6.0 miles / 714' elevation gain.

Our adventure around the perimeter of San Francisco continues on the city's north side.

From the Lands End Visitor Lookout Center (accessed easily by the 38 Geary), take in the views and imagine what life might have been like long ago – in the early 20th century when the Sutro Baths were in their heyday, or even farther back, when native Yelamu Ohlone lived off the land, taking in shellfish, seabirds and marine mammals. Head out to the Point Lobos promontory, named for the “sea wolves” or sea lions that might still be seen from here. Trek east along the Coastal Trail, following the path of an old rail line that once brought visitors to Sutro’s baths.

The trail continues past beautiful Sea Cliff homes, China Beach (named for the Gold Rush-era Chinese American fishermen who once worked here), Baker Beach, and up the notorious sand ladder. Views abound as you approach and pass under the Golden Gate Bridge, the bridge sometimes seeming to play peek-a-boo, momentarily passing from view through the trees or oft-present fog. This section finishes just past Crissy Field, which takes its name not for the grassy expanse it is now, but from the airfield it once was, from where Amelia Earhart flew in the 1930’s.

Trailhead: Lands End Lookout Visitors Center

Transit: Muni 38 and 38R Geary stop on 48th Ave, a block away.