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Beautiful trail along the coast. The batteries are cool to walk on and explore, but the real win here is the views of the bluffs and the golden gate bridge off in the distance. You can either do this as an out and back if you stay up top on sidewalk or just walk along the bluffs, or can make it sort of a loop if you do one one way, and the other on the way back. It's not a complete loop as you do walk the same path for a bit at both ends. We chose to do it as more of a loop. Definitely recommend this if you want to keep it a little easier and avoid some of the stairs, while still getting to take in the full beauty. And for easiest, stay on the sidewalk part of the trail. There are A LOT of stairs here when going up and down those bluffs, but for the most part they were pretty well maintained. There were some steep drops and areas of the trial with thicker brush, but it's pretty heavily trafficked, so nothing too intense or woodsy. You can take the trail down to the beach in a few different spots, we chose to closer to the golden gate bridge instead of baker beach to avoid some of the steep inclines while coming back. Both baker beach and Marshall beach are nude beaches, so you can expect the possibility of seeing some bare booties. There is a lot of parking in the area, but multiple lots were closed when we went, so we had to do some circling and exploring before finally finding a spot. Parking was not free in most if not all of the lots. You'll notice lots of signs about car break-ins, take these seriously, we saw two cars with their back windows smashed out in one of the main parking lots for this trail.
I started out next to the Walt Disney Family Museum, then walked down along the waterfront, heading up to the Golden Gate bridge. Personally I thought I would love the Earthworks tunnel, but it's actually pretty creepy, with an attached room that's almost totally dark off to the side. It could definitely use some solar lighting. From there I walked under the bridge and along the batteries, most of which look like ill-cared for ruins that shouldn't be open to the public. My main issue with the trail is that it ends suddenly. It looks like there should be some sort of connecting crossing to the sidewalk starting on Pershing Dr and Lincoln Blvd, but there isn't, the trail literally just ends on the side of the road. I don't recommend walking the trail expecting to cross over to Lands End, since unless you want to cross at Pershing, there's literally nothing to do but turn back or slog through a ton of sand and hit the cell reception dead zone that is Baker Beach. Overall I enjoyed my walk, but there are definite improvements that could be made to the area to improve walkability and interest.
We parked at Baker's Beach (free) where there was plenty of parking and ended at the Golden Gate Overlook. The short hike was great as it provides views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware that there are 470 stairs, but I enjoyed that portion. I also enjoyed the fact that there wasn't too many people on the trail.
** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Out of self-righteous ignorance, I thought the Batteries to Bluff Trail was an endless, all-day walk sorta like Bay to Breakers. I think it was the alliterative, double-B name that led to my humiliating misconception which gave me the flimsiest of excuses not to come here all these years. Imagine my surprise when as I was walking the California Coastal Trail, I saw the trailhead sign on Lincoln Blvd. and saw it was only 7/10 of a mile long. Granted it's almost all stairs but still...that's barely a stroll on my FitBit. You walk down the rustic, weather beaten steps to find yourself at Marshall's Beach. Here you are rewarded with an isolated idyllic area that egregiously laps up the Pacific and a unique eye-level view of the Golden Gate Bridge. As Blood, Sweat & Tears used to sing, what comes down must come up as you can take the opposite stairway path to get back to Lincoln. Along the way is Battery Crosby, which on this particular day, was a space taken over by a gaggle of skateboarders. Did I mention the views are pretty spectacular here? So San Francisco, ain't it? RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU
'Batteries to Bluffs Trail' is a short 0.7 miles hike at the western side of The Presidio. It's a moderate to difficult trail with scenic views of Marin Headlands, Pt. Bonita, Mt. Tamalpais and Golden Gate Bridge. On this trail is Battery Crosby, one of the many batteries positioned as part of the fortification and coastal defense built by the U.S. Army. It's worth a stop for some quick exploration and a place to take some photos. There's a view of Baker Beach on the left and Marshall's Beach on the right. Keep following the trail until there's some steps that leads you down to the beach. You'll come to a fork and the left side leads to the beach and the right side leads up the bluff that's take you to Presidio Battery West, Battery Godfrey, Battery Boutelle and Golden Gate Overlook. This is where there are two Cypress Trees standing side by side that frames the bridge in the middle. Depending on how far you want to go, you can hike all the way to the bridge and back or take the California Coastal Trail that can loop you back to this trail. You have plenty of options to explore all the connector trails. I usually park on the side of the road on top of Immigrant Point Overlook and take the connector trail down. Sometimes I'll park on Langdon Court Parking where Golden Gate Overlook is located and start from there. But no matter where you choose to start from, it's a nice scenic trail that provides a nice getaway at Marshall's Beach, military history at all the aforementioned batteries and the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or if you just want a quick exercise, you can't beat the great outdoors with plenty of steps to keep your heartrate pumping. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 64
Great hiking trail if you're in the city. You need to know where to park though. Trail takes you to Baker Beach. You'll be able to see a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The staircase is fairly popular on Instagram. My friend came here just for the staircase.
