Hopper's Hands

Plaque of Hoppers Hands

There is a popular turn around point for San Francisco runners running in and around Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge. Running west through Crissy Field, passing the Warming Hut and pier, runners follow Marine Drive until they reach Fort Point, a dead end and the furthest west a runner can go. At this turn around point runners find a chain link fence just beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. Here is the infamous plaque of Hopper’s Hands.

Reaching Hopper’s Hands is a goal for many. Runners and walkers alike proudly place their hands on the plaque to confirm that they have made it, while feeling a surge of accomplishment. Once this point is reached you can hang around here and enjoy the view of the bridge and beyond; if there are waves, watch the surfers; check out the fort at Fort Point; or simply turn around. But you can’t high five the metal hands without asking yourself “who is Hopper”?

The Hopper’s Hands plaque is named for one of the Golden Gate Bridge’s iron workers. Ken Hopper not only helped in the construction of the bridge, risking his life on a daily basis, but later he became a suicide rescue volunteer. Hopper noticed runners slapping the fence as they turned around each morning and asked the bridge painter to paint a picture of two handprints for the runners to hit.

Although suicide rescue duty is voluntary, all iron workers took turns convincing hopeless souls that their lives were valuable. It is estimated that Hopper came in contact with 30 jumpers. He was able to persuade most of them off the bridge, but did lose two. Hopper had an honorable job. He protected and preserved one of the world’s most beautiful bridges and saved lives in the process. It’s hard to say which job is more challenging - risking your own life every day working on the bridge, or trying to make sure a complete stranger doesn’t take his.

For more info: Read Scott Osltler’s article published in the San Francisco Chronicle, January 10, 2001 – Saving Lives is Just Part of the Job.