The Presidio
Use the park page to learn about local hiking, nature, trailheads, trail and route maps, and groups that meet here. If you know something about this area. Please feel welcome to write about it here.
General Information
The Presidio is a park on the north part of San Francisco, within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
It was founded in 1776 when the Spanish made it the military center. The land was later owned by Mexico and is part of the United States since 1847.
Since 1989, the Presidio no longer belongs to any type of military, and on October 1, 1994, it was given to the National Park Service. It is now a beautiful park with many beautiful views of the bay and the ocean, yet still preserving many historic relics along the way. These days the Presidio has a little bit of everything: monuments, local businesses, local events, a national cemetery, historic airfield, forests, beaches, and many views of San Francisco, the Pacific ocean and the Golden Gate bridge.
The Presidio has many major trails. They hikes are at times scenic and during other times give the feel of being surrounded in a forest. Sometimes the views open up and the Golden Gate bridge stands in front of the visitors as a gigantic red beacon. There is a beach, along which the views of the Golden Gate bridge and the Marina are pretty clear. There is also the area around the old military outposts and the golf course where hikers often find themselves in thick forest-like brush or well-groomed grass.
Trailheads
Trailhead Name: Presidio Gate at Arguello
Trailhead Description: There is plenty of street parking and rest rooms at the golf club store.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 15
Parking is free at this trailhead
Access to trail is wheelchair accessible
Restrooms available: YES
Trailhead Name: Presidio Entrance From the Marina
Trailhead Description: There is usually only street parking, and very little of it. Also, there are many parking meters.
Parking is available at this trailhead
Parking spots: 1
Parking is NOT free at this trailhead
Access to trail is wheelchair accessible
Restroom availability is unknown
Routes and Trails You Can Travel
Route Name: Stumbling Around The Presidio
Route Description: We will just pick random trails and see the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Yoda statue. We will cover a few trails.
Distance: N/A
Total elevation gain: N/A
Total elevation loss: N/A
Route Name: Ecology Trail, Officers Row, Cannon Display, Palace of Fine Arts
Route Description: This is an amazing route which probably has in it a quarter of the city attractions and you can see them all in about an hour hike! We also saw the Yoda statue.
Distance: N/A
Total elevation gain: N/A
Total elevation loss: N/A
Route Name: Coastal Shipwrecks and cannons along the way
Route Description: Take Ecology trail to officers row where there is a cannon display. Then head to the coast to see live gigantic cannons facing the ocean. Then go to Lands End to see real shipwrecks that are visible above water.
Distance: 5.43
Total elevation gain: 325
Total elevation loss: 570
Route Name: Hike To Yoda Statue
Route Description: This is a short but popular hike to the offices of Lucas Arts where there is a statue of Yoda. This particular route also features Inspiration Point which has beautiful views. It also features the Ecology Trail, the old Officers Row, and a display of historic cannons along the way.
Distance: 1.50
Total elevation gain: 42
Total elevation loss: 309
Hiking
Immigrant Point Overlook is a popular spot that is dedicated to all the immigrants who have come to the United States through San Francisco and the Pacific Ocean. The spot is located at a majestic spot with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands, and Point Reyes National Seashore. The Immigrant Point overlook was created after donations by the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund.
The Crissy Field Overlook is another popular spot with a great view of Crissy Field, San Francisco skyline, Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, and Angel Island.
Inspiration Point is another popular destination in The Presidio from which visitors can see the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Presidio forest. Inspiration Point is located near the high point of the Tennessee Hollow watershed. You can get there from the Ecology Trail.
Trails
Some of the popular trails are
- California Coastal Trail
- Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail
- Bay Area Ridge Trail
- Batteries to Bluffs Hike
- Ecology Trail
- Golden Gate Promenade Trail
- Lobos Creek Valley Trail
- Lover's Lane Trail
- Mountain Lake Trail
- Pine Boulevard Trail
- Tennessee Hollow Trail
Climate and Weather
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The weather can be a bit windy since the park is right near the ocean. Wear layered clothing, especially if you will be there for a few hours.
History
The area used to be a military base and there is still a cannon display and a row of old homes of officers that can be seen on the hikes through the park.
Wildlife
There are even some coyotes here as I understand it.
Birds
Trees
Trees hikers reported spotting:
Tree Name: Cypress
Tree Name: Eucalyptus
Tree Name: Madrone
Flowers
Flowers that hikers reported spotting:
Flower Name: Sticky Monkey Flower
Flower Name: California Poppy
Other Plants
Camping Possibilities
I think there is no camping at The Presidio.