A gem of a find in the presidio. This is very low key and not full of tourists because it's out of the way. The best way to start is to drive to Lincoln blvd and park near there to begin the trail if parking is available. There are wooden steps that lead down to the beach. Just be aware that it does lead to a nude beach!
Took my birthday baby boy here for a hike! I hope he loved it! I usually hike here whenever I get a chance, 28 miles away from my house. But then if you wake up late, Too bad don't be disappointed if you reach the rush hour. Its always the vibe here just relaxation with your dogs is perfect. However my dogs are crazy I can't leave them unattended since they attack other big dogs so I usually just watch them like a hawk. Overall it's worth it!
Great panoramic views of the ocean. Beautiful sunset pictures. The walk along the trail leads to views of the Golden Gate Bridge. *Modest walk back. Wear comfortably shoes. *Dogs NOT allowed. *Parking along the side of the road for a quick view and photos. *Heavy traffic area for cars, pedestrians, hikers, and bikers. Use caution.
1 word- OEmGeee We climbed Sand Ladder Stairs From Baker Beach and turned left on Washington St. Follow the sign to Batteries to Bluff Trail. Put on your knee brace if you had knee problem, the stairs are steep but guaranteed your FB and IG pictures of this place will have many likes.
This is probably the best hike in SF from a photography standpoint with tons of photo ops for the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, historic batteries, and the bay. A lot of people do photoshoots out here, the scenery doesn't get much better. It's one of those places where you think, I am in the most beautiful city. The hike is about 3 miles but it really depends on where you start. GoogleMaps will take you to a starting point on Lincoln road but there isn't any parking there and it's still a bit treacherous even to get dropped off there so I suggest parking or getting dropped off at Battery Cranston on Merchant Road or Baker Beach. This hike can easily be made longer by adding Lands End, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point to Crissy Field, or other trails in the Presidio.
Beautiful scenery along the coast near lands end. A lot of very steep hiking with many stairs and steps. Altogether it's not very far. Nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. There are some parking lots that cost money but are worth it. There is free parking along the way too. There are also a lot of old concrete fortifications from about a hundred years ago.
Walking along the beach, trail-style! The Batteries to Bluffs trail is a short walking trail that begins near the old artillery batteries in the Presidio and connects to the Land's End trail near Baker Beach. It's a relatively easy trek with limited inclines but it's a great connector trail that will essentially lead you to the Golden Gate Bridge. The views along the trail are amazing! You'll have a wonderful view of the pocket beaches and coastline down below and stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day. What I love most about this trail is the little section that runs through the Presidio. Here, you can get up close and personal with the old artillery batteries. Battery Crosby, also known as Fort Scott, is one of my favorite batteries to stop and explore. Although the actual gun is no longer mounted to the battery, you can still imagine what it was like to stand on top of the battery while missiles were being fired. The batteries also offer antique images of what they once looked like back in the early 1900's, and there are little blurbs of history posted throughout the small park. You are essentially walking through mounds of San Francisco history when you're on this trail. If you're looking for something more scenic, you can also connect to the Marshall's Beach trail. This is a dirt trail that meanders around the coastline and will eventually lead you to Marshall's Beach. The views are seriously breathtaking! You should be prepared to see more than you bargained for though as this beach is popular for many nudists. Watch out now! If you're looking for a fun and enjoyable trail to walk along in the city, I would highly recommend the Batteries to Bluffs trail.
