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Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

San Francisco, California

4.5/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

2.04 miles

Elevation Gain

344 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Lisa Dutton

This is a fun 2-mile loop trail in San Francisco's Presidio with easy access to many other parts of this 1500 sqft national park. Highlights include strolling 150 year old Lover's Lane and walking along Andy Goldsworthy's "Wood Line".

Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attractions.

This 2-mile hike is a simple loop that takes you past three significant landmarks, and allows for easy exploration of other areas. Begin at the Presidio Gate (Presidio Blvd & Pacific) and start your way down Lover’s Lane. To your immediate right, up in the trees, you’ll see Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” art installation, a zig-zagging configuration of eucalyptus trees. Look closely for it from Lover’s Lane or there’s a good chance you’ll miss it.

Continue down along Lover’s Lane almost until it ends at Presidio Blvd. Make a left on the trail just before Presidio and walk down a few hundred yards and you’ll see a trailhead for the Upper Ecology Trail. Take this trail uphill, through a beautiful forest, until you reach Inspiration Point Overlook. With a posted trail map, this is the perfect spot to break off and do a bit more exploring.

Once you’re done taking in the views at Inspiration Point, follow the signs for the Mountain Lake Trail, which will return you to your starting point at the Presidio Gate.

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Features

Photography
Running
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop Reviews

Wood Line art installation is really cool. Come on a Sunday and you can grab food at Off The Grid on the Main Post Lawn close to where Lover's Lane ends.

Check out "Lover's Lane"

Easy to find and parking was no problem. Got some fun pic's at inspirational peak. Was a "no cell phone" morning, super refreshing to see the contrasting landscapes and be mindful of those that served our country while living at the Presidio.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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