San Francisco Bay, CA: Northern California Chapter, Presidio Tunnel Tops Hike

Let’s see what’s happening in the Presidio’s new Tunnel Tops with a hike offering sweeping views of the City, Pacific, San Francisco Bay, and Golden Gate. We’ll meet at the Presidio Visitor Center for a brief view of the interactive displays. From there, we’ll head for the exciting new Presidio Tunnel Tops with its unique public spaces — huge lawns, freeform benches made from fallen trees, wonderful overlooks, and fun and fancy rocking chairs. Then we’ll admire extensive, native plantings as we make our way down to The Outpost, an innovative play and learning center for children.

Next we’ll cross over Crissy Marsh — probably seeing a Great Blue Heron or multiple grebes — and out toward the Golden Gate Promenade. After walking along the bay, we’ll find ourselves under the Golden Gate Bridge learning a bit about measures to reduce earthquake damage. Finally, we’ll take the Coastal and Bay Area Ridge Trails up to Arguello Gate and back to the Visitor Center.

Schedule: Meet us at 10:00 AM for check-in and briefing at the Presidio Visitor Center (210 Lincoln Blvd). We plan to have lunch at Rob Hill Campground and expect to arrive back at the Visitor Center by 3:30 PM. If there are any changes (e.g., due to severe weather), we will email registered participants.

Level of Difficulty: Moderately difficult. About 6.5 miles and 659 feet total elevation gain. A combination of dirt trails, paved sidewalks, and a short time on quiet city streets. This hike is ideal for those who can hike for 4 hours.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register button below to sign up by Thursday, February 16. Because space is limited, we ask that you register if/when you are certain you can attend. Thank you!

Cancellation: Please email us at norcal@americanpilgrims.org so we can offer your space to someone else.

Getting There

The Presidio Visitor Center can be reached by car (paid parking available), free Presidio Go Downtown shuttle to/from Embarcadero BART, and Muni 43 (bus). For complete details, see the Presidio Tunnel Tops Getting Here page.

Carpooling: Registered participants will have access to an online “Carpool Bulletin Board” to post a message if they need a ride or can give one.

What to Bring: Dress for the weather (layers work well), snacks, water, sun (or rain!) protection, and bring a bag lunch (or arrive early and buy from the food trucks that start arriving in the Presidio at 9:00 AM). Clipper card or app if you take BART and/or bus. Cash if you plan to attend the post-walk social (see below).

Post-Hike Social: We’ll continue to Colibri Mexican Bistro in the historic Presidio Officers’ Club for dinner and drinks.

Leaders: Led by chapter members Ralph and Susan Alcorn.

The Ruff Stuff: For insurance purposes, we are unable to welcome dogs, except service animals, at our events.