Sutro Baths to the Golden Gate

From shikers

Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: ?
Start: Cliff House / Sutro Baths
Finish: Golden Gate Bridge / Fort Point

Description

This hike covers a large part of San Francisco's northwestern coastline, winding across cliffs and beaches, with spectacular views of the Pacific, Marin County and the Golden Gate Bridge. The hike begins at Sutro Baths, the ruins of a series of municipal pools built in 1896. After exploring the baths, head up the hill and find the wide Coastal Trail through Lincoln Park and Lands End. The trail passes by a series of cliffs, affording views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and eventually exits the park onto El Camino del Mar, in the Sea Cliff neighborhood.

After exiting Lands End, turn left on El Camino del Mar, and continue onto Sea Cliff Avenue. Follow Sea Cliff for a few blocks, before making a left on 25th Avenue, followed by a right on 25th Avenue North. At the end of 25th, you'll find a path that leads to Baker Beach. Hike the length of Baker Beach. Near the cliffs at the end of the beach, you'll find a path that leads away from the beach and into the Presidio. The path climbs up a hill, and past multiple, abandoned military batteries on its way toward the Golden Gate. You'll eventually reach Highway 101, cross under it, and find yourself at Fort Point, where the Golden Gate Bridge begins and the hike ends.

Optionally, the hike can continue past the Golden Gate Bridge, through Crissy Field to the Marina. It's approximately 2 more miles from the bridge to the Marina.