Other Information
The Presidio is now home to Lucas Arts, the digital and creative arm of George Lucas, producer of the Star Wars movies. In recent years Lucas invested in building a beautiful campus for his company and it is now the jewel of all Presidio businesses.
Parking
Driving Directions
Presidio Interpretation
Building 201, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: (415) 561-4323
Park Map
Hiking or Walking Groups Nearby
Group Name: test
Group Description: test
Group Name: Jill and Sula's Hiking Group
Group Description: Fun, social, urban hikes that end in a pub.
Group Name: GRN Hike
Group Description: Hiking!
Group Name: Sacramento Backpacking
Group Description: Sacramento-area based group with a preference for multiple-day excursions into the backcountry.
Group Name: Hiking Pacifica Coast
Group Description: Hiking in Pacifica. Splendid views on a sunny day. Hikes range 4 to 7 miles - some elevation (up to 625). Eat/drink at local places.
Group Name: Sonoma County Wanderers
Group Description: This is a hiking group for the intermediate hiker! For a hiker that enjoys a relaxed pace, conversation, picture taking and the journey as much as the destination. We usually do between 4 and 10 miles with moderate elevation gain.
Come join us!
Group Name: Milpitas Social Group
Group Description: This group is for all ages!! We do things from San Francisco to Santa Barbara and occasionally all the way to Los Angeles. Dinners, pot lucks, hikes, walks, bikes, camping, happy hours, treat yourself to a massage/spa treatment. Run into old friend! Everybody has to eat and exercise sometime – might as well do it in good company of others. As we see it, one of the reasons to create this group is for singles of all ages to get together and have fun. Struggling with Divorce? Meet other persons who are either anticipating or are in the midst of divorce, custody, or support-related issues and need some direction. Just broke up with a boyfriend/girlfriend. Well join the group! …or just killing times until Mr/Ms. "RIGHT" comes along! To those newly singled and are yet unsure what they want to do with their lives. We suggest a period of experimental single of growth where you can try a variety of new things, new friends, new attitudes etc... You just need to find what ....
Group Name: Muir Woods and Marin Hiking
Group Description: hiking in Muir Woods and other nearby areas. There is even a trail with a small bar at the end of it - join us!
Group Name: Before Work Hiking
Group Description: This is a group for short morning hikes
Group Name: Roam the Woods: Women Specific Backpacking
Group Description: Get Trail Smart! Roam offers one and two week backpacking learning vacations for women. We utilize National Parks and Wilderness areas across the U.S. as our "classroom". Have you ever wanted to see glacier fed lakes, long distance trails, dormant volcanoes, waterfalls, lush meadows, mountain streams, awe inspiring peaks…and have the confidence to accept every lesson Mother Nature provides? Roam will show you the way! Visit: www.roamthewoods.com for more information
Group Name: North Bay Hikes
Group Description: We are Santa Rosa-based, most outings are in Sonoma, Marin, and Napa counties. Mostly hiking, some paddling, camping, biking etc. See pictures and a list of past outings on our website. Click "Join NorthBayHikes.com" to sign up for email invitations to our outings.
Group Name: Amazon HIking and Adventure Group
Group Description: Fairfield, CA based Women's Hiking & Outdoor Adventure Group! The Amazon Group is a group for meeting other Women in their 20's and 30's who enjoy hiking, outdoors, and fitness. This group is for healthy/fit women who love to be outdoors and enjoy activities like: Hiking, backpacking, river-rafting, kayaking, and camping! Whether you are an experienced hiker or have never hiked before, join us! Other events include girl's night outs, hanging out, and day trips to fun new places. We also often stop at nearby places for good brews, food and conversation after hikes. Have fun while getting fit! Make new friends! Take time out of your busy life and get outside, and meet new people.
Group Name: San Francisco Hiking Group
Group Description: Scenic hikes and challenging rock climbing along the Bay with views of the Pacific Ocean, Golden Gate Bridge, Presidio, and Sausalito. Good way to make friends with San Francisco locals and enjoy some good hiking!
Group Name: Snowdogs
Group Description: Hiking, Running, Skiing/Snowboarding and other outdoor activities
Group Name: test group
Group Description: Group for testing
Group Name: Bay Area Birders
Group Description: This group is for birding people in the San Francisco Bay area. I figure we can open it to everyone. I will not be the "leader", but I hope that each of you will step forward now and then to lead some kind of outing. Roy
Group Name: Weekday hiking on the San Francisco peninsula
Group Description: This is for our private group
Group Name: Experiment Hiking Group's Page
Group Description: Creating an experimental hiking group. This group's hikes are tough :)
Group Name: Very challenging hike group
Group Description: Experienced hiker group who look for difficult, long and challenging hikes to get really great exercise, get in great shape and have a great workout!
