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In general, though, there is not yet any new, official signage; the AllTrails map will keep you on track. <\/p>\n
“The Golden Gate Dozen is the kind of trail that shows why urban access to public lands matters,\u201d says Pitt Grewe, head of social and environmental impact at AllTrails. \u201cA route that connects San Francisco\u2019s rich history and unique ecology to its diverse community is a powerful reminder of what we’re working to protect and make accessible for everyone.” <\/p>\n
Below, we\u2019ve broken down each section of the trail. Tackle the full 13 miles in a single day, conquer it piece by piece, or pick out just the spots you most want to see.<\/p>\n
Crissy Field to Presidio Tunnel Tops: 0.5 miles<\/p>\n
From the East Beach Parking Lot at Crissy Field, you\u2019ll walk west along the promenade, then cut through the East Bluff Picnic Area to the bridge over the marsh. Watch for great blue herons and belted kingfishers, then head west down Mason Street to the Presidio Tunnel Tops.<\/p>\n
Presidio Tunnel Tops to Fort Point: 1.5 miles<\/p>\n
Take in the views (and maybe brunch at Dalida<\/a> in the Presidio\u2019s adjacent Main Post; 101 Montgomery Street, Suite 100), then cross back over Mason Street to Crissy Field. Stop at the Warming Hut on the promenade for a Crissy Mocha and a donut sticker before continuing on to Fort Point National Historic Site.<\/p>\n Fort Point to the Golden Gate Bridge: 0.7 miles<\/p>\n Check out the fort\u2019s exhibits<\/a> on the history of the \u201cguardian of the Golden Gate,\u201d then return back toward the Warming Hut, popping into the Presidio Visitor Center for another sticker along the way. Look for the sign pointing to Battery East and the Golden Gate Bridge. Head up the steps, then follow the trail to the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Plaza.<\/p>\n Golden Gate Bridge to Baker Beach: 1.5 to around 3 miles<\/p>\n Return to the Battery East Trail, take a left under the bridge, and continue up the California Coastal Trail. Snap a photo of the bridge from the overlook, then either continue on this easier, shorter trail (about 20 minutes) or the longer and more challenging Batteries to Bluffs Trail<\/a> (about an hour). Take the Sand Ladder down to the beach to beachcomb the next section, or stay on the more solid Coastal Trail as it passes alongside Baker Beach.<\/p>\n Baker Beach to the Presidio: 0.1 miles to around 0.9 miles<\/p>\n Explore Battery Chamberlin, then continue past two parking lots and around the fence through the sand. Take the staircase at the end of Baker Beach up to the tony Sea Cliff neighborhood. If you want a little more time in the Presidio<\/a>, zag over to the Lobos Creek Valley Trail<\/a> before you do, taking Gibson Road toward Bowley Street and crossing over Lincoln to the trailhead at the native dunes; the trail adds a little less than a mile to your route. When you\u2019re done, head back out to Lincoln Street and toward Sea Cliff Avenue.<\/p>\n The Presidio to China Beach: 0.7 miles<\/p>\n Follow Sea Cliff Avenue down to China Beach, a hidden cove where Gold Rush-era Chinese immigrants camped and fished. Return the way you came until you reach 29th Avenue and El Camino del Mar.<\/p>\n China Beach to Lands End: 1.2 miles<\/p>\n Take El Camino Del Mar into Lincoln Park and turn right to pick up the California Coastal Trail again. Follow the path through Lands End<\/a>, the same route down which a train once carried San Franciscans to the Sutro Baths, and don\u2019t miss the views at Eagle\u2019s Point and the Lands End Lookout, where sticker number three awaits.<\/p>\n Lands End to Sutro Baths: 0.6 miles<\/p>\n Nerd out on the history of the Sutro Baths at the Lookout before crossing busy Point Lobos Avenue to the Sutro Heights parking lot.<\/p>\n Sutro Baths to Sutro Heights: 0.3 miles<\/p>\n Check out the remains of Adolph Sutro\u2019s legacy, including what was once the world\u2019s largest indoor swimming pool, then follow the main trail to the southern end of Sutro Heights Park. Continue downhill to Balboa Street.<\/p>\n Sutro Heights to Ocean Beach: 3 miles<\/p>\n Carefully cross the Great Highway to Ocean Beach. Walk along the beach, take the Esplanade Trail, or pass through Sunset Dunes. If this is your ending point, consider bringing a picnic or lighting a bonfire on the beach<\/a>. Otherwise, continue all the way to the end of the Great Highway and take a left on Sloat Boulevard.<\/p>\n Ocean Beach to Fort Funston: 5.7 miles<\/p>\n This last section is the longest by far, but since it\u2019s mostly on pavement, at least it\u2019s easy going. Follow Sloat past the SF Zoo and take a right on Skyline Boulevard. Cross Skyline, then continue south along the road to John Muir Drive and Fort Funston, where there is another battery to explore (Battery Davis), hang gliders to see, and dogs to watch running through the surf.<\/p>\n \/\/ Learn more at parksconservancy.org<\/a> and find the route at AllTrails<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.7x7.com\/media-library\/crissy-field.jpg?id=67163619&width=980\")
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