In brief:
Easy 2.6 mile hike through the historic Presidio.
Distance, category, and difficulty:
This 2.6 mile loop hike is easy, with only a few hills. Presidio
elevation varies only slightly; the trailhead sits at about 265 feet, and
this hike's lowest spot is about 50 feet. Total elevation gain for the hike is 500 feet.
Exposure:
Mix of shade and sun.
Trail traffic:
Moderate.
Trail surfaces:
Dirt trails and paved sidewalks.
Hiking time:
1 1/2 hours.
Season:
Nice any time. Spectacular in early spring.
Getting there:
From CA 1/Park Presidio Boulevard in San Francisco, turn east onto Lake Street (if you're arriving
from the north, you can't turn left onto Lake, so go one more block and
turn right on California, then turn right on 15th Avenue, and right again
on Lake). Drive east on Lake about 0.75 mile, then turn north (left) onto Arguello Boulevard.
Drive about 0.3 mile on Arguello, through the Arguello Gate and into the
Presidio. Proceed on Arguello about 0.2 mile, to the Inspiration Point trailhead
on the right side of the road.
GPS Coordinates* for Trailhead:
Latitude
37°47'31.50"N
Longitude 122°27'30.02"W
(* based on Google Earth
data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)
Gas, food, and lodging:
Not much within walking distance of the trailhead. Further north in the
Presidio, Crissy Field Center has a small cafe with sandwiches and coffee,
and the Warming Hut serves food as well. Gas, stores, and more restaurant
options on California Street. No camping.
Trailhead details:
Small parking lot, with one designated handicapped spot. No restrooms
or drinking water (there are restrooms along the hike). There are maps on an interpretive panel, but none to
take with you. No parking or entrance fees. The trails departing from this
trailhead are not well-suited to wheelchairs. This trailhead is accessible
by public transportation: several Muni bus lines run along California Street,
a short distance from the trailhead, and there's a Presidio shuttle bus
stop at the trailhead. Gas, pay phones, stores, and restaurants in surrounding
neighborhoods. Read some cautions about urban
hikes.
Rules:
Trails are multi-use, although equestrians are unlikely. Dogs are permitted
on leash only. Trails are open from dawn to dusk.
The Official Story:
William J. Mott, Jr. Visitor Center 415-561-4323
NPS's Presidio page
The Presidio Trust
website has a wealth of information regarding the Presidio.
Map Choices:
• The Walker's Map of San Francisco, by Pease Press is perfect for this hike.
• Presidio Map
Go to Bay Area Hiker Home page