Exploring the Secret Sidewalk in the San Francisco Bay Area

The old Spring Valley Aqueduct in the San Francisco Bay Area is a bemusing secret trail through nature for wayward travelers prefering the less beaten path.

secret sidewalk 1 — Fixtures from the “sidewalk’s” former use as an aqueduct can still be found along the path. Credit: Steve Rhodes

In the East Bay parklands of the San Francisco Bay Area near Fremont, California, there is a curious little trail known as the Secret Sidewalk. Well, it’s not really a sidewalk but rather the top of a strcuture that originally functioned as an aqueduct built by the Spring Valley Water Company about 100 years ago.

The half-buried concrete tunnel runs all the way from Calaveras Reservoir in the East Bay to San Francisco, at one point passing through the enchanting Sunol Water Temple.

secret sidewalk 2 — The Secret Sidewalk offers a hidden and scenic pathway through some of the Bay Area’s most undisturbed geography. Credit: Steve Rhodes

The intent behind building the aqueduct was to provide fresh water for the city. Irvington Pumping Station lifted the water to Crystal Springs Reservior via the Pulgas Water Temple, also on the peninsula.

However, the local water table dropped quickly, and the Spring Valley aqueduct ceased operation after only three years use.

secret sidewalk 3 — Walking along the path is not without dangers. *Credit:* Steve Rhodes

Today, Spring Valley Aqueduct isn’t good for much except as an amazing trail to hike along, walking through the open spaces of parkland on a readymade sidewalk of sorts. The surrounding area, which is otherwise untouched by civilization, is owned by the local government and walled off behind “no trespassing” signs.

Today, the Secret Sidewalk is also a gathering place for graffiti artists and teenage parties, who sneak into the area to enjoy the pleasant seclusion of a secret place only they know about.

secret sidewalk 4 — Open holes and grates allow a glimpse into the depths of the aqueduct otherwise hidden by the concrete “ceiling,” that is, the Secret Sidewalk itself. *Credit:* Steve Rhodes

secret sidewalk 5 — The Sunnol Water Temple, one of the many “water temples” throughout the Bay Area, is a major intersection of the aqueduct that forms the Secret Sidewalk. Credit: John ‘K’

secret sidewalk 6b — Brick foundry smoke stack. *Credit:* Steve Rhodes

secret sidewalk 8 — The Secret Sidewalk leading through a meadow. Credit: brettklynn

secret sidewalk 9 — The Secret Sidewalk from underneath. *Credit:* thedebbiecat

secret sidewalk 10 — Train tunned with the Secret Sidewalk passing above. Credit: brettklynn

secret sidewalk 11 — Remnants of the old brick factory along the sidewalk path. *Credit:* brettklynn

secret sidewalk 11b — The location of the Secret Sidewalk is, of course, secret but you can find the directions online if you search hard enough. However, in its current state the sidewalk is surrounded by “no trespassing” signs and dangerous to access. Credit: thedebbiecat

Sources: 1, 2, 3

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Exploring the Secret Sidewalk in the San Francisco Bay Area

Written by Tamás Varga

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