It was spectacular, I had no idea there was such an amazing hike within the city (and not in Golden Gate Park). Unlike some of the others, this one was very 'nature-y'. Included wooded shaded areas, Presidio history lessons, surprise giant art installations, and spectacular views. It was definitely good exercise but no so strenuous it'll cause serious problems for anyone. I highly highly recommend it, and can't wait to check out her other hikes! read more

This is their most moderate hike, and we had some difficulty finishing it - definitely a sign we need to work out a bit more :) In any case, we had great fun - a bit of history, a bit of nature, a bit of art... Most of the places I would've probably not discovered myself, so totally worth it. Highly recommended it to couples or singles, but I think it would be a bit too challenging to people with children. read more

I had such an awesome time on my hike (I took the Urban Jungles and City Heights one). My guide, Dalya, was fantastic! She showed me all kinds of hidden gem's of interest in the city. She was very friendly and knowledgeable. She took the hike at a great pace and made sure we had stops as needed. The distance and difficulty was very doable! I took tons of pictures and Dalya was very patient. Dalya even made some other recommendations for parks to visit, places for lunch, and other things to do around the city! I would highly recommend using this company for a hike around the area. And thank you Alex for being super accommodating to me and keeping my hike from being cancelled! read more

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On January 19th I went on the Urban Jungles and City Heights hike. This hike was such a great experience. From scheduling it to the time it ended. She was very accommodating and she made the hike an enjoyable one. She is very informative of what you will be needing on the hike as well. My boyfriend and I went on this hike and loved it. We weren't aware of the many secret places you could find and hike through. We got to see the city from so many different angles and got to learn so much more about the city as well. You pretty much feel like a kid exploring the city and its secret passage ways. I am definitely looking forward to more hikes with Alex. She is so sweet and you can tell that she is passionate about the city. read more

Great team offsite activity. Alexa was a great guide.

Our second hike with Urban Hiker. We brought our whole family this time. Definitely recommend!

Alex really knows her stuff. Whether you are visiting from another country, another State or a nearby city, Alex will show you path and parts of the city that you've never seen before. A really great service! read more

Ali is amazing, fun and super nice. I highly recommend her hikes to anyone who is visiting or living in San Francisco, who wants to get to know the city a little better. The terrain of San Francisco creates so many small micro-hoods that even if you've lived here for 30 years Ali's hikes will reveal some truly magical spots you never knew existed. read more

Johnny Fu was our guide on the Urban Jungles tour. Not only was he friendly and knowledgeable, he was accommodating of our specific needs as a group. The walk up the Twin Peaks was beautiful and enjoyable. What a great way to see the city, whether you're new to it or interested in seeing it in a different way. I highly recommend this experience to anyone who is curious about SF. read more

OMG! I saw you on GMA a couple of weeks ago! It was so exciting to hear your back story since I took one of your hikes over the summer and LOVED it! I highly recommend taking one of Alex's hikes. I have done a lot of exploring, tours and hikes of my own or with groups and Alex's was truly the best. We walked Twin Peaks and Alex was able to show so many gorgeous back roads with stunning hidden houses and walked us through the woods at the top - we forgot we were still in a city! Along with the historic details and stories she told along the way.. it was truly top notch! Excited to go again! Thanks Alex! read more

San Francisco never bores me, and this Urban Jungles and City Heights tour proved that again. This is the best opportunity to explore the unique misture of history, architecture and topography. You will see so many different features of the City, like secret staircase streets, hidden trails and so on. Your guide Alex gives you lots of secrets of this treasure town along the way. If you like San Francisco, I'm sure you'll get to love it more after this trip. read more

i grew up in the Bay Area and lived in SF for three years, yet Alex took us hiking to places in the City I've never been. She was very mindful of everyone's speed, very knowledgable, and just a delight. And her lavender cookies were the bomb! A really wonderful morning exploring the Castro area including an awesome slide, up to Twin Peaks, Sutro Tower, Through the forest and Tank Hill, and countless gorgeous stairways. read more

I was lucky to get a private 3 hour Lands Ends tour with Alex. Alex makes a good tour guide as she knows her stuff around the terrain and history. I saw amazing scenery, did my first hike to Lands Ends and made a friend in the process. If you're looking for awesome hike with a friendly and easy-going tour guide - don't hesitate. read more

