PRESIDIO: LYON ST. STEPS to TUNNEL TOPS

SF PRESIDIO:  LYON ST. STEPS to TUNNEL TOPS

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Sunday, April 28, 2023

Meeting Location: Whole Foods;  2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below.

Meeting Time (SF): 9:40 AM, departing shortly afterwards.  (MUNI is a good option, but if you'd prefer a ride I'll be stopping at Whole Foods.  Let me know ahead of time if you'd like a ride.)

Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Meeting Time (Rockridge BART): 9:15 AM, departing shortly afterwards

Rating:  Level 3

Mileage: 8.75 miles

Elevation Gain: 950'

Description: This is a really great loop that includes many parts of the Presidio that I'd never seen before.  We start by going down the Lyon Street Steps - like a vista point that goes on for 6 blocks.  Entering the park at the Lombard Gate we'll be walking through and around Presidio neighborhoods before reaching El Polin Spring, a historic source of fresh water for the Ohlone people as well as the subsequent Spanish settlers.  In that area we'll be on the Ecology Trail.  Then up to Inspiration Point, Andy Goldsworthy's Spire, the Presidio Cemetery Overlook, the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge to the Tunnel Tops Park.  Heading down to Coastal Trail from Immigration Point we'll be going down at least a million steps.  After passing through the Industrial Light & Magic complex and one really great surprise(!) we'll make our way back, passing Lover's Lane, along Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line.

With each turn there's another spectacular view; you'll pass angles of the Golden Gate Bridge, including the one above that I took while scouting the route, that you've never seen before, not to speak of the Marin Headlands and Alcatraz. Amazing wildflower bloom happening now also.

We'll pass 3 bathrooms, for those in need.  Dogs on leash are welcome in the Presidio. 

Bring/Wear:  Bring plenty of water, lunch, layers, hat and sunscreen for the sunny sections.

Rain Policy: Contact the hikeleader if the weather is questionable.

Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the top of the Lyon Street Steps, corner Broadway.  Google Maps link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time:  10:15 AM

Carpool Fees from SF: free; $6 from Rockridge BART.