Run to Hopper's Hands
San Francisco, California
Description
Added by Lisa Dutton
Experience some genuine SF folklore. Scenic run along the San Francisco Bay Trail.
Hundreds of people touch Hopper's Hands every day as a turn-around point on their runs in and around Crissy Field and The San Francisco Bay Trail. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, you follow Marine Drive until you dead end at Fort Point. If you continue through the parking lot towards the Golden Gate Bridge, you'll find a chain link fence with an infamous plaque of Hopper’s Hands. While reaching the hands is a goal for many, not too many people know the history behind the plaque. Who is Hopper?
The Hopper’s Hands plaque is named after Ken Hopper, one of the Golden Gate Bridge’s iron workers. In addition to his day job, Ken also volunteered his services as an on-call suicide prevention worker. Although suicide rescue duty is voluntary, all iron workers took turns convincing hopeless souls that their lives were valuable. It is estimated that Hopper came in contact with 30 jumpers. He was able to persuade most of them off the bridge, but did lose two.
Hopper had an honorable job. He protected and preserved one of the world’s most beautiful bridges and saved lives in the process. It’s hard to say which job is more challenging - risking your own life every day working on the bridge, or trying to make sure a complete stranger doesn’t take his.
So, get out there and show Hopper some love (and slap him a high five on your next run)!
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Reviews
I joined a Run Club and they would start near Fort Mason and we would do our long runs to Hopper's Hands. Flat and beautiful run to right under the bridge. There is a mix of road, wood, and dirt/sand!
5.0
Running this path along the water is one of the most scenic runs in the city. The run is mostly dirt until you hit the last stretch near fort point, which is paved leading up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Be ready to deal with crowds if you run it on the weekend.
4.0
One of my all time favorite runs to do in SF anytime of year!
5.0
It's always more fun when other runners quicken the pace as we all head towards HH - racing to hi-five first. What makes it worth it: The puzzled look of tourists.
This is one of my favorite runs and a must-do when I'm in SF. On a nice day you have an amazing view of the bridge as you run towards Hopper's Hands.
5.0
Many, many times. The perfect turn around stop on an SF run.
4.0
Great run. There is something rewarding about making it to Hopper's Hands! Gorgeous views!
5.0
I met a friend at the safeway & we ran along crissy field to Hopper's hands (2.75mi one way, according to my garmin). We had to dodge some tourists, but the weather was nice & it was sunny by the time we got to the end! Since it was my first high five, I had to ask the rangers hanging out at fort point where to find Hopper's hands (I was pretty sure my brother sent me on a wild goose chase). They pointed me to the chain link fence, where the plaque is located. Side note: there are also SFMOMA traveling exhibits out in crissy field right now, if you're into that sort of thing.
4.0
Bring your dog so he/she can high five the dog prints too!
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Nearby
Surf Under The Golden Gate at Fort Point
Ride Paradise Loop
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate
Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach
Camp at the Rob Hill Campground
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