Disabled Hikers Community Gathering: Fort Funston

In celebration of the publication of The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Northern California, and following Syren's talk at Black Bird Bookstore, we are holding a casual community gathering at Fort Funston. Come enjoy the sunset from the accessible viewing deck and spend time with other disabled folks outdoors. We will also have an opportunity for you to participate in our Storytelling Project.

Featured Image Description: a wooden boardwalk with handrails winds between trees

Trail Description

From two ADA-accessible parking spots at the end of the parking lot (additional spots are available), an accessible boardwalk with edge guards and handrails leads less than 0.1 mile to an overlook with several benches. Tucked away behind trees on the edge of the bluffs, it is a great place for birding and enjoying sunset.

This description is excerpted from The Disabled Hiker's Guide to Northern California (FalconGuides, 2024). This event is possible due to support from a California State Parks Foundation Partnership Equity grant!

Storytelling Project

Would you like to share what access to nature means to you? Thanks to the California State Parks Foundation, we will be doing a limited number of in-person interviews for our storytelling project. Your story will be shared via print, audio, and/or video on our website. Check out our current Storytelling Project pieces here. If you would like to be interviewed, please share more with us when you register. A stipend will be provided to all interviewees!

Amenities

Accessible portable toilet, benches, picnic tables, maps with Braille.

Pets

Service dogs are always welcome. Well behaved pets are allowed at this event, as Fort Funston is a popular dog-destination.

Cost

Free. No parking passes are required.

Masks and Scent-free

We practice Covid and illness transmission safety at all of our events. We ask everyone to wear a mask unless your disability prevents it, or when you need a break. Please distance from those who do wear a mask when you are not. We also ask that you not wear perfume and other artificial or natural scents to protect community members who are scent-reactive.

Parking

Large paved parking lot with 4 designated accessible spots, one is van accessible.

Transportation

The nearest bus stop is at John Muir Drive and Skyline Blvd. There is a crosswalk and bike lane, but the road is steep.

Interpreters

ASL, Spanish, and other language interpreters are available on request. If you have a preferred interpreter, please include their contact information when you register.

About Disabled Hikers

Disabled Hikers is an inclusive disability-led and disability-centered organization grounded in principles of disability justice. We welcome anyone who is disabled, chronically ill, neurodivergent, or otherwise has lived experience of disability – we define these terms in the broadest way possible. We also welcome supportive friends and family. The group hikes together; we adapt the hike to match the needs of everyone present, rest when needed, and make decisions about when to turn back as a group. All of our events include a moment to honor the land and Indigenous peoples and group introductions. There is never any pressure to share anything.

Other things to keep in mind:

Please read the hike description. Trails are chosen to be as enjoyable as possible for the most folks, but only you can decide if a hike is appropriate for you.

Please do not offer anyone advice or assistance without asking first.

If you have questions at any time, please ask. We’re here for you!