Our guide, Alex, was knowledgeable and spunky. The hike itself was challenging but totally doable for someone of average athletic ability--and the views were stellar. We finished with a great lunch in Dolores Park, one of the city's great places to pull into idle. Great morning! read more

I highly recommend Urban Hiker - whether you are a local looking for a way to spend your Sunday morning or a tourist discovering the city for the very first time. Although our walk was technically in the city, this is not just another guided tour that takes you past major tourist attractions. Alex put a lot of thought into creating her routes, which seemed to have either a hidden garden or a magnificent view at every turn. Fortunately, Alex was extremely knowledgeable about the neighborhoods, so we stopped every now and then so that she could share historical tidbits or tell us about the architecture. And don't be fooled by the word "urban" in the name - you'll definitely feel like you've had your workout for the day. Needless to say, I was very grateful when Alex led us to Ike's Place (an amazing sandwich shop) after we finished. read more

Went on the Tales of the City hike, up to Coit Tower, Russian Hill, Filbert Steps, and North Beach. Alex is a great tour guide. She makes the hikes a lot of fun. Pace was perfect and we got to see some hidden places (parks and Buddhas) that I never would have found on my own. Views were spectacular. Highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore San Francisco. read more

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"I think the sun is supposed to come out today," my partner said as I was getting ready to head out of our house to meet Alexandra, Urban Hiker SF founder, 3 blocks away at the Castro Theater for the Urban Jungles and City Heights tour. "But you should probably bring your raincoat," she added. We're not San Francisco natives, but eight years here teaches you to be prepared for everything. That's right, I've lived in the Bay Area for eight years and I signed up for a tour of my own city! Not only have I lived here for eight years, I work at a publisher that focuses on California history, art, and nature, so I know a thing or two about the area. I say all of this not because I think that Yelpers want to know about me, but to let you San Franciscan Yelpers know that these tours are not just for tourists, they are for people who want to learn more about the city they inhabit, the peaks they see everyday, and the buildings they pass on their way to their next costume party. Alex tells great stories of the Gold Rush characters who built the city we know today all while on a perfectly planned route to get your heart pumping and eyes popping--even in the fog drizzle. There are urban tales (both historic and contemporary) and natural wonders (both well-manicured and seemingly wild) to satisfy the nature lover in us urban dwellers. And the hike is great for out-of-towners, too! It's like having a friend show you around. A really well-informed friend. I bet she'd even point you in the direction of the best post-hike cocktail if you asked. Do it. read more

I took 3 teenagers on the Urban Jungles & City Heights tour yesterday. Alex, the owner & guide, was terrific! She offered us an insider's view of the neighborhoods, the history of many buildings, and wonderful views from several different vantage points. We were able to see the layout of SF and explore hidden trails/stairways. All 3 teenagers gave the tour (and Alex) a ten out of ten! The tour is the PERFECT amount of time & the PERFECT sized group! We had a fabulous day learning/exploring/hiking. I'll be sure to try the other tours when other family members come to town. read more

these are great. I have two teens and it was even fun for them. alex is a wonderful guide!

One of the best Saturday mornings I've spent in SF in a long time. Sign up, show up, you won't regret it!

I've lived in the city for years and didn't know anything about urban hiking until I went on my first excursion with SF Urban Hiker! A fantastic way to see the city in a whole new light--amazing viewpoints off the beaten path that I would have never discovered. Our guide, Alex, was full of energy and knowledge throughout the hike. I can't wait for another hike to see another part of the city! read more

A friend invited me to do an Urban Hiker hike with her this past weekend, and I'm SO glad she did! What a GREAT time it was. The hike we did was a fantastic workout (whether you were totally in shape or hadn't worked out in a while -- which was my position!). The pace was just right. And the paths we took were filled with the most wonderful "hidden" neighborhood stairs and architecture. Alexandra (Alex) shared obscure and interesting historical bits and funny stories about San Francisco and some of its more noteworthy inhabitants! Alex is, by far and bar none, the most AMAZING "tour guide" I've ever experienced. She is so comfortable and easy to talk to, very knowledgeable, is ALWAYS smiling, is considerate and patient. Even though there were 11 people in our hiking group, she gave personal attention to each one of us. I can't wait to do another hike with Alex and Urban Hiker! I'm going to give one of her hikes to my best friend for her birthday this year, too! read more