Cars wending their way through Crooked or Lombard street at San Francisco

Lombard or Crooked Street is famous for having a steep sections that consists of tight hairpin turns. The switchbacks design, first suggested by Carl Henry was born out of necessity in order to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade, which was too steep for most vehicles to climb. It is also a serious hazard to pedestrians, who are accustomed to a more reasonable sixteen-degree incline. The crooked section of the street, which is about 1/4 mile (400 m) long, is reserved for one-way traffic traveling east (downhill) and is paved with red bricks. The speed limit in this section is a mere 5 mph (8 km/h).
Lombards landscaping is beautiful. Perfectly-trimmed shrubs line the street. If you get a chance to visit San Francisco do not miss Crooked Street.

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Travel & Events

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• Lombard Street
• Crooked Street
• San Francisco