Let's start at the north end of the Golden Gate Bridge, check out the Presidio (lots of green, with cemeteries & visitor center), and head through the original SF Lover's Lane to the mansions of Pacific Heights, then travel towards the Wharf area (don't worry---no Pier 39!!). We can enjoy ice-cream and/or other refreshments before heading back to the bridge along the north waterfront.
THIS HIKE IS ABOUT 10 MILES with 750 ft. of climbing.

FORECAST OF RAIN CANCELS--please check status thru morning of hike.

**Will try to carpool up and depart by 8:00 at latest, as there is limited parking spaces at trailhead.**

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO INCLUDE-- Wind protection for SF weather, 1-2 liters water (can refill along hike), snacks and/or lunch items

Directions to trailhead---- I-80 west to Hwy 37 San Rafael Exit. Go west on Hwy 37 until Hwy 101 South. Take 101 til Sausalito Exit, which is 1/4 mile from Golden Gate Bridge (GGB), and is last exit before you must cross!! After exit, take immediate LT (sign will say Marin Headlands), then immediate RT. Go only a 100 yds. or so and then turn LT at Marin Headlands Trailhead Parking sign, and park at any open spot.

**If all parking spots are taken, have two options:
-- Continue about 1/4 beyond trailhead turnout to a parking area along the road, which has room for about 20 cars. Or:
-- Cross GGB and pay toll ($6.00?) at right-lane toll booth. About 50 yds from toll-booth, take 1st right and then look for Public Weekend Parking Lot, where you pay $5.00 for all-day parking in spaces numbered 1-51.
Hikers can then hike back north on GGB and meetup with the main group going south, around mid-span!

Let's all connect at main trailhead parking, even if full, so we will know if any cars must use alternative options, and can plan accordingly.

Will have a cell-phone [masked] if need to get in touch.

ROUTE
--Cross Golden Gate Bridge.
--Follow bike/walk path parallel to Lincoln Blvd, and head towards Presidio Promenade. Cross street & continue along this walkway. Walkway ends at Lincoln, and here we make immediate U-turn and walk down hill to Pet Cemetery.
--After cemetery, continue on Lincoln, passing National Cemetery. Turn RT on Sheridan Ave. and cont. until Presidio’s Main Post & Visitor Center. ***Good place to snack and relax a bit on the grass or picnic tables outside, use restrooms & check out displays at visitor center, etc.
--Walk on Moraga Ave and turn LT on Funston Ave. Turn RT on Presidio Ave.
--At Presidio & Barnard intersection, take path that is straight ahead, cross brick bridge, and read the plaque commemorating Lover’s Lane. At this point, if you are next to somebody you actually like, you can hold their hand and be misty-eyed. Or not.
--Continue on Lover’s Lane and come out at Pacific Ave. After one block, turn LT on Baker and go one block to Broadway, then turn RT. Enjoy the mansions and the views of this Pacific Heights neighborhood.
--Continue on Broadway to Pierce. Turn LT and go three blocks to Union St. Turn RT.
--Enjoy shops and refreshments on Union Street (***JUNK FOOD ALERT!!! There's a cupcake joint, local coffee shop, bakery, Starbucks etc.) ---can hang on Union St. for a little while and reconnect at Union & Buchanan.
--Continue on Union, cross busy Van Ness Ave. and climb three blocks to Hyde Street. Here, at corner, is the oldest Swensen’s Ice Cream shop around (water fountain here)..still serving the good stuff.
--Go north on Hyde (awesome views all around!) to bottom of hill, and turn LT at Jefferson.
--Go west on Jefferson thru Maritime Park. After waterfront ends at entrance to pier walk, go LT onto Bay Trail, which turns into McDowell as we wind our wind thru Fort Mason. For those who wish, the grassy knoll is a great place to kick back.
--From path, head to the right and take walkway adjacent to marina and boats. Continue on path closest to the water, (adjacent to large green quad) and eventually come out at the street. Follow street for only a 100-200 yds and then grassy area on the right. At this point, meander to the right until you hit the main path closest to the water (restrooms in the vicinity).
--Continue on path west towards Golden Gate Bridge. Near the end, about ¼ mile from Fort Point (and just beyond the Gift Shop) is the turnoff for Battery East Trail. Go LT onto trail and climb 1/3 mile to bridge. Head north on bridge, enjoying final views of SF Bay.