What an incredibly beautiful hike it was today. I'm surprised I've not done this particular walk before. Being it was 100° back where I live, today was fabulous as it was only 71 on the SF Coast. Yes, as many have said there are steps/stairs-many, many, many of them. But they're worth it for the sweeping views you have of the ocean and Golden Gate Bridge. The paths are well-maintained. Thank you to the Presidio & GGNRA! You provide these gems to the public for free. We were a little surprised when we hit Baker Beach not knowing there were nudity allowed there. Definitely not an issue-was just a little surprised. After all the climbing today, (especially the challenging sand ladder), it was quite nice to walk back on the flat path on Lincoln Boulevard. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful trail, short but good training because of the incline. I wouldn't run this trail because of the stairs but it's a good hike. Great views even with the fog. We will be back for sure. read more
1 year ago
Beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge. A unique experience that most Bay Area visitors don't take advantage of. I took an uber to the Batteries and Bluffs trail head. Took the trails to Marshall Beach to the north. It was a foggy and cool morning so had the beach alone. I've heard that this section attracts a lot of nudists but not a concern for me today. A lot more visitors to the south on Baker Beach. There are stairs on the most steep sections of the trail. You can do an out and back but there are also some other trail options for a loop. Either way it is a lot of stairs. Trails are generally well marked. read more
Beautiful trail along the coast. The batteries are cool to walk on and explore, but the real win here is the views of the bluffs and the golden gate bridge off in the distance. You can either do this as an out and back if you stay up top on sidewalk or just walk along the bluffs, or can make it sort of a loop if you do one one way, and the other on the way back. It's not a complete loop as you do walk the same path for a bit at both ends. We chose to do it as more of a loop. Definitely recommend this if you want to keep it a little easier and avoid some of the stairs, while still getting to take in the full beauty. And for easiest, stay on the sidewalk part of the trail. There are A LOT of stairs here when going up and down those bluffs, but for the most part they were pretty well maintained. There were some steep drops and areas of the trial with thicker brush, but it's pretty heavily trafficked, so nothing too intense or woodsy. You can take the trail down to the beach in a few different spots, we chose to closer to the golden gate bridge instead of baker beach to avoid some of the steep inclines while coming back. Both baker beach and Marshall beach are nude beaches, so you can expect the possibility of seeing some bare booties. There is a lot of parking in the area, but multiple lots were closed when we went, so we had to do some circling and exploring before finally finding a spot. Parking was not free in most if not all of the lots. You'll notice lots of signs about car break-ins, take these seriously, we saw two cars with their back windows smashed out in one of the main parking lots for this trail. read more
I started out next to the Walt Disney Family Museum, then walked down along the waterfront, heading up to the Golden Gate bridge. Personally I thought I would love the Earthworks tunnel, but it's actually pretty creepy, with an attached room that's almost totally dark off to the side. It could definitely use some solar lighting. From there I walked under the bridge and along the batteries, most of which look like ill-cared for ruins that shouldn't be open to the public. My main issue with the trail is that it ends suddenly. It looks like there should be some sort of connecting crossing to the sidewalk starting on Pershing Dr and Lincoln Blvd, but there isn't, the trail literally just ends on the side of the road. I don't recommend walking the trail expecting to cross over to Lands End, since unless you want to cross at Pershing, there's literally nothing to do but turn back or slog through a ton of sand and hit the cell reception dead zone that is Baker Beach. Overall I enjoyed my walk, but there are definite improvements that could be made to the area to improve walkability and interest. read more
We parked at Baker's Beach (free) where there was plenty of parking and ended at the Golden Gate Overlook. The short hike was great as it provides views of the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. Be aware that there are 470 stairs, but I enjoyed that portion. I also enjoyed the fact that there wasn't too many people on the trail. read more
