Lion's Head and Signal Hill
The prominent peak to the right of Table Mountain is Lion's Head, a favorite hiking spot for locals. The hike takes about 1½ hours (each way), with 360-degree views of the city unfolding as you spiral up the "lion" as well as from the top. The trail is gorgeous and well-marked; unfortunately its charms have made it so popular that on good-weather days you will almost certainly find yourself in a hiker-jam. That said, it's a great hike, and though easier than climbing Table Mountain, the last quarter, when there are even chain-assisted sections of rock to haul yourself up, is pretty taxing. As always, don't hike alone, and keep alert, especially as sunset approaches. On full-moon nights, hundreds of people set off to summit the peak; the trail of headlamps alone will give you pause, though, since it is dangerously crowded. For those less inclined to sweat, Signal Hill is the smaller flat-topped hill extending from the northern lower slopes of Lion's Head, also sometimes called the "Lion's Rump." Once the location for signal flags communicating weather warnings to ships visiting the bay, Signal Hill is also the home of the Noon Gun, still operated by the South African Navy and South African Astronomical Observatory. Both Lion's Head and Signal Hill are accessed by Signal Hill Road, which ends at the Signal Hill parking lot and affords spectacular views of Sea Point and Table Bay. Be careful especially after hours and/or if it's deserted. There have been incidents of violent crime.
