Urban Hike - Presidio Loop Trail in San Francisco
Formerly a U.S. Army military fort, the Presidio closed as an active base as part of military reduction program under the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) progress. It transferred to the National Park Service in 1994 and now is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.
The Presidio seems a world away from urban life with its golf course, the National Cemetery, and various historic and cultural structures. This walk offers vistas of the bay and forested scenery, and passes by the golf course, Mountain Lake, and National Cemetery. The route also traverses by the Spire and Wood Line, two art installations by renowned artist, Andy Goldsworthy. Although partially burned in 2020, the 100-foot-high Spire remains largely intact and stirring.
The trail travels around 6 miles on paved and dirt-sandy terrain and is routed on varying hillside topography that includes uphill steps to reach a vista point. Degree of difficulty is rated as Slightly Moderate to Moderate - the trail has an elevation gain of approximately 800 feet. Estimated walk time is roughly 2.5 hours. An opportunity exists to reduce the distance/time by roughly half for those desiring a shorter walk, as the trail loops back toward the parking lot-clubhouse around midpoint. Event is free but participants must RSVP since the group size is limited to 20. Contact hike leader, Jim Tom, for additional information.
When: November 13, 2021 (Saturday)
Time: 10:00 am: Depart at 10:15 am
Distance: Approximately 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 800 feet +/-
Degree of Difficulty: Slightly Moderate to Moderate
Meeting location: Meet in front of the clubhouse for the Presidio Golf Course
(not the Presidio Golf and Concordia Club) on Arguello Blvd. Clubhouse appears as the Presidio Café on Google Maps. Clubhouse has a public parking lot and is located just north of the Arguello gate entrance into the Presidio.
Weather Policy: Cancel in event of moderate rain
Comments: Consider layering for the weather and bringing water. If interested after the hike, we can gather for lunch with casual indoor/outdoor dining at the Presidio Café or along nearby Clement St.
Group size: Limited to 20 RSVPs.
Hike leader: Jim Tom (415) 518-8865 jim.tom@maxsf.org