Group Name: Downtown Embarcadero Exercise Group
Group Description: Group of professionals who can walk along the scenic Embarcadero from Market along the bay to Fishermans Wharf. We can start at 6pm at the Ferry Building which is at the end of Market street crossing Embarcadero. Address: 1 Ferry Building # 35 San Francisco, CA 94111-4230
Group Name: Bank Holiday Land's End Hiking
Group Description: This group is for hikers who get Holidays off from work, such as Veterans Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day, etc. and want to spend the morning on a stroll in scenic Land's End! We meet on Bank Holidays at 10:15 on the North West Corner of 27th Avenue and California. Reminders will be posted on the hiking event calendar.
Group Name: Bay Area Outdoor Volunteering
Group Description: This group is for people who want to be active and participate in helping to build trails, sustainable farming projects, planting trees, and working with other outdoor organizations and parks.
Group Name: Winter Snowshoe Hikes/Campouts
Group Description: If you own snowshoes and/or enjoy backcountry nordic skiing, this group might be for you. I'd like to plan Truckee/Tahoe snowshoe hikes (maybe also up north towards Lassen) this season 2010-2011. Members are not expected to be triathletes, but should be sufficiently fit to handle cold weather challenges. As excursions may include overnighters, I'd like to invite those who are conservation-minded and wouldn't think twice about picking up garbage they might see on the trail. Weekday trips are also in the works.
Upcoming Hikes
There are no upcoming hikes. Be the first to start one!
Past Hikes
Ultra Long Hike Which Requires Training | 1.7 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-7-2010
Description: I want to train with some people to do a really long and strenuous hike - maybe around 30+ miles. Maybe find some record to break :) Any ideas?
Castle Rock waterfall hike | 44.9 km away
Date: Tuesday, 1-4-2011
Description: Meet: 10am at Edgewood Rd. & I280 Park & Ride or 10:15am in Cupertino in the Homestead Square shopping center near the Homestead Square sign on Homestead Rd. or 10:45am at the main entrance 2.5 miles south of the junction of Hwy 35 and 9 ($8 to park in the lot, or you can park along the road outside at no cost)
Rancho San Antonio Tuesday hike | 38.8 km away
Date: Tuesday, 1-18-2011
Description: This hike near Cupertino, in one of the most popular parks on the peninsula/south bay, offers great views of the bay area. Bring plenty of your favorite beverage, sun protection, and lunch or a snack. We'll hike to the bench at the top of the PG&E trail. Directions: From 280 just north of 85, take Foothill Blvd. toward the hills, right at the first light onto Cristo Rey Dr., then around and out the far side of the traffic circle. Turn left when you see the sign for Rancho San Antonio County Park. Follow the entrance road to the right past several parking areas, then left down the hill to a bigger parking area. If that's full, park in one of the lots back up the hill.
Shipwreck Hunt During Low Tide | 1.2 km away
Date: Saturday, 1-29-2011
Description: The original shipwreck hunt was a very popular event, so we are scheduling another event to see the two ships that can be spotted in the ocean during low tide! We will meet at: 870 El Camino Del Mar, San Francisco, California That is the trailhead. The hike is 2 miles each way. The terrain is pretty easy, but in the middle there are few mid-sized hills. Here is a page describing Lands End: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php
Tuesday hike | 66.2 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-1-2011
Description: Henry Coe is the second-largest state park in California. Thanks to Ann for suggesting this park east of Morgan Hill for a change. This will be a 9-miler with about 1500' of elevation gain. We'll explore several of the trails in the western section. Bring a pole for creek crossing, lunch, plenty of water or other suitable hiking beverage, shoes with good traction, and a jacket or suitable clothing in case it's cold and/or windy. Meeting locations: 10am Edgewood P&R 10:30 Homestead Square in Cupertino
Alviso Slough loop | 37.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-6-2011
Description: Meeting point Alviso Marino park - there must be parking there.It is easy hike 9-10 miles along Alviso slough. It is 100% flat. Hope it will be good bird watching opportunities. You can bring small lunch with you or we may decide to try Alviso town restaraunt
Tuesday hike | 34.5 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-8-2011
Description: Meet 10am Edgewood P&R near, 10am Homestead Square shopping center Cupertino, 10:15 Page Mill P&R, or 10:30 at Orchard Glen picnic area in the park.
