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The boardwalk trail running through the native dune landscape on Lobos Creek Valley Trail.

Lobos Creek Valley Trail

Experience San Francisco’s native dune habitat on this short but beautiful nature trail.

Region

Southern Wilds Region

Use Type

Pedestrian-only Trail

Top Amenities

Accessible Parking, Free Parking, Shuttle-accessible, Muni Bus-accessible

Trace San Francisco’s native dune habitat on this little-known boardwalk nature trail.

Before San Francisco became the bustling city we know today, a large part of it was made up of coastal sand dunes. As a result of the city’s development over two centuries, much of the native landscape was lost. 

In 1994, Lobos Creek Valley underwent a major restoration to bring back its original dune ecosystem. Today, the Lobos Creek Valley Trail offers a way to experience San Francisco’s lost natural heritage. 

The trail is a flat, at-grade boardwalk that winds through renewed habitat, including freshwater Lobos Creek. Inhale the herbaceous aroma of beach sage wort and other fragrant native plants. Watch dragonflies and butterflies flutter by. Listen to birds noisily chatter. And see if you can spot rare species of flora, including the San Francisco wallflower, the San Francisco lessingia, and the San Francisco spineflower. 

At the east end of the trail, you’ll reach Lobos Valley Overlook where you can look back over the landscape that once inspired Ansel Adams, the great American photographer who grew up nearby. 

Presidio Trails Tip 

Restrooms are located at Baker Beach.  

Length

0.8 miles (1.3 kilometers)

Activity Level

Easy

Trail Surface

Flat, at-grade boardwalk

Estimated Walking Time

30 minutes

Pets are not permitted on Lobos Creek Valley Trail.

Getting to Lobos Creek Valley Trail

Map of the Lobos Creek Valley Trail

Trailheads

At the west end, access the trail off Lincoln Boulevard across from Baker Beach in the parking next to the Presidio Trust headquarters. At the east end, pick it up off Wedemeyer Street near the Lobos Valley Overlook

Parking & Public Transit

At the east end, paid parking is available off Wedemeyer Street near the Lobos Valley Overlook. At the west end, free parking can be found at Baker Beach. To get to the Presidio by bus or shuttle, visit the Public Transit page. 

Connecting Trails

California Coastal Trail

Take a walk above the rugged western shore.

Learn More

Juan Bautista de Anza Trail

Experience four scenic overlooks on this trail commemorating the 1776 journey of the Spanish military commander.

Learn More

Park Trail

This route runs through the center of the park, past the golf course and National Cemetery to Crissy Field. 

Learn More
A woman in a red jacket walks on Lobos Creek Valley Trail.Lobos Creek Valley Trail offers a way to experience San Francisco's lost natural heritage.​