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Ecology Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Ecology Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
A 1.4-mi. trail with hiking & cycling sections via grassland & redwoods, with a bay-view lookout.
What runners say about Ecology Trail
“It’s a gentle, shaded walk that connects the city’s military history with its beautiful natural recovery.”
“It’s amazing how the city noise just vanishes once you’re under the canopy.”
“Very peaceful and nice, I always forget im in a big city when I go here, lots of birds and animals.”
“Easy trail that didnt take long, recommend if you just want a little time to relax.”
Really nice views on this trail. There is no one path that you can walk on, instead the trail weaves between different points in the Presidio. You can walk towards the main parade grounds, the presidio wall playground and the inspiration point view point. The trail is mildly hilly, but the views make it worth it.
The views of Alcatraz are stellar. The paths are well maintained, and wander through several biomes making for an exciting walk. Find shade when it gets too warm and sun when it's chilly. A perfect spot for running, hiking, or nature walking. Expect to see red tail hawks.
Peaceful and clean trails. We ended up joining marathon for the YMCA. I saw some rare flowers, I believe you can only find them 2 places in the world. Amazing views!!
This path took me from the historic Main Post into a deep forest of redwoods and pines. I loved seeing the Spire art installation poking through the trees. It’s amazing how the city noise just vanishes once you’re under the canopy.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s a gentle, shaded walk that connects the city’s military history with its beautiful natural recovery.”
“It’s amazing how the city noise just vanishes once you’re under the canopy.”
“There is 4 hour parking, and a bathroom across the parking lot to the west in the golf course club.”
“Very peaceful and nice, I always forget im in a big city when I go here, lots of birds and animals.”
“There is 4 hour parking, and a bathroom across the parking lot to the west in the golf course club.”
Plan your run at Ecology Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitepresidio.gov
- Phone(415) 561-4323
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 10 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near San Francisco
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lovers’ Lane at the Presidio
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Sand Ladder
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Strawberry Hill
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Lands End Trail Eagles Point
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