** The following review reflects my experience DURING the COVID-19 pandemic. ** Out of self-righteous ignorance, I thought the Batteries to Bluff Trail was an endless, all-day walk sorta like Bay to Breakers. I think it was the alliterative, double-B name that led to my humiliating misconception which gave me the flimsiest of excuses not to come here all these years. Imagine my surprise when as I was walking the California Coastal Trail, I saw the trailhead sign on Lincoln Blvd. and saw it was only 7/10 of a mile long. Granted it's almost all stairs but still...that's barely a stroll on my FitBit. You walk down the rustic, weather beaten steps to find yourself at Marshall's Beach. Here you are rewarded with an isolated idyllic area that egregiously laps up the Pacific and a unique eye-level view of the Golden Gate Bridge. As Blood, Sweat & Tears used to sing, what comes down must come up as you can take the opposite stairway path to get back to Lincoln. Along the way is Battery Crosby, which on this particular day, was a space taken over by a gaggle of skateboarders. Did I mention the views are pretty spectacular here? So San Francisco, ain't it? RELATED - Up for a hike? Here's a collection of trails I've walked and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2OrC8nU read more
'Batteries to Bluffs Trail' is a short 0.7 miles hike at the western side of The Presidio. It's a moderate to difficult trail with scenic views of Marin Headlands, Pt. Bonita, Mt. Tamalpais and Golden Gate Bridge. On this trail is Battery Crosby, one of the many batteries positioned as part of the fortification and coastal defense built by the U.S. Army. It's worth a stop for some quick exploration and a place to take some photos. There's a view of Baker Beach on the left and Marshall's Beach on the right. Keep following the trail until there's some steps that leads you down to the beach. You'll come to a fork and the left side leads to the beach and the right side leads up the bluff that's take you to Presidio Battery West, Battery Godfrey, Battery Boutelle and Golden Gate Overlook. This is where there are two Cypress Trees standing side by side that frames the bridge in the middle. Depending on how far you want to go, you can hike all the way to the bridge and back or take the California Coastal Trail that can loop you back to this trail. You have plenty of options to explore all the connector trails. I usually park on the side of the road on top of Immigrant Point Overlook and take the connector trail down. Sometimes I'll park on Langdon Court Parking where Golden Gate Overlook is located and start from there. But no matter where you choose to start from, it's a nice scenic trail that provides a nice getaway at Marshall's Beach, military history at all the aforementioned batteries and the view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Or if you just want a quick exercise, you can't beat the great outdoors with plenty of steps to keep your heartrate pumping. #YelpChallenge2020 review No. 64 read more
3 years ago
Great hiking trail if you're in the city. You need to know where to park though. Trail takes you to Baker Beach. You'll be able to see a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge. The staircase is fairly popular on Instagram. My friend came here just for the staircase. read more
A gem of a find in the presidio. This is very low key and not full of tourists because it's out of the way. The best way to start is to drive to Lincoln blvd and park near there to begin the trail if parking is available. There are wooden steps that lead down to the beach. Just be aware that it does lead to a nude beach! read more
4 years ago
Took my birthday baby boy here for a hike! I hope he loved it! I usually hike here whenever I get a chance, 28 miles away from my house. But then if you wake up late, Too bad don't be disappointed if you reach the rush hour. Its always the vibe here just relaxation with your dogs is perfect. However my dogs are crazy I can't leave them unattended since they attack other big dogs so I usually just watch them like a hawk. Overall it's worth it! read more
4 years ago
Great panoramic views of the ocean. Beautiful sunset pictures. The walk along the trail leads to views of the Golden Gate Bridge. *Modest walk back. Wear comfortably shoes. *Dogs NOT allowed. *Parking along the side of the road for a quick view and photos. *Heavy traffic area for cars, pedestrians, hikers, and bikers. Use caution. read more
1 word- OEmGeee We climbed Sand Ladder Stairs From Baker Beach and turned left on Washington St. Follow the sign to Batteries to Bluff Trail. Put on your knee brace if you had knee problem, the stairs are steep but guaranteed your FB and IG pictures of this place will have many likes. read more
This is probably the best hike in SF from a photography standpoint with tons of photo ops for the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, historic batteries, and the bay. A lot of people do photoshoots out here, the scenery doesn't get much better. It's one of those places where you think, I am in the most beautiful city. The hike is about 3 miles but it really depends on where you start. GoogleMaps will take you to a starting point on Lincoln road but there isn't any parking there and it's still a bit treacherous even to get dropped off there so I suggest parking or getting dropped off at Battery Cranston on Merchant Road or Baker Beach. This hike can easily be made longer by adding Lands End, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point to Crissy Field, or other trails in the Presidio. read more
