Exploring SF: Presidio Trails Part 1

 

 I love living in the city but its nice to get away from the craziness for awhile -which is why I was stoked to learn how many trails there are in the Presidio. This website gives a good overview of the different options- I had no idea! A couple weekends ago, I decided to go for a short walk and ended up walking 9 miles- hard to stop when you have great weather and amazing views. I started off on the Mountain Lake Trail which is 2.6 miles long and goes from the Broadway Gate to Baker Beach.



Mountain Lake Trail traverses the southern boundary of the Presidio from the Broadway Gate toBaker Beach. This diverse trail offers visitors glimpses of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line, a newly planted cypress grove, Julius Kahn Playground, and Presidio Golf Course. Just after Mountain Lake, a new section of trail travels behind the Public Health Service District, recently revitalized as a “green” neighborhood where people live and work. Behind the former hospital is a new boardwalk through restored dune habitat teeming with native plants and wildlife. This area also includes a vista point commemorating the historic Merchant Marine Cemetery where many sailors found their final resting place. Continue through the Baker Beach neighborhood until the Pacific Ocean comes on the horizon. (source)

 I was in my own world and didn't see Andy Goldsworthy's Spire + Wood Line so I will definitely be back to check that out (he does some pretty awesome stuff- check out this google image search). After ending up at Baker beach with plenty of sunshine still left, I headed up the California Coastal trail (2.7 miles) which took me up to the Golden Gate Bridge (walked right under it) and down towards Crissy field via the Bay Trail.

The California Coastal Trail is a 1,200 mile route tracing the iconic Pacific coastline from Mexico to Oregon. The Presidio segment connects Baker Beach to the Golden Gate Bridge through the wild coastal bluffs. Be sure to take enough time to explore everything the Baker Beach area has to offer, from the sandy beach to idyllic picnic sites to Battery Chamberlain’s “disappearing gun.” Visitors can immerse themselves in the environment of the bluffs by searching the skies for hawks and discovering native blossoms. At its northern end, the trail continues across the Golden Gate Bridge to the Marin Headlands, and also connects to the Bay Trail, which provides access to Fort Pointand Crissy Field. At the southern end, the trail connects to the 25th Avenue Gate and the Richmond District of San Francisco.' (source)

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful San Francisco Bay shoreline while running, walking, rollerblading, or biking the Golden Gate Promenade. This popular trail, part of the regional Bay Trail, runs the length of Crissy Field to Fort Point and up to the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the pathway, natural and historic treasures are framed against the San Francisco skyline and the Marin Headlands. Crissy Marsh gives both casual observers and enthusiastic birders an opportunity to enjoy a salt marsh, rich with wildlife. The western end of this trail leads visitors past former airplane hangars that have been repurposed for indoor recreational uses, then up and around old coastal gun batteries, finally ending at the Golden Gate Bridge. Beach access is provided along the length of the trail. (source)

Currently there are eight gigantic sculptures done by Mark di Suvero (sponsered by MOMA) along Crissy Field right now- some seriously cool angles and shapes all moving with the wind. Only problem? While they have nice polite signs asking you not to climb the sculptures, they installed these directly across from a climbing gym soooo obviously the challenge has been accepted. They're up until May of next year (or until someone falls off and ruins the fun for everyone else) so I recommend checking them out.

Looking forward to checking out more of the trails this summer!