Best of 2001: Best Urban Hike

Maple Canyon Park, Banker's Hill

Maple Canyon Park begins at Thorn Street (between Third and Fourth Avenues) and dumps directly onto West Maple. The trail that runs along the bottom of the canyon makes for a great morning jog, afternoon hike, or twilight walk. This trail can even accommodate dogs and mountain bikes. You can get to this dedicated city park via West Maple Street (which dead ends at the mouth of the canyon) or the trailhead located on the east side of Third Avenue between Redwood and Spruce. If you choose the latter, you will make your way down the side of the canyon wall and find yourself directly underneath the 96-year-old Quince Street footbridge. The spectacular First Avenue bridge awaits just down the trail. Cruise along underneath century-old bridges, towering palms, bamboo, and eucalyptus trees, and forget you're in the middle of the city.