Beautiful scenery along the coast near lands end. A lot of very steep hiking with many stairs and steps. Altogether it's not very far. Nice views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the ocean. There are some parking lots that cost money but are worth it. There is free parking along the way too. There are also a lot of old concrete fortifications from about a hundred years ago. read more
Walking along the beach, trail-style! The Batteries to Bluffs trail is a short walking trail that begins near the old artillery batteries in the Presidio and connects to the Land's End trail near Baker Beach. It's a relatively easy trek with limited inclines but it's a great connector trail that will essentially lead you to the Golden Gate Bridge. The views along the trail are amazing! You'll have a wonderful view of the pocket beaches and coastline down below and stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear day. What I love most about this trail is the little section that runs through the Presidio. Here, you can get up close and personal with the old artillery batteries. Battery Crosby, also known as Fort Scott, is one of my favorite batteries to stop and explore. Although the actual gun is no longer mounted to the battery, you can still imagine what it was like to stand on top of the battery while missiles were being fired. The batteries also offer antique images of what they once looked like back in the early 1900's, and there are little blurbs of history posted throughout the small park. You are essentially walking through mounds of San Francisco history when you're on this trail. If you're looking for something more scenic, you can also connect to the Marshall's Beach trail. This is a dirt trail that meanders around the coastline and will eventually lead you to Marshall's Beach. The views are seriously breathtaking! You should be prepared to see more than you bargained for though as this beach is popular for many nudists. Watch out now! If you're looking for a fun and enjoyable trail to walk along in the city, I would highly recommend the Batteries to Bluffs trail. read more
A short easy trail with awesome views! Totally worth the free view of the Golden Gate Bridge and ocean! Take a stroll along Lincoln Blvd. Getting here was pretty easy but you may miss the last exit before hitting the Golden Gate Bridge. Lots of free parking but there is paid parking on the weekends at the employee parking area for $5. Many tourists as well as locals like me still populate this trail since it's easy to take. Lots of runners, jokers and photographers are seen everywhere along this trail. It's hard not wanting to take a selfie basketing in the views of the bridge. You can take this trail to Bakers and Marshal beach. Totally recommend this trail for a family walk along the coast. [67/100] read more
7 years ago
This trail is low effort for high returns. The view of the Golden Gate bridge along the rugged-looking coast is spectacular the entire way. There are also lots of wildflowers along the path (at least in late April when I went). While it is a fairly easy hike, there are a lot of stairs so be mindful of that if you have limited mobility. Our Uber dropped us off at the trailhead marked on Google Maps where there was a small area for cars to park, but we ended up in a different (and much larger) parking lot. So it's also very accessible. read more
7 years ago
Do yourself a favor and make this a must-see if you find yourself in the Bay Area. We stumbled on this lookout by accident and I'm so glad we did. It is not at all a common tourist attraction (in my opinion) since it's a little tucked away which makes it a gem of a location. The view is spectacular. You get a great look at the city (to the left), the water, and the bridge (to the right). There is old rubble of some sort which is great to sit on for the best view, just be careful. I highly recommend bringing a blanket as it gets a little chilly on the elevated area, especially at night. As you can see, the sunset was also amazing so be sure to visit! You'll thank me later. (P.S. there is a super easy drop off at a parking lot location, somewhere around 659 Lincoln Blvd. Save yourself the hike if you're not in the mood) read more
6 years ago
Beautiful spot! Great view and awesome trails!! There are a few bench spots heading down with awesome views, sun sets beautifully! read more
7 years ago
Beautiful hike that pays off with an amazing view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Even on foggy days, it's quite the sight. The hike is a little over a mile and is fairly easy, but those not a fan of stairs will probably take issue. Lots of wildflowers around to see as well. There is some sand, so wear appropriate shoes! read more
