Presidio Hiking
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Summary
With a wide variety of habitats and spectacular views, the Presidio's 24 miles of trails are a delight to explore.
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Distance
0.1 miles
Routes range anywhere from the scenic but short (0.7-mile) Batteries to Bluffs Trail to longer excursions like the California Coastal Trail. Avid hikers can link up several routes for added mileage.
Destination Distance From Downtown
2.9 miles
Difficulty
2 of 5 diamonds
Count on some hills and climbing no matter which route you choose along these coastal trails; be sure to keep an eye on young children, as some trails have steep drop-offs. The exception is the flat stretch of paved and dirt trail along the Golden Gate Promenade, which technically part of the Presidio, and is better suited for families and strollers.
Time To Complete
1 hours
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day exploring the Presidio's 24 miles of trails. But most trails take around an hour or so to finish, depending on how fast you're hiking and how often you stop to soak in the views.
Seasonality
All Seasons
While summer usually means warmer weather, you'll also have to contend with more crowds. Winter rains can muddy up some trails, but cooler temperatures also mean less hazy views. Early spring is an ideal time as wildflowers start to bloom and summer tourist season has yet to heat up.
Dog Friendly
On Leash Only
Pets are welcome in the Presidio but must be leashed.
Fees Permits
No
There is no fee to enter the Presidio, but expect to pay for parking the closer you get to the Golden Gate Bridge. You can find some of San Francisco's last remaining free spots at Marina Green and beside the barracks and warehouses along Old Mason Street, but be sure to check for signs first.
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See allMore San Francisco Activities
- Backpacking / Camping
- Climbing
- Coastal Paddling
- Cycling
- Flat Water Paddling
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Running
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Trail Running