Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop
San Francisco, California
Details
Distance
2.04 miles
Elevation Gain
344 ft
Route Type
Loop
Description
Added by Lisa Dutton
This is a fun 2-mile loop trail in San Francisco's Presidio with easy access to many other parts of this 1500 sqft national park. Highlights include strolling 150 year old Lover's Lane and walking along Andy Goldsworthy's "Wood Line".
Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attractions.
This 2-mile hike is a simple loop that takes you past three significant landmarks, and allows for easy exploration of other areas. Begin at the Presidio Gate (Presidio Blvd & Pacific) and start your way down Lover’s Lane. To your immediate right, up in the trees, you’ll see Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” art installation, a zig-zagging configuration of eucalyptus trees. Look closely for it from Lover’s Lane or there’s a good chance you’ll miss it.
Continue down along Lover’s Lane almost until it ends at Presidio Blvd. Make a left on the trail just before Presidio and walk down a few hundred yards and you’ll see a trailhead for the Upper Ecology Trail. Take this trail uphill, through a beautiful forest, until you reach Inspiration Point Overlook. With a posted trail map, this is the perfect spot to break off and do a bit more exploring.
Once you’re done taking in the views at Inspiration Point, follow the signs for the Mountain Lake Trail, which will return you to your starting point at the Presidio Gate.
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Reviews
This is a beautiful area. Walking through the m eucalyptus trees in the morning while the fog is heavy is extremely therapeutic. Camping here is great. I cant believe there is access like this to camping in such a big city. People like to talk about the homeless coming into the campground a lot, but I’ve never had that problem. The park’s staff does a great job at not letting homeless people loiter, especially when you are camping.
5.0
Love Andy Goldsworthy so I was excited to see this is in such an accessible SF location. Ended up here after a bike ride. Its not as long as i thought it'd be but a beautiful stroll!
5.0
Recently went here this past weekend and really enjoyed my stroll through the Presidio. For photographers, I suggest going during golden hour. The shadows can be pretty harsh during midday.
4.0
Wood Line art installation is really cool. Come on a Sunday and you can grab food at Off The Grid on the Main Post Lawn close to where Lover's Lane ends.
3.0
Easy to find and parking was no problem. Got some fun pic's at inspirational peak. Was a "no cell phone" morning, super refreshing to see the contrasting landscapes and be mindful of those that served our country while living at the Presidio.
This is a family favorite hike that we took with three generations attending on a birthday weekend. Nice!
Loved this! It's beautiful and such a hidden gem of the presidio. You can't see it from the road so thanks Outbound for sharing!
5.0
Great text and photos. Thanks Lisa!
So cool and right in our backyard. Definitely a great photo op and recommend it to everyone.
5.0
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Presidio Ecology Trail
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