18 - Horseshoe Pits
The eastern end of the park is generally the most crowded. One
exception to this is the northeast corner of the park, which doesn't
get as many visitors. If you want to get away from the crowds, this is
a nice area in which to take a walk. It has a mix of wooded areas, and
is just hilly enough to have interesting topography.
One of the largely forgotten features of the park is
the Horseshoe Pits. It's not the Postrio crowd that hangs out here,
and the area seems to call back to an earlier time.
Directly east of the Horseshoe Pits is a hilltop with
a pleasant view of the surrounding city. You're up high enough to be
safely out of range from errantly thrown horseshoes! Aside from the
occasional clank of ringers, this is a fairly peaceful place.
The easiest way to find this place is to start at the
northeast corner of the park, at Fulton and Stanyan Streets. Take the
well-worn dirt trail toward the left up the hill. Right before the
path crests at the top of the hill (you'll see some six-foot metal
poles to the left), turn right on a smaller path. Turn right again and
then you'll see a clearing to the left of this path, overlooking the
horseshoes area. This spot is close to the path and fully visible from
it. If your activity warrants privacy, you'll need to be quick or
attentive to passersby, particularly on weekends. But it's a pleasant
spot, and a good excuse to explore this seldom-visited corner of the
park.
13 - Spreckels Lake
14 - 30th Avenue North
15 - Chain of Lakes Drive West
16 - Prayerbook Cross
17 - Whiskey Hill
18 - Horseshoe Pits
