The Presidio has a long and rich history of military service. Its life as a military base ended in 1994. Since then, the Presidio has transformed from “post to park” through the collaborative support of The Presidio Trust, Golden Gate Conservancy and National Park Service, rehabilitating buildings, restoring habitat, and creating parks, trails and scenic overlooks.
Getting around is easy thanks to Presidio GO Downtown and Around the Park shuttles, and two SF MUNI bus stops. The loop trail described below is one of a network of trails. This self-guided walking tour presents an art-and-nature-immersion experience.
Three trails connect to create a 2.7-mile loop around the Presidio’s southern end. Mountain Lake is designed for both pedestrians and cyclists. The Upper Ecology Trail and Lovers’ Lane are pedestrian only. This loop features the artistic works of Andy Goldsworthy, one of the world’s most renowned site-specific artists. Goldsworthy creates sculptures from natural materials found on the trail. View four art installations—Spire, Wood Line, Tree Fall and Earth Wall—and some of San Francisco’s most beloved scenic views within the Presidio.
The Spire is a short walk off the main Ecology Trail. Both trails begin at the Inspiration Point parking area and overlook. Standing at Inspiration Point, take time to enjoy views of Alcatraz, Angel Island and dozens of sailboats. Spire is 15 feet wide at the base and towers 100 feet into the sky. The Ecology Trail features diverse habitats, ranging from restored native grasslands to native wildflowers, majestic redwoods, oaks, Eucalyptus, Monterey Pine and Monterey Cypress.
From the Spire, walkers may go right to join a short segment of the 2.6-mile Mountain Lake Trail or left to the Ecology Trail. The Mountain Lake Trail passes a playground to Lovers’ Lane. (The larger segment of the Mountain Lake Trail crosses the lower end of the golf course and its namesake lake west of the loop.) By continuing on the Ecology Trail, walkers will see Earth Wall or Tree Fall.
Wood Line is near the turn from Mountain Lake Trail to Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio’s Broadway Gate. It is inspired by the Presidio’s Eucalyptus grove, planted in the late 1800s. Goldsworthy set down a zigzag design on the forest floor made from fallen Eucalyptus trees. Trunks lay end to end extending more than 1,200 feet.
Lovers’ Lane is the oldest footpath through the Presidio, created by Spanish soldiers in the 18th century. Lovers’ Lane merges into Presidio Boulevard, the Main Post and Ecology Trail. Tree Fall is an indoor art installation within the historic Powder Magazine. Earth Wall is located inside the Hardie Courtyard at the Historic Presidio Officers’ Club, now a multi-faceted cultural destination.
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