A dozen major trails cross the Presidio. Each reveals a different aspect of the park’s character. Some routes, such as the California Coastal Trail and the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail, are regional trails connecting to open spaces throughout the Bay Area and as far as Mexico.
Presidio trails and overlooks are being transformed thanks to a lead gift and challenge grant from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. For information about meeting the challenge and giving to the park, contact the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy at kmorelli@parksconservancy.org or (415) 561-3000.
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Presidio Trails and Overlooks
Presidio Bike Map
PresidiGo Shuttle Map
SCENIC OVERLOOKS
Immigrant Point Overlook
The stone plaza at Immigrant Point, dedicated to our nation’s newcomers, offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and Point Reyes National Seashore. An extension of the Anza National Historic Trail links Immigrant Point with the Presidio’s forested ridgetops and nearby picnic area that offers a peaceful place to take a break from a hike. A new connector trail provides direct access from the overlook to coastal bluffs and beach. The overlook was made possible by a gift from the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund. Location: Washington Boulevard near Kobbe Avenue.
Crissy Field Overlook
This soaring vista point above Crissy Field offers spectacular views of City skyline, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and Angel Island, as well as the marsh and historic grass airfield. The Presidio Promenade (to be complete in 2009) will connect the overlook to the Battery East Trail and Golden Bridge to the north and the Cavalry Stables and Main Post to the south. Crissy Field Overlook was funded by a gift from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund. Location: off Lincoln Boulevard, near Crissy Field Avenue and PresidiGo Stop #9.
Inspiration Point
Take in views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Presidio forest from the Inspiration Point Overlook. Located near the high point of the Tennessee Hollow watershed, the plaza offers expansive views of rare serpentine grasslands, historic homes, and forest groves. Take the nearby stairs to the Ecology Trail for a closer look at the watershed, as well as connector trails to El Polin Springs, playing fields, and Julius Kahn Playground. Alternatively, cross Arguello and take the Bay Area Ridge Trail to explore the Presidio’s forest and Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire. Inspiration Point Overlook was funded by a gift from the James R. Harvey Presidio Restoration Fund. Location: just inside the Arguello Gate, PresidiGo Stop #33.
FUTURE Golden Gate Overlook
Planning is underway for a new scenic overlook that will be located at one of the Presidio’s major park entrances and at the convergence of three major trails: Coastal Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail, and Anza Trail. The new Golden Gate Overlook will offer a singular view over one of the world’s great landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge. Location: South of Battery Marcus Miller, off of Merchant Road, near PresidiGo Stop #13.
FUTURE National Cemetery Overlook
Designs are underway for a new scenic overlook tucked into the woods above San Francisco National Cemetery. Set amidst the historic forest, it will provide a contemplative vantage point commemorating the sacrifices of American soldiers and honoring their service to the nation. More than 30,000 Americans have been laid to rest at the cemetery including Civil War generals, Medal of Honor recipients, Buffalo Soldiers, a Union Spy, and Congressman Philip Burton who championed the creation of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Location: Southeast corner of the National Cemetery, near PresidiGo Stop #31.
FUTURE Presidio Overlook
Planning for a new scenic overlook near the historic Presidio Gate is underway. The Presidio Overlook will offer visitors a place to enjoy the park’s wooded ridge tops and entry into the park’s trail network. Location: Presidio Gate, off of Presidio Boulevard.
FUTURE Lobos Valley Overlook
Designs are underway for a series of small overlooks perched above the Lobos Creek Valley, along the Anza Trail. These small gathering areas will offer spectacular views across the creek valley and restored dunes towards the Pacific Ocean, and will welcome visitors as they enter the park from the 15th Avenue Gate. Location: 15th Avenue Gate, off of Wedemeyer Street, near to PresidiGo Stop # 27.
FUTURE Pacific Overlook
Plans are underway to revamp the existing overlook area set atop the coastal bluffs, along Lincoln Boulevard. The new overlook will offer park visitors a beautiful spot along the California Coastal Trail to rest and enjoy panoramic views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific Ocean. Location: off Lincoln Boulevard, near Washington Boulevard and PresidiGo Stop #19.
