Three Parks & Tulips Loop Hike - 8.3 miles, 700 ft elev

We will be doing an intermediate level urban loop hike that passes through three parks: the Presidio, Lands End and Golden Gate. This hike is for INTERMEDIATE HIKERS only. The 8.3 mile route will offer many unique and scenic views of San Francisco, including Mountain Lake, Lobos Creek Valley, the Pacific coastline, the Golden Gate waterway, the Point Lobos Overlook, Ocean Beach, and the magnificent lakes, tulips, and manicured landscapes of Golden Gate Park.

THIS EVENT HAS A WAITLIST. DO NOT SHOW UP FOR IT UNLESS YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL SAYING YOU CAN ATTEND. NO PLUS ONES ARE PERMITTED ON THIS HIKE.

We meet at 10:00 am in Mountain Lake Park Playground (at 12th Avenue and Lake Street) and depart promptly at 10:15 am. We begin the trek in the Presidio by heading northwest around Mountain Lake to connect with the Lobos Creek Valley Trail in the southwest corner of the park. Next we hike west through Lands End via the Coastal Trail, leading us to the Esplanade along Ocean Beach. We then head to Golden Gate Park's Queen Wilhelmina Tulip Garden, followed by a stop at Spreckels Lake for a lunch and restroom break. Afterwards, we head farther east into Golden Gate park to visit Blue Heron Lake. Turning north, we exit the park at Park Presidio which will return us to our starting point at Mountain Lake Playground. However, it is likely some of us will head to a bar/restaurant once we reach Clement Street.

Bring plenty of water, snacks and/or lunch. Dress for the weather.

Information
AllTrails Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/tpl-9d35b7f?u=i&sh=iwrzkh
Level: Intermediate level. You will be expected to hike an average of 2.5 to 3.0 miles per hour.
Total Distance: 8.3 miles.
Elevation Gain: 700 feet.
Hiking Time: 3.5 hours plus stops.
Pets: Dogs are welcome to come.
Restrooms: At Mountain Lake Playground (mile 0.0 and 8.3), Lands End Visitors Center (mile 3.7), and Spreckels Lake in GG Park (mile 5.5).

Directions
The meeting spot is at the Mountain Lake Park Playground (by the restroom) at 12th Avenue and Lake Street.

• To/from Mountain Lake Playground: The 38/38R Bus stops three blocks south on Geary Blvd, and the 1 Bus stops one block south on California St.

Parking: Street parking is freely available near Mountain Lake Park Playground.

Liability Disclaimer
The organizers of this event are unpaid volunteers and not expert hiking guides. By signing up for this event you agree to assume all responsibility for your own safety, health consequences, conduct and well-being, and you hereby release its organizers, hosts and participants from any and all liability, claims, demands or causes of action that you now have, or may have in the future, for illness, injuries, damages, and/or economic loss of any kind or nature, arising in whole or in part out of the activities, advice, or information contained herein. You are also acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with this type of outdoor activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards.