OVERLOOKS AND CONNECTOR TRAILS
Lobos Valley Overlook
National Cemetery Overlook
National Cemetery
Connector Trail
Immigrant Point Coastal Trail Connector
Crissy
Field Overlook
Immigrant
Point Overlook
Pacific Overlook
Golden
Gate Overlook
Presidio
Overlook
Lobos Valley Overlook
Construction is in the final phases for a new overlook perched above the Lobos Creek Valley, along the Anza Trail. This small gathering area near the Public Health Service District will offer spectacular views across the creek valley and restored dunes towards the Pacific Ocean, and will welcome visitors as they enter the park from the 14th/15th Avenue Gate.
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National Cemetery
Overlook
 The
San Francisco National Cemetery Overlook is nestled in the historic forest at a high
point along the southeastern edge of the cemetery. This contemplative
overlook commemorates the sacrifices of American soldiers and provides a
quiet refuge for personal reflection. The stone entry walls have been
inscribed with excerpts from a poem entitled “Young Dead Soldiers,” by
Archibald MacLeish, former military officer and Librarian of Congress.
Although this is one of the few overlooks not immediately
accessible by car, great care was taken to ensure that pathways to the
overlook are accessible and that adequate parking is provided.
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A new pedestrian trail was completed in March 2009. It
winds through the historic forest, providing a new connection between
the Park
Trail corridor and nearby Fort Scott district with the newly opened
National Cemetery Overlook and Bay
Area Ridge Trail.
Preliminary designs have been prepared for Phase II of the Cemetery
Connector Trail, which will link the National Cemetery Overlook to
the Main Post via the historic forest. It is also the most direct route
between the Bay Area Ridge Trail and other major park trail connections.
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A new pedestrian trail was completed in January 2009.The trail winds through the forest and coastal scrub below Immigrant Point Overlook, providing safe and beautiful connections to the Overlook, Rob Hill Campground, the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the Coastal Trail corridor and coastal bluffs.
Because of the steep terrain, sandy soils, and sensitive
resources, it was not feasible to construct this trail to certain accessibility standards. However, a new accessible
connector trail linking directly from the Bay Area Ridge Trail is being
evaluated. This new route would bring visitors and campers from Rob Hill
along Washington Boulevard to the Pacific Overlook and Coastal Trail
corridor.
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The third of eight major overlooks planned in the Presidio, the Crissy Field Overlook opened in July 2008. The overlook provides a stunning new vantage point to enjoy views of the San Francisco skyline, Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and Crissy Field. It offers visitors traveling along the 49-mile Scenic Drive an opportunity to stop, take a photograph, and be inspired to explore new areas of the park. For hikers and bikers traveling along the Presidio Promenade or nearby Bay Trail, it provides a welcoming place to rest.
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Completed in 2005, the stone plaza at Immigrant Point, dedicated to our nation’s
newcomers, offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Marin Headlands,
and Point Reyes National Seashore. An extension of the Anza Trail links Immigrant Point with the Presidio’s forested
ridgetops and a nearby picnic area that offers a peaceful place to take a
break. A new connector trail provides direct access from
the overlook to coastal bluffs and the beach. The overlook was made possible
by a gift from the Sarlo Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment
Fund.
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Pacific
Overlook (Planned)
Plans are underway to revamp the existing overlook area set atop the
coastal bluffs, along Lincoln Boulevard. The new overlook will offer
park visitors a beautiful spot along the California Coastal Trail to
rest and enjoy panoramic views of the Marin Headlands and the Pacific
Ocean.
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Golden Gate Overlook (Planned)
Design is underway for a new scenic overlook that will be located at one of the Presidio’s major park entrances and at the convergence of three major trails: the Coastal Trail, Bay Area Ridge Trail, and Anza Trail. The new Golden Gate Overlook will offer a unique view over one of the world’s great landmarks, the Golden Gate Bridge.
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The Presidio Overlook is planned for the southeastern corner of the
park, near the Presidio Avenue Gate at the edge of the historic forest.
The site lies at the juncture of Lovers’ Lane and the Mountain Lake
trail, and it is positioned to serve not only as a scenic overlook, but
also as a functional trailhead and orientation area for hikers and
cyclists.
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Key Contributors
These projects were made possible by a generous challenge grant from the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund; donors to Presidio Trails, Bikeways, and Overlooks; and the members of the Parks Conservancy. Our deep gratitude goes to all who help support work in the Presidio.
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