Lover's Lane, Ecology, Mountain Lake Trail Loop

Tucked into a corner of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the Presidio, a beautiful little oasis of forests, beaches, and sweeping views that locals love. While the coastal trails get most of the attention here, the park covers 300 acres of prime real estate with lots of notable attractions.

This 2-mile hike is a simple loop that takes you past three significant landmarks, and allows for easy exploration of other areas. Begin at the Presidio Gate (Presidio Blvd & Pacific) and start your way down Lover’s Lane. To your immediate right, up in the trees, you’ll see Andy Goldsworthy’s “Wood Line” art installation, a zig-zagging configuration of eucalyptus trees. Look closely for it from Lover’s Lane or there’s a good chance you’ll miss it.

Continue down along Lover’s Lane almost until it ends at Presidio Blvd. Make a left on the trail just before Presidio and walk down a few hundred yards and you’ll see a trailhead for the Upper Ecology Trail. Take this trail uphill, through a beautiful forest, until you reach Inspiration Point Overlook. With a posted trail map, this is the perfect spot to break off and do a bit more exploring.

Once you’re done taking in the views at Inspiration Point, follow the signs for the Mountain Lake Trail, which will return you to your starting point at the Presidio Gate.