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

Let’s see what’s happening at the Presidio Tunnel Tops with a hike offering sweeping views of the City, San Francisco Bay, and Golden Gate. From the Presidio Visitor Center, we’ll head to the 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 native plantings on our way through The Outpost, an innovative play and learning center for children, and the Outpost Meadow — a new 1.5-acre green space addition.

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 and, finally, we’ll take the Coastal and Bay Area Ridge Trails up to Arguello Gate and back to the Visitor Center (we recommend arriving early before the hike to browse their interactive displays on your own).

Schedule: Meet us at 10:30 AM outside the Presidio Visitor Center in the open space on the right of the entrance. We’ll have lunch at Rob Hill Campground and expect to arrive back at the Visitor Center by 3:00 PM. This is a rain or shine event! However, severe weather will cancel.

Level of Difficulty: This is a moderately easy hike. Total mileage is about 6.5 miles with total elevation gain of 610 feet feet. A combo of dirt trails, paved sidewalks, and a short time on city streets.

Since this is a city hike with multiple transportation options, leaving along the way is OK. However, you must be able to sustain a consistent pace of about 2.5 mph to remain with the group. Participants who are unable to keep up may be asked to drop out in order to prioritize the safety and cohesion of the group.

If you are unsure of your fitness level for this type of hike, we recommend building your endurance on your own with less demanding hikes or on our monthly Lake Merritt walks.

Advance online registration is required. Click the Register Now button below to sign up. Every participant must sign up online. No drop-ins permitted. 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 Visitor Center can be reached by car (paid parking available), free Presidio GO Downtown shuttle, and Muni 30 Stockton and 43 Masonic buses. For complete details, see the Presidio Tunnel Tops website (scroll to the Getting to Presidio Tunnel Tops section).

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.

Taking the Presidio Go Shuttle: Board the first shuttle of the day that leaves at 9:32 AM from the bus stop at Drumm and California Streets at street level above the Embarcadero Station in front of the Hyatt hotel. (Disregard the “Permanently closed” note on the Google map. This is still an active stop for the shuttle.) The shuttle arrives at the Presidio Transit Center next to the Visitor Center at 9:55 AM.

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 at Il Parco Cafe and Pizzeria inside the Transit Center building or at one of the food trucks in front of the Visitor Center. Clipper if you take BART and/or bus.

Restrooms & Water (at the meeting location): Available at the Presidio Transit Center, next to the Visitor Center.

Post-Hike Social: For those interested, we’ll enjoy food and drinks at the Presidio bowling alley near the Visitor Center.

Leaders: Susan and Ralph Alcorn

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