PRESIDIO: LYON ST. STEPS to TUNNEL TOPS [Memorial Day Weekend]

 PRESIDIO: LYON ST. STEPS to TUNNEL TOPS [Memorial Day Weekend]

Hike Date:  Saturday, May 23, 2026

Leader:  Gary Weiss | gary@sfhiking.com | 415 279-5570

SF Carpooling Meeting Location: Whole Foods: 2001 Market St. @ Dolores (on the Dolores St. side); parking on the street or below. 
East Bay Meeting Location: Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.

Please only show up at Whole Foods if you've arranged to meet your ride or driver there.

Meeting Times: 9:40 AM from SF, departing shortly afterwards; 9:15 AM from Rockridge BART, bottom of escalator.

Rating: Level 3

Mileage:  8.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 900'

Description: This is a really great loop that includes every corner of the Presidio - except the golf course.  We start by going down the Lyon Street Steps - like a vista point that goes on for 6 blocks.  Entering the park at the Lombard Gate we'll be walking through and around Presidio neighborhoods before reaching El Polin Spring, a historic source of fresh water for the Ohlone people as well as the subsequent Spanish settlers.  In that area we'll be on the Ecology Trail.  Then up to Inspiration Point, Andy Goldsworthy's Spire, the Presidio Cemetery Overlook, the Coastal Trail to the Golden Gate Bridge and then to the Tunnel Tops Park.  Heading down to Coastal Trail from Immigration Point we'll be going down at least a million steps.  After passing through the Industrial Light & Magic complex and amazing park we'll make our way back, up, passing Lover's Lane, along Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line.

With each turn there's another spectacular view; you'll pass angles of the Golden Gate Bridge, including the one above that I took while scouting the route, that you've never seen before, not to speak of the Marin Headlands and Alcatraz. 

We'll pass 3 bathrooms, for those in need.  Dogs on leash are welcome in the Presidio. 

Bring / Wear:  Bring plenty of water, lunch, layers, hat and sunscreen for the sunny sections.  And chocolate!

Weather Policy:  Check with hikeleader in the event of questionable weather.

Trailhead Meeting Place: We'll meet at the top of the Lyon Street Steps, corner Broadway.  Google Maps link

Trailhead Meeting Time:  10:00 AM

Trailhead Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Total driving distance, there and back: 75 miles from SF; 85 from Rockridge.

Passenger Carpool Fees from SF:  free; From Rockridge BART: $6

(I will inform you of carpooling arrangements by late Thursday or early Friday.)