Bay Curious SF Stairways: Shortest, Longest, and Steepest
Sep 18, 2025
Gabriela Glick, a KQED producer and reporter, dives into the charming world of San Francisco's 900 stairways. She uncovers not only the city’s shortest and longest staircases but also highlights the quirkiest one-step oddity. Listeners learn about the incredible Oakhurst Lane, recognized as the longest continuous stairway, along with steep contenders like Iron Alley and 22nd Street. Glick also shares the history and cultural significance behind these unique urban features, making them a delightful surprise for locals and visitors alike.
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From Guidebook To Stair Obsession
- Alexandra Kennan became obsessed with San Francisco stairs after following Ada Bokolinsky's Stairway Walks guidebook.
- She traced many stairways and later created an online map to catalog them for others.
Historical Purpose Of Stairs
- Stairs served practical transport needs when horse-drawn carriages couldn't handle steep slopes.
- Many San Francisco stairways date back to the 1800s and connect us to the city's past.
The One-Step Short Stair
- Gabriela and Alex visited the shortest stair at Sansom Street and found a single step with railings.
- Public Works, however, defines the shortest maintained stair as a five-step set at 14th Avenue and Fanning Way.