How amazing is it that you could just walk away from the hustle and bustle of the San Francisco's streets just by walking down a few flights of stairs to the beautiful coastal trails? I do agree with others, enter Langdon Court** into your GPS so that you don't accidentally find yourselves on the Marine side of Goldy. There's dirt parking if all the parking spaces are taken and the trail starts just beyond the trees. The stairs wasn't too much of a problem for me, however I did slack a bit since I'm slightly outta shape. The view was beautiful even though I ended up visiting on a over cast day. None the less, the sound of the ocean crashing and a hidden boat horn going off into the distance made me appreciate the trail even more. I walked down the sandy stairs onto Baker Beach and man was that a pain in the ass! I was slippin' down and for a moment the wire rails were too high for me to reach. I walked on the sea shore and headed back onto the coastal trail back towards the car. In all, about four miles. I did take the advice of another reviewer and stopped by The Sandwich Spot a few miles into the city. Overall, a fantastic hike! read more
Probably the highest yield trail in SF. I did this together with the Coastal Trail on Lands End, and liked this one better. Driving there is fairly easy, and there is parking off the shoulder of the main road (if that is full, you can also park about 0.5 miles away on Kobbe Ave, which has plenty of free parking). The trail itself is short, only less than a mile long. We were able to complete it in about half an hour. Immediately you are treated to gorgeous views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. The trail winds down through some bluffs and back up, so there are some stairs. However, it is very doable for anyone of moderate fitness since it is so short. Highly recommend! read more
11 years ago
Batteries to Bluffs trail is an amazing short hike that isn't super crowded and an excellent quick workout. You can park in the overflow lot by the Golden Gate Bridge to extend your walk, but be aware that currently you can't walk under the bridge (which I did on my first jaunt here a few years ago.) If you do park there, you can simply walk up Lincoln to the trailhead. This time around, we parked at the lot near Langdon Court. Word of caution-don't leave anything on your seat-the folks next to us had just returned to their car to find a smashed window. The Batteries to Bluffs portion of the trail itself is just about 1/2 a mile, but it's half a mile of glorious coastal shrub, wildflowers and scenic views. You can take a quick detour to Marshall's Beach along the way. While the trail itself is relatively short and easy, there are some serious stair climbs both ways to get a bit of a burn. Once you hit Battery Crosby, you can continue on the Coastal Trail towards Baker Beach or take a detour to Immigration Point for some extra stairs. I did both and enjoyed a little bit more of the coast. On the way back, you get endless views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. It almost (almost) made me forget about the steep stairs I had to climb on my way out. It's all very scenic and a great option for a shorter outdoor excursion. Trails weren't too crowded but seems to be more popular now, then when I visited a few years back. It's very well maintained, well signed and includes ample parking. A must do for anyone who likes to explore various city trails. read more
This is probably one of my favorite spots in SF. It boasts incredible scenic views the entire trail and kicks your butt. The trail comes right off the bridge and hugs the coastline taking you through the Presidio hills to continue on through the park. Pictures don't do it justice; if you want a great way to see the bridge from all angles start either at presidio great lawn and roll through Lincoln or park at Crissy field and climb up through the trail alongside the base of the bridge or up the road. It's not a long trail, but can be extended depending on your start and stop points. If you trek over the bridge that adds 3 miles round trip. My personal suggestion is to hit this on a Sunday and follow up all that hard work with Off the Grid on the presidio lawn. Bring a blanket, get some food and chill after all those stairs and hills. read more
Absolutely beautiful views along the trail and down on the beach! I did a six mile walk across the GG Bridge and back before doing this short trail. I waited until early evening to get better dusk lighting - the results were pretty nice although I'd like to go again a bit later. Wow, the number of stairs down and up is incredible. I think I counted 316 stairs up on the northern section. I didn't count going down... The views of the bridge, ocean, and Marshall's Beach from the trail and the beach are amazing on a clear day. This was the closest I'd gotten to the western side of the GG Bridge and it afforded great pics. Not many people seem to use this trail as I only saw four others down on the beach and just a handful on the stairs. read more
