Lombard Street is best known for the hair-pin turn section on Russian Hill between Hyde and Leavenworth Streets, in which the roadway has eight sharp turns that have earned the street the distinction of being "the crookedest street in the world" (though this title is contested). The switchbacks design, instituted in 1922 was born out of necessity in order to reduce the hill's natural 27% grade,which was too steep for most vehicles to climb. The crooked section of the street, which is about 1/4 mile 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.

Explore the Lombard Street HD tours by clicking any of the thumbnails images below. Tour loads in black & white and finishes in full color at 100%. Click and drag your mouse in the direction you want to see.

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