16 - Prayerbook Cross
Rainbow Falls flows down a large, pretty hillside along JFK Drive just
east of Cross Over Drive. It's a pleasant place to pause, particularly
on a Sunday when JFK Drive is closed to vehicular traffic. Atop the
hill behind the falls is Prayerbook Cross, a large sculpture
commemorating the first English language prayer service held along the
Pacific Coast, conducted by Sir Francis Drake's chaplain.
There's a sign for Prayerbook Cross about 100 yards
east of Rainbow Falls along JFK Drive. The sign is at the base of a
steep paved path heading up the hill back behind the falls.
About 50 yards up this walkway you'll reach smaller
dirt paths heading off both to the left and right. Go either way and
you'll come across some pleasant spots to stop, with pretty foliage
and not much road noise. It's hard to get out of view from these small
dirt trails, but few people will be coming by, especially on weekdays.
If you'd prefer greater privacy, continue along the
paved path all the way up to the cross. Walk away from the cross
toward the northwest along the paved path in that direction. After
about 50 feet, turn left on a small but well-worn dirt path. This path
goes downhill and you can choose from among a few spots in this area.
Again, you probably won't get out of site from the path, but this is a
relatively obscure part of the park. There's a fair amount of road
noise here, while it's a good bit quieter back down along the other
paths you passed on the way up.
13 - Spreckels Lake
14 - 30th Avenue North
15 - Chain of Lakes Drive West
16 - Prayerbook Cross
17 - Whiskey Hill
18 - Horseshoe Pits
