SAN FRANCISCO PRESIDIO SUNDAY HIKE
Leader: Robert Hood
Leader Email: robertcmhood@gmail.com
Leader Phone: (415) 619-1266
Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, March 20, 2021
Meeting Time: 10:00 AM
Departure Time: 10:15 AM
Meeting Place: Arguello Gate: Corner of Arguello & Pacific
Rating: Level-3
Mileage: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1400'
Description: The majestic views of the Golden Gate, The City, and Pacific Ocean, we can explore the early beginnings of San Francisco Peninsula from the Hunter-gatherers of 10,000 years, the Spanish Empire, and its accession to the United States of America.
We start from the Presidio path entrance at Arguello and Pacific Avenues, taking the Ecology trail through the historic El Polín Spring, the earliest peninsula watershed. And onward to the Main Post and past the Officers Club site of the original founding in 1776 by the Spanish Empire. Rejoining the Ecology Trail at the overlook of the National Cemetery, we join the Promenade and Bay Trails to the Golden Gate overlook. Then the Park Trail over to the Crissy Field overlook along the Presidio Promenade to the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Trail. Passing under the Golden Gate Bridge we follow the Bay Trail to the Batteries to Bluffs Trail above Marshall's Beach; here we can stop for Lunch overlooking the Pacific entrance to the Golden Gate and views of the Marin Headlands.
Continuing on the Bluffs Trail to Immigrant Point we will take the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail over to Mountain Lake. From there we follow the Park and Bay Area Ridge Trails visiting Andy Goldworthy's spire back to our starting point. Approximate distance is 7 Miles. (Thanks to Eric Poelzl for his advice).
Here are some interesting bits of historic information about the Presidio.
Bring/Wear: Plenty of water, layers, lunch, snacks and good hiking shoes.
Rain Policy: Contact hike leader if weather is questionable
COVID-19 Precautions: Most Bay Area counties have relaxed gathering restrictions. MASKS AND DISTANCING STILL REQUIRED.
Level-1
|
Level-2
|
Level-3 |
Level-4 |
Level-5 |
easiest
< 5 miles
< 500' gain
|
moderately easy
5-7 miles
< 1000' gain |
moderate
7-9 miles
< 1500' gain
|
strenuous
9-12 miles
< 2000' gain
|
very strenuous
12-15+ miles
>2000' gain |