How steep is Filbert Street you ask? Let me tell you. Right here before us is Filbert Street in San Francisco. It’s known for its incredibly steep incline. In fact it shares the title of steepest street in San Francisco with 22nd Street. Filbert Street begins near Lyon Street at the edge of the Presidio. It stretches eastward crossing major streets like Van Ness Avenue and Columbus Avenue. But the real drama unfolds on Telegraph Hill.
There Filbert Street transforms. It becomes a series of pedestrian step streets and walkways. The most famous part is the Filbert Street Steps. These steps wind down the east side of Telegraph Hill a breathtaking descent. Many houses here are only accessible by these steps. Imagine the daily lives of the residents navigating this unique landscape. It’s not just steps either. Fire hydrants and even a lone parking meter are cleverly positioned along the way.
Think about it. The residents maintain Grace Marchant Garden. Mrs Marchant started the garden in 1949. The residents continue to care for and fund the garden to this day. This little garden thrives amongst the steps a testament to community spirit. The Filbert Street Steps offer spectacular views. From the top near Hyde Street you can see Coit Tower. The Bay Bridge glitters at night providing stunning panoramic vistas. The steps even have a connection to the wild parrots of Telegraph Hill. These parrots featured in a 2003 documentary often perch along the Filbert Street Steps. They add a wild touch to this urban landscape.
The steepest section of Filbert Street between Hyde and Leavenworth streets boasts a 31.5% gradient. That’s a 17.5 degree incline. To put it into perspective a half block descent is about 65 feet over a horizontal distance of 206.25 feet. That is unbelievably steep. So as you walk Filbert Street remember its history its unique challenges and its unparalleled beauty. It’s a street unlike any other a true San Francisco icon.