If you are the type of hiker who enjoys their up-hill climbs with numerous expansive views of the ocean, not to mention the Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin headlands, then you will be thoroughly invigorated by taking the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which is a short but majestic route that snakes along the Presidio's jagged western shoreline. Batteries to Bluffs is named after the trail that literally goes from the numerous "batteries" or guard posts that help protect San Francisco from any imminent attack that leads you all the way to the dramatic bluffs that tumble to the rocky shoreline below. The trail runs parallel to and downward slope from Lincoln Boulevard and is comprised mostly beachy sand-like trails of flat sections and a multitude of steps up and down to the bluffs that cover both Baker and Marshall beaches. You can hike in either direction, starting from the parking lot at the Golden Gate Overlook I came on a windy Friday afternoon, this being late summer in San Francisco, the weather was an expected windy and nippy. We began our journey by parking in a secluded area near Golden Gate Overlook, it is literally a dirt and pebbled parking lot and you may miss it if you aren't looking in the right area, but don't let that deter you from finding a parking space because believe it or not, there are plenty to be found. If you do want to take in the view of the Golden Gate Bridge, follow the paved path to the north right past the Battery Marcus Miller. But if you're headed west bound, there are some different paths you can take, one departs to the south edging along right Lincoln Boulevard which gives you a great overall view of the ocean and it is flat and steady, save for the cars whizzing by you at top speed on Lincoln Blvd. The other trail heads north-ward and bobs and weaves between sand of the beach and the cliffs nearby with a ton of uneven mostly wooden steps in between. The wide and dirt trail weaves through a thin forest of rustic Monterey cypress and pine trees while under foot is mostly invasive ivy. While the scenery around the trail is exceptional, with crashing waves around the cliff and various sea life and boats in the bay, it's best to pay attention to literally what's under your feet. Depending on the season, the paths can come alive with native dune-like plants and wildflowers. And on sunnier days, butterflies and birds can cluster around you to equally enjoy the bounty of bright flora around them. Batteries to Bluffs crisscrosses trickling seeps and hidden springs along the way to Battery Crosby, a historic gun battery you can explore to your heart's content. In fact, all of the Batteries are filled with man-made historical treasures, I just wish there were plaques to go with these so-called monuments to explain how they once protected our fair city. When you do get the beaches, Marshall's is more secluded and give you a better picturesque view of the Golden Gate, while Baker is more expansive and filled with a nude sunbather or two, neither of whom should be sunbathing at all, nude or otherwise. The Batteries to Bluffs trail offers the option to descend a greenish blue serpentine hillside that connects to tranquil Marshall's Beach. Ultimately, it connects back to the California Coastal Trail at each end. On the blue chance we in the Bay Area can catch a truly clear and sunny day, I plan on returning for the highly recommend sunset hike for the ultimate hiking experience, but I can't but think that even on a day that's foggy or cloudy, this trail can make for a memorable exploration of the city's still untouched natural resources. read more
8 years ago
It's such a nice trail,I absolutely loved it... The view is great. It's one my favorite places in San Francisco. beach is very close to this trail , it a nice place to go for an evening walk.. there are 2 more trails , all very close to each other. Highly recommend. I walked to Golden gate bridge from the trail it was around 45 mins walk but it was totally worth it... read more
This little piece of paradise was on this weekend's hiking agenda and I'm still blown away. Quite literally, the breeze is strong. Never go hiking without additional clothes, but on a sunny day like this past Saturday, I didn't really need them. Despite the wind, you'll warm up quickly from climbing all those stairs down and up again. The amazing views more than make up for it. The deep blue ocean reflecting the sun, and then, somewhere in the distance, melting into the sky let's you forget everything around you. The waves crashing onto the shore on Marshall beach are my favorite sound and beautiful little flowers and shrubs everywhere almost make you think you're in Greece. If it wasn't for the wind... Also, if you want a great view of Golden Gate Bridge, this is your place to be. Much less crowded than the trails closer to the bridge, but much more beautiful, I think. Getting here by car is a bit of a pain (parking & traffic), so you're probably better off by bike or foot, like me. I start out at the Presidio gate on Arguello and then follow the Bay Area Ridge Trail to get here. Beautiful stretch of land, perfect for a half day of hiking! read more
4 years ago
6 years ago
