Presidio Coastal Trail Out-and-Back

A crushed-rock coastal out-and-back above the Pacific between Baker Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Distance
3.0 mi · Out & back
Time
60 min
Surface
Compacted crushed rock; 40-inch minimum published width
Grade / hills
7.5% average slope; 10% maximum

Start

Coastal Trail trailhead at Baker Beach
Directions

Route

  1. Start at the Coastal Trail trailhead at Baker Beach and follow the compacted crushed-rock path north above the Pacific.
  2. Remain on the established Coastal Trail toward the Golden Gate Bridge, observing posted cliff warnings, signs, and railings.
  3. At the Golden Gate Bridge end of the profiled segment, turn around and retrace the trail to Baker Beach.

Good to know

This is a deliberate upper-bound route, not a flat or universally accessible walk: NPS reports 260 feet of gain, 7.5% average and 10% maximum slope, 5% maximum side slope, and a 40-inch minimum width. Coastal cliffs can be unstable, and loose or eroded surface, poison oak, wind, and fog can affect the outing. Stay on the established trail, observe signs and railings, and check current NPS alerts. Leashed dogs are permitted.

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