With 1,491 acres, Presidio is a large open space that has a lot to explore.
The Presidio is a glorious escape located in the north side of the San Francisco Peninsula. A former military base, the area now houses around 3,000 residents. Explore the trails and nature in this forested area still within city limits.
Presidio Promenade Trail
The Presidio Promenade Trail starts at the Lombard Gate, on the southeast side of the Presidio, and goes all the way to the bridge. This walk takes you through the working office areas of the Presidio that houses such companies as Lucasfilm, continues past the Welcome Center, Presidio Tunnel Tops Park, National Cemetery, Crissy Field Overlook and ends at the climactic Golden Gate Bridge. You can see the bay and Alcatraz from every point on this trail.
Starting Point: Start at Presidio Promenade at the Lombard Gate.
Distance: 5 miles
Time: 2 hours
Lovers Lane and Ecology Trail Loop
This wonderful hike starts with Lovers Lane, a narrow cement path with a steady elevation gain. The name originates from the 18th century when Spanish soldiers stationed themselves in the Presidio and would walk on this path out of the Presidio on the way through to Mission Dolores to see their significant others.
The path is parallel to Woodline, which is a 1,200-foot sculpture made of eucalyptus branches from Scottish artist Anthony Goldsworthy. This Instagram-worthy location is extremely popular with photographers shooting families and couples.
Make a left on Barnard Avenue, a dirt trail that will lead to the Ecology Trail. This trail takes you through a rustic tree-lined forested setting which feels very calm and zen. Wild blackberry bushes adorn the trail in the summertime. A short connector trail goes up to Inspiration Point, a drive-up spot with views of the bay.
Starting Point: Pick up the trail at the intersection of Presidio Boulevard and Barnard Avenue.
Distance: 2 miles
Time: 50-60 minutes
Batteries to Bluffs with California Coastal Trail
Batteries to Bluffs Trail runs adjacent to the ocean. The proximity feels special as you can hear the waves with tons of views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean and the Outer Richmond district. This is the best option on the list to take out-of-town guests.
It’s called Batteries to Bluffs because the trail passes through several Civil War era military batteries that were used to protect against naval attacks. An optional trail goes down to Marshall Beach, which is very popular for close-up Golden Gate Bridge shots. The famous sand ladder goes from the path to Baker Beach, dropping off at the clothing optional section.
Start Point: Park at Golden Gate Overlook in the Langdon Court parking lot off Lincoln Boulevard
Distance: 2.3 miles
Time: 1 hour
Park Trail to Bridge and Back
The trail starts at 14th Avenue at Wedemeyer Street in the Outer Richmond and goes through the Presidio to Crissy Field, along the way intersecting a golf course and passing a cute little general store aptly called “General Store” where hikers can use the bathroom. The hike continues through the San Francisco National Cemetery, a burial ground for veterans. The cemetery itself is worth exploring for the beauty and view of the bay. After this there is a unique pet cemetery that holds the final resting stop of many beloved pets of the military that lived with families at the Presidio. The final stop is at Crissy Field.
From March to October this trail is off limits for dogs due to coyote pupping season.
Starting Point: 14th Avenue at Wedemeyer Street
Distance: 3.2 miles
Time: 1.5 hours
Mountain Lake Trail to Lobos Creek and Back
One of three natural lakes in the city, Mountain Lake is also a park with a grassy area and playground. Walk behind the lake and under the busy Park Presidio Avenue. The trail turns into a boardwalk with views of the Presidio Landmark apartment building. After passing Battery Caulfield, check out the Lobos Valley overlook looking out to open space as well as the ocean in the background. Here the trail gets a bit more rustic going through cypress trees down to another boardwalk with many plaques of the unique vegetation of the creek area.
Starting Point: Mountain Lake Park
Distance: 2.4 miles.
Time: 1 hour
