Field guide
Running routes in San Francisco for active visitors
Find practical information on running routes in San Francisco. This guide covers Crissy Field, Presidio trails, and Lands End for different runs.
San Francisco visitors can find several types of running routes. Crissy Field offers easy, flat trails along the shoreline. The Presidio provides a larger network of more than two dozen miles of trails with varied surfaces. For routes with views from rocky cliffs, Lands End has wild and windy trails.
Just north of the city in Marin County, Mount Tamalpais State Park has trails with specific rules for dogs and bikes. It operates on set park hours from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily.
| Place | Distance (official) | Hours | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crissy Field | Not listed | Not listed | Easiest place to walk or roll |
| Presidio trails | 1.7 miles (2.6 kilometers); 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers) | Not listed | Mix of paved, compacted aggregate or wooden boardwalk; Paved with one 55-foot wooden bridge |
| Lands End | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Mount Tamalpais State Park | 0.75-mile; 0.4-mile | Daily: 7:00 a.m. to Sunset, year round | Not listed |
Crissy Field
Crissy Field is a recreation area on the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Its trails are rated as easy. The Golden Gate Promenade, also part of the San Francisco Bay Trail, is just over a mile long and has a surface suitable for walking or rolling.
The area has accessible restrooms. Parking is available in a free lot at East Beach and a paid lot at the West Bluff Picnic Area. Paid street parking is also an option along Mason Street.
- Type of place
- Recreation central
- Size and history
- 100 acres, restored from former U.S. Army airfield
- Location description
- Next to Presidio’s San Francisco Bay shoreline, right at the Golden Gate
- City and State
- San Francisco, CA
- Golden Gate Promenade/San Francisco Bay Trail stroll length
- Just over a mile
- Golden Gate Promenade/Bay Trail surface
- Easiest place to walk or roll
- Trail difficulty
- Easy trails
- East Beach parking
- Free parking lot
Sources: Crissy Field Region (presidio.gov), Crissy Field East Beach (presidio.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Crissy Field parking and trail information for runners
Presidio trails
The Presidio has more than two dozen miles of trails across twelve major routes. Some are multi-use, allowing bicycles. The Presidio Tunnel Tops pathways connect the park’s center to the Crissy Field waterfront.
The 1.7-mile Park Trail has a mix of paved, compacted aggregate, and boardwalk surfaces. The 2.1-mile Presidio Promenade Trail is paved. A restroom is located at the Golf Course General Store.
- Total trail length
- more than two dozen miles
- Park Trail length
- 1.7 miles (2.6 kilometers)
- Presidio Promenade Trail length
- 2.1 miles (3.4 kilometers)
- Park Trail surface
- Mix of paved, compacted aggregate or wooden boardwalk
- Presidio Promenade Trail surface
- Paved with one 55-foot wooden bridge
- Park Trail difficulty
- Easy
- Presidio Promenade Trail difficulty
- Easy
- Park Trail restroom location
- At the Golf Course General Store
Sources: Trails (presidio.gov), Park Trail (presidio.gov), Presidio Promenade Trail (presidio.gov). Official pages, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Planning a Presidio hike on the main trails
Lands End
Lands End is located in the northwestern corner of San Francisco. Its trails wind around rocky cliffs above the ocean, offering views of the shore and the Golden Gate. Users should stay on the trails and keep a distance from cliffs.
The area includes the Coastal Trail and the El Camino Del Mar Trail. Parking is available, including at the Merrie Way parking lot. The Lands End Lookout serves as a visitor center.
- Description
- wild and windy trail with stunning views
- Location
- northwestern corner of San Francisco
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair-accessible trails
- Parking availability
- available
- Specific parking lot
- Merrie Way parking lot
- Transit access
- MUNI bus lines
- Hiking rules
- Stay on trails and keep distance from cliffs
- Trail features
- winds around rocky cliffs above the ocean, through shady stands of cypress and eucalyptus, spectacular views of the shore, headlands, and Golden Gate
Source: Lands End (nps.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: The Lands End trail for runners and hikers
Mount Tamalpais State Park
Located in Marin County, this state park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to sunset. It has specific rules for activities. Dogs are only allowed on paved roads, Old Stage Fire Rd, the Verna Dunshee Trail, and in developed areas. Bicycles are restricted to fire roads and the Coast View Trail.
Restrooms and drinking water are available. Parking fees apply at the East Peak, Pantoll, and Bootjack parking areas. Payment methods vary by lot, with options for credit cards, cash, or check.
- Type of place
- State Park
- Location
- Just north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, in Marin County
- Verna Dunshee Trail length
- 0.75-mile
- Old Mine Trail accessible portion length
- 0.4-mile
- Park hours
- Daily: 7:00 a.m. to Sunset, year round
- Parking fees
- Parking fees at East Peak, Pantoll, and Bootjack parking areas.
- Parking payment methods
- Credit cards at Pantoll (during business hours); cash or check self-registration at East Peak and Bootjack.
- Transit access
- West Marin Stage Coach
Source: Mount Tamalpais State Park (parks.ca.gov). Official page, checked Oct 21, 2026.
Full notes: Planning a Mount Tamalpais hike or trail run
Before you go
- Check for current trail closures, as sections of the Presidio's Park Trail and Mount Tamalpais's Matt Davis Spur Trail are closed.
- Confirm park hours before an early morning or evening run, as Mount Tamalpais State Park closes at sunset.
- Be aware that some routes, like many Presidio trails, are multi-use and shared with people on bikes.
- Parking availability and fees vary by location, with some lots requiring cash or check for payment.
- For safety at Lands End, stay on the designated trails and maintain distance from cliff edges.
More cities: City running and hiking guides.