The lower Filbert Stairway on Telegraph Hill in San Francisco runs from Sansome Street to Montgomery Street.
The Filbert Stairway can be used to access Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. A long, steep stairway of concrete steps begins, just off of Sansome Avenue. The lower section of stairs are prefab concrete section stairs, while the majority of the stairway is a wooden plank stairway.
Along the climb, one comes to street signs for Darrell Lane and Napier Lane. Darrell is a mere trail and Napier is a plank walkway, both parallel to the hillside and leading to small neighborhoods on Telegraph Hill. There are many homes and lush gardens along the climb. Near the top of the stairway is a sign which reads (in all caps):
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Filbert Steps
Darrell Place
Napier Lane
In appreciation of Grace Marchant
for her unselfish, devoted energy in
the beautification of Filbert Gardens
for her 80th birthday - May 7, 1972
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In 1950 when Grace moved to the Filbert Stairway, the area was a dumping ground. For 30 years she worked on creating and beautifying the stairway garden. The gardens were dedicated to her on May 4, 1980. When Grace died in 1982, her neighbor and friend, Gary Kray, took over care for the gradens.
As you reach the top, you can cross Montgomery Street and continue up to Telegraph Hill Boulevard on the Upper Filbert Stairway of Telegraph Hill. Also note nearby on Montgomery a cute mural surrounding a fire hydrant.
Coordinates are at the bottom end of the stairway.
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