For decades, overgrown trees and scrubby brush choked the hillside below Walter Haas Park in Diamond Heights. The most determined neighbors would bushwhack a path, forging a shortcut to Billy Goat Hill. Such guerrilla tactics are no longer necessary.

That’s because the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department this month opened the Beacon Trail connecting the two hills. The 680-foot path snakes around eucalyptus trees and ivy-covered embankments, creating an easy transit from one height to another. The $147,000 project was funded by the city’s Open Space Fund Undesignated Contingency Reserve.

Orange plastic fences and mesh netting flank the newly opened path, but natural elements are already taking root. Grass and weeds have sprouted from the upturned banks. Birds sing in the canopy above, while below, residents walk their dogs. San Francisco’s iconic skyline is visible on the horizon, the Bay Bridge snaking across the water and the Transamerica Pyramid piercing the fog.

“This improvement project allows families increased access to the basketball courts and the incredible trails and views from Billy Goat Hill,” Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg said. And neighbors couldn’t agree more.

Back to Gallery New trail opens SF’s Billy Goat Hill to grateful neighbors 5 1 of 5 Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle 2 of 5 Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle 3 of 5 Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle 4 of 5 Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle 5 of 5 Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle









On Friday, Carlos Pineda of Noe Valley sprinted up the 120 feet of box steps. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he pumped his arms back and forth. The new trail was a push for him to take up running again, he said. He had gotten bored with old running trails, he said, which didn’t have very good views.

“Before the trail, you had to drive a car to get to the top,” he said. “And if I wanted to climb it, I had to cut down a bunch of plants. It was really hard. I started jogging again when it opened up. It’s amazing — seeing the views, running the steps. Best workout ever.”

Nearby, Anne Grady, also of Noe Valley, walked her dogs Nathan and Spuds. Grady, who is recovering from a knee injury, said the path is the perfect length — not too long and not too short. She walks the pups around the neighborhoods every day.

“It’s an easy and pretty climb,” she said, pausing to push Nathan out of a jogger’s path. “There are so many beautiful paths in San Francisco. But if you’re by yourself or injured, they aren’t always safe. This trail is comfortable. I like to walk, and I see myself being out here a lot.”

As she rounded a switchback, a group of nannies holding the hands of their pint-size charges descended slowly. They pointed out a bluebird perched on a nearby branch to the children, then continued walking.

But not everyone is sold on the change. Richard Peterson of Noe Valley said the natural beauty of the area was lost when city crews cut down trees and gouged out pieces of hillside.

“I wanted a trail, but instead it became a Stairmaster,” he said, guiding his aptly named dog, Billy, down the steps. “There was so much natural splendor here. This is a marginal improvement. I definitely think we could have done without spending all of that money for this, of all things.”

For many, though, the path was a welcome addition. Joggers and bikers stopped at the new entrance, peering down the stairs with mild curiosity. Others looked for a sign, hoping for an explanation of what the path was. From below, Pineda reappeared, huffing and puffing.

“It’s still great,” he said, shouting to the onlookers. “Coming back up again. Man, running over here never gets old. Stop looking at me, check out those views.”

For a moment, he disappeared. And then, it was onto the next switchback.

Lizzie Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ljohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LizzieJohnsonnn