South City's Most Prominent Sign Points the Way to a Good Hike

Heading north on Highway 101 to San Francisco, everyone sees the huge white letters on Sign Hill alerting drivers that they've reached "South San Francisco The Industrial City."  But few know that a quick but steep climb can take them straight to the top of Sign Hill, up close and personal with the now famous hillside.  It also offers incredible panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay and Peninsula, and a terrific spot for plane watching, as SFO spreads out directly across the freeway. 

The message was originally painted on Sign Hill in 1923, and a few years later was replaced with the permanent concrete letters still there today.   Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996, Sign Hill continues to be a source of pride in the community.

To take a quick hike to the top, head out of downtown South City to the residential intersection of Poplar and Rocca Avenues.  There's a small cul-de-sac at the trailhead where it's usually easy to park. 

From the trailhead, you'll see three separate trails branching into the eucalyptus groves.  From left to right are the Seubert Trail, the Iris Hill Trail and the Letters Trail. 

The Seubert Trail is steep and washed out in parts, and it can be treacherous on the descent.  For those who want a gradual climb, choose the Letters Trail, which curves around the east side of Sign Hill and takes you directly to the pay-off, the huge white letters.

But I recommend starting with the Iris Hill Trail, which is a steep combination of stairs and trail that goes straight to the top.  As the name implies, in the springtime the hill is peppered with beautiful purple irises. 

At the top of the Iris Hill Trail, you'll hit the Ridge Trail.  Heading right takes you directly to a clearing where you'll find a well-situated bench to rest and enjoy superb views of the Peninsula and the bay. 

Continue beyond the bench and you'll meet the Letters Trail, which runs right along the base of the huge, gleaming white letters.  Viewed this close, they don't stand as straight as a distant view would lead you to believe, but actually bend and crook over the curvature of the hill.  Continue down this trail to return to the trailhead.

If you have extra time, head back over to the Seubert Trail.  A short walk will take you to the Eucalyptus Grove Loop, a trail which winds through a dense, shady canopy of ivy-covered eucalyptus trees.

The holidays are on the way, and locals know to expect the arrival of the South City Christmas Tree.  Each year it resides on Sign Hill, lit the week after Thanksgiving and continuing to shine through New Year's Day.

If you take the hike, you'll see where the tree lives year round, an unlit towering metal pole guarded by a chain link fence at the top of the Iris Hill Trail.  It's fun to see close up and looming large, but I prefer the view from my front porch in December, reminding me that it's the holidays in South City.