Park Trail

Experience views, nature, and history on this tranquil trail through the middle of the Presidio.

Sections of Park Trail and Bay Area Ridge Trail Closed to Dog Walking

To reduce the potential for coyote/dog conflict, we’ve proactively closed large sections of the Park Trail and the Bay Area Ridge Trail to dog walking. This annual closure is temporary; we’ll reopen these trails to dog walking in fall after pupping season ends. All 24 miles of hiking trails in the Presidio are open to people.

Region

Main Post Region, Southern Wilds Region

Use Type

Multi-use Trail (Paved), Multi-use Trail (Unpaved)

Top Amenities

Accessible Parking, Accessible Restrooms, Paid Parking, Free Parking, Shuttle-accessible

Experience views, nature, and history on this tranquil trail through the middle of the Presidio.

This trail runs north-south, connecting the 14th Avenue Gate with Cavalry Stables not far from Crissy Field.

You can pick it up at the south end in the Public Health Service District. Once the site of a U.S. Marine Hospital, the area has been transformed into the Presidio’s first LEED-certified green neighborhood.

From here, pass through Presidio Golf Course, where you can make a snack stop at the Golf Course General Store.

Next, the nature walk continues beneath the historic forest with towering eucalyptus, Monterey pine, and Monterey cypress planted by the Army in the 1800s. Here you can see ongoing work to replant aging trees with native plants beneath.

The trail then meets with a short connecting route to the National Cemetery Overlook, a peaceful setting where you can contemplate the service of American soldiers and their families.

Continue north to reach Cavalry Stables where the horses once critical to military life were housed. From here, you can connect with the east-west Presidio Promenade Trail or continue north to Crissy Field.

Presidio Trails Tip

Restrooms are located at the Golf Course General Store, where you can also pick up a snack and enjoy picnic tables.

Length

1.7 miles (2.6 kilometers)

Activity Level

Easy

Grade

Average grade: 6%

Maximum grade: 10%

Trail Width

Average width: 11 feet

Minimum width: 3 feet

Trail Surface

Mix of paved, compacted aggregate or wooden boardwalk

Estimated Walking Time

40 minutes

Exterior of the Presidio Landmark building, with lawn in front.

Park Trail passes by a former hospital that is now Presidio Landmark housing.

Exterior of the Golf Course General Store.

Stop for a snack at the Golf Course General Store. Photo by Robert Kaufman.

National Cemetery Overlook with eucalyptus trees.

National Cemetery Overlook is a peaceful retreat. Photo by Rachel Styer.

Park Trail winding through a eucalyptus forest.

The Park Trail passes through the Presidio’s historic forest. Photo by Charity Vargas.

Man and woman walk beneath tall trees on the Park Trail.

Visitors walk along the Park Trail. Photo by Myleen Hollero.

Getting to the Park Trail

Park Trail

Trailheads

At the south end, pick up the trail at the near the 14th Avenue Gate. At the north end, pick it up on McDowell Avenue near the Calvary Stables where it intersects with the Presidio Promenade Trail.

Parking & Public Transit

At the south end, paid parking can be found in the Public Health Service District in several lots off Wedemeyer Street. At the north end, limited free parking is available on McDowell Avenue near the Cavalry Stables. To get to the Presidio by bus or shuttle, visit the Public Transit page.