Water and restrooms at the start.
park map: http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=8505
back to Page Mill & I280 by 3:30.
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 1.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-13-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Pulgas Ridge/Edgewood Tuesday hike | 24.8 km away
Date: Tuesday, 2-15-2011
Description: Here's my tried and true hike for threatening weather. Showers or rain are expected Tuesday, so I've picked this two-parter in case it becomes more than showers. Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve and Edgewood County Park hike Tue February 15 10:30am-3pm 4 or 8 miles, 800 or 1600 feet elevation gain Meet 10am at Homestead Square shopping center in Cupertino. Meet next to Homestead Rd. near the Homestead Square sign. or meet 10:30am at the Pulgas Ridge parking lot (directions below) Edgewood County Park info http://www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smc/department/home/0,,5556687_12305995_12328420,00.html Pulgas Ridge info http://openspace.org/preserves/pr_pulgas_ridge.asp Here's a great combination hike, with gentler trails than I typically lead. We'll start at Pulgas Ridge, where we'll hike up, down and around through this Open Space preserve. Then we'll head across Edgewood Rd. to Edgewood Park, where we'll have lunch near the restrooms. After lunch, we'll hike up around the rid ....
Cannons, Ecology and Palace of Fine Arts Hike at the Presidio | 1 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-20-2011
Description: This will be a really beautiful and historic hike through the Presidio. We will meet at the Arguello Gate, walk along the Ecology Trail, then through the army base to see the old Officers Homes and a display of historic cannons used by the army. We will then go to the Palace of Fine Arts for a break and a little snack (10-20 minutes), and then we will head back. Here is some information about the Presidio: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/the_presidio.php
Shipwreck Hunt Hike | 1.2 km away
Date: Sunday, 2-27-2011
Description: Since this was such a popular event last time, we will be doing this hike again. The hike is scheduled specifically during a time of low tide when tops of two drowned ships can be seen. One ship is during the middle of the hike and the other ship is at the end of the hike. The event is free, but donations on the site or at the event are appreciated since it takes a lot of time and effort to organize the event. Here is a link to Lands End to see what you can expect: http://www.hikingsanfrancisco.com/san_francisco_hikes/lands_end_national_park.php Children are welcome on this hike, but must be closely supervised by their parents.
Presidio Ridge Trail To Golden Gate Bridge | 1 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-13-2011
Description: This will be mid-difficulty hike. We will meet at the Arguello gate and hike along the (relatively newly built) Ridge Trail which is very scenic. The hike goes to the bottom of Golden Gate Bridge.
Once we get to the bridge, we will go back along the same path to where we started.
Arrowhead Marsh Bird Walk | 14.1 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-20-2011
Description: This walk is by Arrowhead Marsh near the Oakland Airport. The area is popular with birders because of winter waterfowl population, and frequent sighting of California Clapper Rails. We meet at 1:00 pm in the main parking lot. From 880, head toward the Oakland Airport. Turn right at Pardee Drive, then left on Swan Way, and right to enter the park. Ignore the first 2 parking areas, and continue to the end of the road by the observation tower. Approach the water. I will be sitting on the fishing dock, wearing a dorky white hat with a cape. High tide is at 1:42 pm, offering a good change of seeing a clapper rail or two. If that fails, we can try again in the late afternoon. Meanwhile, we can wander about various pond and shoreline areas to observe a variety of waterfowl. Here is a link to park information and a park map. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/mlk All walking is level and paved. Bicycles are allowed. Distance depends on what we care to do. The loop around the New Marsh and seasonal p ....
Lost in the Presidio Hike Adventure | 1 km away
Date: Sunday, 3-27-2011
Description: This will be an experimental hike where we take trails we don't really know and see if we get lost, and can find our way back. Do not worry! The Presidio is not very big and I know it pretty well. So really, we won't be very lost. But it will be fun to orient ourselves and see if we can figure out different trails in a somewhat unusual and experimental situation where everyone can contribute. We will meet at the Arguello gate. There is plenty of parking on the streets there.
Musical Chairs Presidio Hike | 1 km away
Date: Saturday, 4-2-2011
Description: To make the hike more fun and social, we will do some experiments with playing musical chairs with whom you hike next to, and who leads the hike. The focus will be on making it fun, healthy, social, and creative. Game suggestions are welcome The hike will be through many different Presidio trails. There is plenty of parking on the streets.