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Run to Hopper's Hands

San Francisco, California

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

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)!

Source: Examiner.com

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Features

Fitness
Running
Scenic

Run to Hopper's Hands Reviews

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.

Many, many times. The perfect turn around stop on an SF run.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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