San Francisco Private Urban Hike: The Presidio

In the city's Pacific Heights neighborhood, find the bottom of the Lyon Street steps, where you'll meet your guide and hiking group. Embark on a 3-hour moderate hiking tour with great views of the city.

Climb the steps and pause at the top to catch your breath and enjoy sweeping views of the Marina district, the Palace of Fine Arts and the San Francisco Bay. 

Enter the Presidio, a former American and Spanish military base that is now part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Leave the crowded neighborhoods and urban bustle behind as you hike into this massive expanse of greenery and dense forest. 

Walk down Lover's Lane, so-named because it was a popular spot for soldiers to meet their sweethearts during the 19th century. Walk through the Tennessee Hollow Watershed, filled with old-growth eucalyptus trees, to Inspiration Point. Stop for photo ops and great views of Angel Island, Alcatraz and the Marin Headlands. View an art installation by Andy Goldsworthy, a series of horizontal cypress trees snaking into the watershed called Wood Line. Further along the hike, you'll see another one of Goldsworthy's works, called Spire.

Stop by the Presidio Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 30,000 Americans, including many military veterans. Learn about the history and legends of this cemetery through your guide's commentary. 

Finally, follow the Ecology Trail through the large redwood grove and visit the Spanish Mission Revival Presidio Chapel. 

After 3 hours, your tour ends back at the Lyon Street Steps.