Sign Hill

Sign Hill is not only an iconic landmark that embodies South San Francisco’s history and civic pride, it is also an incredibly rich natural resource for people and wildlife. The Hillside Sign which reads “SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO THE INDUSTRIAL CITY” was commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce and built by students from South San Francisco High School  in 1923, making this nod to the City’s industrial roots over 100 years old. In 1996, it was added to the National Registry of Historic Places.  

The 65-acre park is South San Francisco’s largest natural open space and has significant ecological value. It provides important habitat for the federally-endangered mission blue butterfly as well as several rare plant species, including the coast iris featured on the SSF Parks & Recreation logo. Visitors will enjoy nearly two miles of hiking trails, spectacular views of the San Francisco Bay, a rich diversity of wildflowers, and may catch a glimpse of wildlife such as brush rabbits, coyotes, alligator lizards, or the many local and migratory raptors and songbirds that rely on Sign Hill’s coastal prairies for refuge.

Resources

• Map of Sign Hill (interactive)
• Directions to Sign Hill

• Ridge Trail (0.77 miles) - Along the crest of Sign Hill from Ridgeview Court to Spruce Avenue
• Seubert Trail (0.36 miles) - From Poplar Avenue entrance up to the Ridge Trail
• Iris Hill Trail (0.27 miles) - Off of Poplar Avenue up to the Ridge Trail
• Letters Trail (0.2 miles) - From Poplar Avenue along the base of the letters to the Ridge Trail

Please wear sturdy shoes. Trails can be very slippery and strenuous.

Dogs must be kept on a leash, not to exceed 6 feet in length. We also ask that owners pick up after their pet. Failing to follow these policies may result in a citation by the Police Department. Individuals may report these concerns to the Police Department by calling (650) 877-8900 (non-emergency).

Seubert Trail and Seubert Grove is named after Alphonse Seubert, who was a long-time resident of South San Francisco and original member of the South San Francisco Beautification Committee. Also known as "Mr. Sign Hill," he was known for his involvement on Sign Hill since the 1960s. It is estimated that Mr. Seubert had single-handedly planted an estimated 5,000 trees on Sign Hill, and was regularly seen going up and down the hill watering and nurturing all of the seedlings he had planted. Additionally, he was instrumental in the development of the trails that are in use today. While the Seubert Grove burned down in the 2020 Diamond Fire, Al Seubert's story continues to inspire the community.

In 1991, Mr. Seubert was named a recipient of the National Arbor Day Foundation Lawrence Enersen Award. Recipients of the award are individuals whose life's work exemplifies commitment to tree planting and community improvement. Mr. Seubert passed away in 2006.

Sign Hill Stewards

In 2019, the Parks Division launched the Sign Hill Habitat Restoration Project as part of a Measure K grant with San Mateo County. Since then, project staff and volunteers have spend hundreds of hours restoring Sign Hill by installing native grassland plants and removing invasive plants.

The Sign Hill Habitat Restoration Project provides opportunities for community engagement through volunteer workdays and environmental programming. If you are interested in volunteering, please register on the Eventbrite page.

Subscribe to the Sign Hill Stewards email newsletter to learn more about the project. Want to get involved? Complete the Volunteer Application below or email parks.volunteers@ssf.net.