Lobos Valley Overlook
Take in spectacular views of restored dune habitat and the Pacific Ocean.
This scenic vista looks over Lobos Valley, with its free-flowing creek that provides the Presidio’s fresh water. Over a quarter century, park staff and volunteers have healed the habitat by rebuilding the dunes with native sand and bringing back native plants. Now it resembles what photographer Ansel Adams saw when he grew up nearby.
On a clear day, enjoy the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Or hop on the Lobos Valley Trail to see the dunes up close or the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail to continue your adventure.
Getting to Lobos Valley Overlook
14 Wedemeyer St, San Francisco, CA 94129
Why We Love Lobos Valley Overlook
Lobos Valley Overlook, is a great end or start to the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail,which also connects to three other scenic overlooks. Bring your binoculars to spot the birds and butterflies frolicking nearby, and your camera for those spectacular sunsets.
Accessibility at Lobos Valley Overlook
There are parking spaces for those with mobility limitations in the large lot on Wedemeyer Street next to the overlook.
Insider Tip
The view from Lobos Valley Overlook is the result of one of the Presidio’s first environmental transformations. If you love the restored dunes, consider supporting park habitat restoration by becoming a volunteer.
WHERE NATURE MEETS VIEWS
Lobos Valley Overlook in the Presidio’s Public Health District is easily accessible from the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail and the Lobos Creek Valley Trail. Though it’s just steps from the busting Richmond District, you feel like you’re miles away from the city.
Lost Habitat
In the 1780s, Lobos Valley was used to graze cattle, and later vegetable gardens were planted. In the 1900s, the Army cleared native oak and brush to make space for training and recreation, even building a balloon hangar. With these changes, the native fauna and flora began to fade away, and the last Xerces butterfly was seen in 1946.
Restoring the Dunes
Beginning in 1994, the Presidio’s Lobos Creek Valley underwent a major restoration to bring back its original ecosystem. Dunes have been rebuilt using local sand, native plants are thriving, and the Lobos Creek Valley Trail invites visitors to experience the habitat.
Fresh Water Source for the Presidio
Lobos Creek, which runs through the valley, provides the Presidio’s fresh water. About 1.3 million gallons flow each day. Water is captured at the Presidio’s Water Treatment Plant near Baker Beach and distributed to the rest of the park.
An Inspiration for Photographer Ansel Adams
Ansel Adams, the famous American photographer, grew up playing in the wilds near Lobos Creek Valley, Baker Beach, and the Presidio. The epic views inspired him throughout his life.
Frequently Asked Questions
The creek has long been an important source of water for the Presidio, and even for San Francisco in its early days. Today it has the last free-flowing stream in San Francisco and provides important native plant and wildlife habitat in an otherwise dense urban area. Restoration is helping bring rare plant species, like the San Francisco lessingia.
No. There are no restrooms in the area. The closest restrooms are at Baker Beach about 0.6 miles away and the Golf Course General Store about. 0.8 miles away
No. There are no restaurants next to the overlook. The closest is the snack shack at the Golf Course General Store about. 0.8 miles away.
Nature Notes
It’s our goal to make sure people can enjoy the Presidio’s natural beauty for generations to come. We work to protect native plants and animals while reducing our impact on the environment.
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Experience the Presidio
The Presidio is San Francisco’s national park site, with endless trails, fun events, and unforgettable vistas of the Golden Gate Bridge.