TRAILS
Batteries to Bluffs Trail
This stunning pedestrian trail is a dramatic addition the Presidio’s network. It allows visitors to experience the wild western shoreline as never before, including access to Marshall’s Beach and connections through the historic coastal fortifications. Highlights: Batteries Godfrey and Crosby, beach access, wilderness and ocean views. Access Points: Battery Godfrey, Washington Boulevard. Length: 0.7 miles (1.1 kilometers)
Bay Area Ridge Trail
The Bay Area Ridge Trail is a 550+-mile planned multiuse trail around San Francisco Bay. To date, 310 miles of the trail have been completed including the Presidio leg which links the park’s highest points, from Arguello Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge. Highlights: the historic forest, Andy Goldsworthy’s Spire, Presidio Golf Course, San Francisco National Cemetery, Cemetery Overlook (planned), Rob Hill Campground, Fort Scott, coastal defense batteries. Access Points: Presidio Golf Course, Inspiration Point Overlook (PresidiGo Stop #33), Battery East parking area (Part of City Bike Route #65). Length: 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers)
California Coastal Trail
The Presidio portion of the California Coastal Trail connects Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge. At its northern end, it continues across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, and also connects to the Bay Trail providing access through Battery East to Fort Point and Crissy Field. Planning is underway to upgrade and enhance the trail, bike lanes and surrounding habitat. Highlights: Golden Gate and Pacific Overlooks (planned), coastal defense fortifications, wildflowers, hawk sightings, blazing sunsets, dramatic serpentine rock, Battery Chamberlin and its “disappearing gun,” future Pacific Overlook. Access Points: Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza (PresidiGo Stop #11), Battery Godfrey parking area, Baker Beach (Part of City Bike Route #95 and PresidiGo Stop #’s 21 and 23). Length: 2.7 miles (4.4 kilometers)
Ecology Trail
The Ecology Trail offers a contemplative experience through the upland areas of the Presidio’s largest watershed, Tennessee Hollow. A spur trail connects to the picnic area at El Polin Springs. (A free KIDS on Trails activity guide for the Ecology Trail is available.) Highlights: the Presidio’s largest redwood grove, serpentine grasslands abounding with springtime wildflowers, Inspiration Point Overlook. Access Points: Behind Building 42 at the southern end of Funston (PresidiGo Stop #35), Inspiration Point Overlook (PresidiGo Stop #33). Length: 1.4 miles (2.1 kilometers)
Golden Gate Promenade (Bay Trail)
The Golden Gate Promenade is a multiuse trail that runs the length of Crissy Field. It is part of the regional Bay Trail, which skirts the shoreline of San Francisco Bay. The Promenade displays natural and historic treasures against the city skyline and expansive views of the Golden Gate and Marin Headlands. The trail connects to the Battery East Trail which takes visitors around historic coastal fortifications en-route to the Golden Gate Bridge. Highlights: beach access, salt marsh and wildlife habitats, shorebirds, a marine sanctuary visitor center, the Crissy Field Center and Warming Hut. Access Points: Fort Point (PresidiGo Stop #9b), Marina Gate (Part of City Bike Route #2). Length: 4.3 miles (6.9 kilometers)
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail commemorates the 1,200 mile route followed by the 1775–1776 Anza expedition from Sonora, Mexico, to establish a presidio at what we known today as the Golden Gate. (A free KIDS on Trails activity guide for the Anza Trail is available.) The Presidio section exists in part today, with plans to complete and enhance the trail underway. Highlights: Mountain Lake, where the expedition camped; Fort Scott; Immigrant Point Overlook and picnic area, nearby Rob Hill Campground. Access Points: Mountain Lake, Coastal Batteries parking area (Part of City Bike Route #69 and PresidiGo Stop #13). Length: 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometers)
Lobos Creek Valley Trail
The Lobos Creek Valley Trail, a half-mile-long boardwalk, skirts one of San Francisco’s last free-flowing streams, which is a water source for the Presidio and haven for flora and fauna. Highlights: Future Lobos Valley Overlook, restored dune habitat, native wildflowers, birds. Access Points: Trailhead near 25th Avenue Gate (across from Bowley Street, PresidiGo Stop #21), 15th Avenue Gate/Former Public Health Service Hospital Complex (PresidiGo Stop #27). Length: 0.8 mile (1.3 kilometers)
Lovers’ Lane
In the 18th century as the original Spanish Presidio took shape at the windswept Golden Gate, the shortest distance from the fort to the pious - and passionate – options of nearby Yerba Buena was a footpath later called “Lovers’ Lane.” This trail connects the city neighborhoods to the south of the Presidio with the Main Post. An audio art experience interprets the trail’s history for visitors. Highlights: eucalyptus stands, willow woodland, a quaint residential neighborhood, small historic footbridge. Access Points: Presidio Gate, Funston Avenue (PresidiGo Stop #47), Visitor Center (PresidiGo Stop #35). Length: 0.9 mile (1.4 kilometers)
Mountain Lake Trail
The Mountain Lake Trail passes through natural areas along the Presidio’s southern boundary, connecting the pedestrian Broadway Gate to the Pacific Ocean/Coastal Trail. While major sections of the trail will be enhanced in coming years, the majority of the trail already exists in some form. Come out and explore it for yourself. Highlights: Future Presidio Overlook, Julius Kahn Playground, Presidio Golf Course, Mountain Lake Park. Access Points: Broadway and Presidio Gates, Baker Beach (PresidiGo Stop #23). Length: 2.6 miles (4.1 kilometers)
Park Boulevard Trail
Park Trail, which will be greatly improved and expanded in 2009, travels north-south through the middle of the park from Crissy Field to Mountain Lake. Highlights: the historic grass air field and hangars at Crissy Field, Cavalry Stables, the forest, and Presidio Golf Course. Access Points: West Pacific Avenue, East Beach at Crissy Field (PresidiGo Stop #4). Length: 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers)
Presidio Promenade
The Presidio Promenade is a two-mile multiuse trail that connects the Lombard Gate to the Golden Gate Bridge via the Main Post. Major improvements will be completed by June 2009. Highlights: Montgomery Street Barracks, 19th-century officers’ homes on Funston Avenue, Thoreau Center for Sustainability, San Francisco National Cemetery, Cavalry Stables, Crissy Field Overlook. Access Points: Lombard Gate (PresidiGo Stop #41), Golden Gate Bridge Toll Plaza (PresidiGo Stop #11), Presidio Transit Center. Length: 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers)
Tennessee Hollow Trail
The Tennessee Hollow Trail will run south-north through the Presidio, traversing the park’s largest watershed from Julius Kahn Playground to the Crissy Field Marsh. This planned creekside trail will be constructed as creek restoration proceeds. A small section of the trail was completed in 2006 (see photo), and a section of the creek was daylighted. Read more about the Tennessee Hollow restoration process and download a self-guided walking tour map. Highlights: Julius Kahn Playground, future creek restoration, Wayburn Redwood Grove, Thompson Reach, Crissy Field Marsh, East Beach. Access Points: West Pacific Avenue, East Beach at Crissy Field (PresidiGo Stop #2). Length: 1.2 miles (1.9 kilometers)