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Lake Merced Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,871 Google reviews · Running trail in San Francisco, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Lake Merced Park'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.
614-acre park with a recreational trail encircling a freshwater lake, popular for fishing & boating.
What runners say about Lake Merced Park
“The restrooms are clean, and there’s plenty of parking, so it’s easy and convenient to visit”
“It features a scenic walking path along the perimeter, complete with workout stations and plenty of benches for resting or soaking in the surroundings.”
“Great place for a walk or run, plenty of plants, and great views, but not actually much space for playing, picnicking, or other park activities.”
“a little quiet spot, for a short peaceful walk or maybe laps for cardio -with a few nice scenic views”
“The picnic areas are perfect for gatherings, and the park is dog-friendly, making it an ideal spot for pet owners.”
I love Lake Merced, is the top 1 place in San Francisco in my opinion if you are looking to live of have a good walking morning, if you go around the lake is almost 5 miles, by bike in a easy rhythm is between 30 to 40 min, walking can be 1:30 hour in a easy speed and enjoying the view, its clean, safety and as well…
Great place for a walk or run, plenty of plants, and great views, but not actually much space for playing, picnicking, or other park activities. This place has a few trails for walking an a few benches, but you can't actually do much in this park. A lot of the plants are tall so you can't walk through them.
Quiet ( but full of birds chirping) & peaceful ( but the birds are busying at fishing). Very nice place to have a small walk with lots of natural live animals around.
Nice area for walking exercise, the loop is 4,5 miles. It has a beautiful scenery and the area is safe.
Trail conditions & character
“It features a scenic walking path along the perimeter, complete with workout stations and plenty of benches for resting or soaking in the surroundings.”
“There are three main parking lots and a ton of street parking, generally speaking, parking isn't an issue.”
“a little quiet spot, for a short peaceful walk or maybe laps for cardio -with a few nice scenic views”
“I walked my dog and enjoyed watching rowers practice in the water while my husband was at the driving range of the golf course adjacent to the picnic area.”
“In the east part of North Lake there’s nowhere to tie off or beach if you need to use the restroom or want to picnic, so keep that in mind.”
“There’s a smooth, paved path perfect for jogging or walking, and even a golf course right inside the park.”
“The path around the lake can handle walking, running, wheelchairs, strollers, bicycles, etc.”
Plan your run at Lake Merced Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitesfparksalliance.org
- Phone+1 415-831-2700
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10 pm |
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