Jack Early Park: A Tiny Treasure with a Big View

Jack Early Park, a true hidden gem in San Francisco, offers an escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Perched on the north slope of Telegraph Hill, this minuscule park is the creation of Jack Early, a local resident who, in 1962, envisioned a spot of beauty on an otherwise inaccessible and undeveloped rocky slope. Early, an ad man by profession, dedicated 25 years to transforming the space, using donated railroad ties to build stairs and planting trees and shrubs, watering them by hand. In 1987, the city officially dedicated the park in his name. The park features a staircase leading to a small viewing area with just enough space for a couple of benches. From this aerie, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the bay, including Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay Bridge. The sea lions at Fisherman's Wharf can often be heard from this vantage point. Jack Early Park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The park is supported and maintained by the local community, adding to its charm and unique character. The entrance to Jack Early Park is marked by a small plaque and a staircase with a sign that reads: “Dead end stairway. No outlet.”.