I'm a city girl all the way. But occassionally, I experience moments in my life where I really just want to get away from the hectic-ness of everyday life--A place where I can enjoy the beauty of the natural world, and my beloved San Francisco all in one. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=8jFHcpGHltR7rUKHW6_uBw Here in the Presidio, on the out-skirts of the Costal Trail along one of the main roads, is the Batteries to Bluffs Trail. This trail is a combination of dirt paths and winding steps that lead down to the beaches and various World War 2 overlook sites. I started my hike along the Costal Trail that lines Lincoln Blvd. inside the Presidio, and finally made my way up the the trail beginning. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=IU9U0GL5msHazCT_299bHQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=q8fCyJ8lndN6ynirevQxlg As I descend on the steps of my relaxing afternoon trek on the paths, the views were amazing. Just when I think the view couldn't get any better, San Francisco Wow's me with yet another breathtaking picturesque view of my beloved scenic City by the Bay. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=pM5V7-8dd1u3rRSVJ3A_AQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=3ZMvpX0N7BckXf-eh1EVDg Here on the trails, you remember exactly what makes San Francisco so picturesque--The waters that surround us. Had it not been for these water's, our amazing bridge would've never been built! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=gjGfqNnIh-EBxPtpQfpW7A http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=C0eP4ztR1iH5lvnBQjzHpA I was skeptical of going on this hike alone as there are always creepy folks out and about...but luckily there were families and few tourists enjoying the views just as I was. And occassionally, I encountered friendly single hikers who were nice enough to snap a picture of me with my camera. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=3PYpuLSvs2R5OWGfLQZa-w Aside from the beautiful views that surrounded me here on the trail, I also enjoyed the scattered World War 2 bunkers overlooking the Pacific Ocean. So in addition to the natural aspects of the Presidio, it was nice to receive a little feel of what it might have been like had war been at our doorsteps today. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=ih3WL8GuSbSQ6t9UZf20IA http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/sweXIamHAv22pwlzE5Clag?select=jorIDwdVPDPmy8aDCPtyhA I wish I had more time in the world to where I was able to enjoy these leisurely hikes and walks alone. It's here when I can truly appreciate where I've come from, and the folks that brought me here! And while solitary time alone is one of the greatest feelings in the world, I can't help but imagine just how beautiful it would be to have a special someone to share the views with as well--For there just can't be a more romantic view than here at Sunset! I can't wait for the day when I might be able to have that experience! Until next time... read more
I highly recommend this trail - Even when you've been lulled into not realizing how beautiful Northern California truly is, this little stretch just south of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Presidio is a reminder of how amazing The City shows it's Natural Beauty. This is worth seeing, and if you live here and haven't seen it, you need to go soon. This trail starts at the Golden Gate Bridge and ends at Baker Beach. If you're not familiar with the geography, this is right along the West of the Golden Gate Narrows heading out to the Pacific Ocean. It's an elevated trail along the water, so the views are pretty sweet. I posted some photos. There are a number of off-shoots to the trail, including Marshall Beach towards the North-End, and several forays into the Presidio. Also, make sure to check out the World War 2 (should be Two) Memorial - It's about halfway down the trail. I think it's probably more fun to start at the Bridge and walk down hill, as the trail loses elevation as it descends to Baker Beach. To get back from the Beach, you can walk up to 25/26th just North of California, Clement, Geary. You can also take the 29 Muni up, and take that or transfer at the 1 - California, 2 - Clement or 38 - Geary, East or West. East gets you back towards downtown. If you don't know more about The Presidio, check it out! http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-presidio-san-francisco read more
4 years ago
I hiked down to Marshall beach and it was amazing. It was a little chilly so bring a sweatshirt at least. I was the only one hiking the area (prob because it was cold) so I was nervous by myself but the views were worth it! After getting all my pictures, I headed down to baker beach next which I right next to Marshall beach. read more
7 years ago
Lots of views and free! What's not to love? I think that this trail is kind of exercise but very worth in my opinion. There are a lot of stairs so you'll be fit by the end of this. It's one of the easier trails imo. read more
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Batteries to Bluffs Trail - hiking - Updated October 2026
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