LANDS END to PRESIDIO TUNNEL TOPS LOOP

LANDS END to PRESIDIO TUNNEL TOPS LOOP

>>> Fleet Week 2025:  October 5-13 <<<

Hike Date:  Saturday, October 11, 2025

Leader:  Robert H!ckey

Leader Email:  robert3327@gmail.com

Leader Phone:  510.813.3406

Hike Rating:  Level-4

Hike Mileage:  11.1 miles  (see Shorter Hike Option below). 

Elevation Gain:  1,053'

Description:  (I last led this hike on 9/17/22, shortly after the Tunnel Tops first opened).  Starting at Lands End, we'll hike towards Sea Cliff to admire the views of the Golden Gate Bridge... and the beautiful homes along the way (including Robin William's former home). Once at the South end of Baker Beach, we'll climb up into the Presidio (and the coyote pupping area), pass Mountain Lake, the golf course and then take a turn down Lover's Lane (hand holding optional) where it's a straight shot to the Tunnel Tops... or, optionally, you can wander along Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line.  At the Tunnel Tops (covering the former Doyle Drive), we'll stop for a leisurely lunch and take in more views of the Golden Gate Bridge... the Marin Headlands and the Bay at large. After lunch we'll hike through parts of Crissy Field and past the Calvary Stables before climbing up to Lincoln Blvd near the Northern part of Baker Beach. From there we'll hike back towards our starting point, past Battery Chamberlain, all the while enjoying views of the beach below... contemplating the majestic views of the Pacific Ocean... and reflecting on the special place that is San Francisco.

Bring / Wear:  Bring water, comfortable hiking shoes, hat and sunscreen, and lunch.

Rain Policy:  Hike will be cancelled if rain.

Dogs:  Woof, yes!  

We'll meet at the USS San Francisco Memorial (map) on the Northwest side of the El Camino del Mar Parking Lot.  Parking near the trailhead is limited to 4 hours.  If you park closer to the entrance of the parking lot there is no limit.  Choose your parking space wisely.

Trailhead Meeting Time:  9:30 AM  (don't miss the hike, arrive early).

Note:  If you are not a member you can:  1) Become a member by clicking on [Join] above and then register for the hike or 2) Contact me so that I know that you would like to be part of the hike.

Interested in carpooling?  If so, here are the options...

• SF Carpooling Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street or below the building.

SF Meeting Time:  9:10 AM  (don't miss your ride, arrive early).

• East Bay Carpooling Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:50 AM  (don't miss your ride, arrive early).

Note:  Please only show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station if you have arranged a ride ahead of time (see Carpool Fees below).

Total Driving Distance (round trip): 

  12 miles (SF)

  38 miles (Rockridge BART)

Carpool Fees (per passenger): 

  $2 (SF)

  $7* (Rockridge BART)

  *Includes bridge toll.

Note:  I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need a ride or can take passengers.  If you want to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.

Shorter Hike Option (Level-3 / 7.1 miles).  You can wait for us up ahead on our hike in the South Baker Beach parking lot (map).  The rest of us should arrive there around 10:15 AM (though I strongly recommend that you arrive earlier).  You can walk with us to the Tunnel Tops and after lunch, on the way back, you can ditch us as we return and pass the South Baker Beach parking lot again (ending your hike 45 minutes early).  If you are carpooling, you will need to make your own carpool arrangements.  And, let me know so that we don't miss you as we are walking by... or so we don't wait at the start of the trailhead thinking that you are joining us there.