El Polin Spring – Presidio Walk
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location:
The street address closest to El Polin Spring is 8600 MacArthur Ave. in the Presidio, San Francisco. The path around the spring shows up as El Polin Loop on some maps.
Starting Point:
Inspiration Point,a short distance into the Presidio on Arguello Blvd., just past Arguello Gate, is a good place to start, with its parking lot and great views of the bay. This leads to the Ecology Trail path to El Polin Spring (Ecology Trail in the Presidio). Another good option is to park on West Pacific Ave. near Julius Kahn Playground (name updated to “Presidio Wall Playground”) and drop down the hill past Paul Goode Field to El Polin Spring.
Info links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
El Polin Spring information link (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/places/el-polin-spring
El Polin Spring information link (National Park Service):
https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/el-polin-spring.htm
El Polin Spring information link (Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy):
https://www.parksconservancy.org/projects/el-pol%C3%ADn-spring
Another suggested resource:
El Polin Spring information link (Presidio Lodging):
https://journal.presidiolodging.com/exploring-el-polin-spring/
Map links:
Presidio trail map (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/transportation-internal/Shared%20Documents/presidio-trails.pdf
Presidio transportation information link (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/transportation/presidigo
Distance:
We typically do a one mile loop starting from Inspiration Point, taking the Ecology Trail, turning down to El Polin Spring, rising up again to Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground, and then following the Mountain Lake Trail paralleling West Pacific Ave. back to Arguello Blvd., and then returning to Inspiration Point. It is also possible to park closer for a short stroll around the El Polin Spring area, or to include this as a stop in a several mile hike winding through the Presidio.
Considerations:
• Parking is usually available at Inspiration Point, or on West Pacific Ave. near Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground.
• There are moderate inclines and stairs on some parts of the one mile loop described in the Distance section above.
• Poison oak: Steer clear, and keep a scrub like Technu handy.
• Pay attention to wildlife postings, particularly coyote updates.
• Toilet facilities available near El Polin at MacArthur Ave., at the Paul Goode Field facilities, and at Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground recreation building. Opening/closing subject to change due to health and safety status.
The trail:
The one mile loop we like for visiting El Polin Spring offers high impact scenery with low impact exercise.
Starting at the Inspiration Point parking lot (on Arguello Blvd. shortly past the Arguello Gate, diagonally across from the Presidio Golf Course parking entrance), we usually take a moment to look out at the stunning view of San Francisco Bay, dominated by Alcatraz from this angle. There is a trailhead on the edge of the parking lot that starts out as a stairway leading down to the Ecology Trail. Poison oak tends to grow quickly along this stairway, though it was cut way back on our last visit.
Once down the stairs, take a left to enjoy a scenic section of the Ecology Trail. (Turning right on the Ecology Trail at this point will also get you to El Polin Spring, as can be seen from the Presidio trail map in the link above. Just hang a sharp left on the Ecology Trail (Lower) as noted on the map.)
Having turned left from the stairs, the Ecology Trail offers a sweeping view to the right as you rise up a small hill, and lovely uphill views on the left side of the trail. Once down a short twisty decline, there is an opening to the right into a small redwood forest area that is shady and cool and offers a sudden change of ambience from the open hills. (The Ecology Trail itself enters a patch of redwoods straight ahead. This El Polin Spring hike requires a sharp turn to the right before that.)
Having passed through the redwood forest area, the skies open up again. Walkers need to cross a wider trail to continue a moderate downhill path toward El Polin Spring. There is a stairway leading down through the trees at the end of this stretch.
Once past the stairs, a turn to the right takes visitors to the El Polin Loop Trail that encircles El Polin Spring itself. This general area falls under the name Tennessee Hollow, and until trail and site renovations in recent years, was a part of the Presidio we hadn’t explored.
In this area, visitors will find educational signs, rustic benches, a wooden boardwalk walkway, a stone well and pathway where the spring runs, and the foundation of an adobe house. The history of the area and the spring, which was an important fresh water source long ago for Spanish Presidio occupants, is explained in informational signs.
We continue our loop by walking up the long incline path that cuts uphill and eventually leads past Paul Goode Field, and then uphill again to Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground. From here, walkers take the path paralleling West Pacific Ave. up a slow grade through a beautiful tree tunnel path. Once back at Arguello Blvd., turn right and walk the short distance back to the Inspiration Point parking area.
(El Polin Spring – Presidio Walk Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Crisp and Clear” Insights post.)
Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. See products with inspiring designs that support the efforts of HikingAutism under Support/Shop. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
Location:
The street address closest to El Polin Spring is 8600 MacArthur Ave. in the Presidio, San Francisco. The path around the spring shows up as El Polin Loop on some maps.
Starting Point:
Inspiration Point,a short distance into the Presidio on Arguello Blvd., just past Arguello Gate, is a good place to start, with its parking lot and great views of the bay. This leads to the Ecology Trail path to El Polin Spring (Ecology Trail in the Presidio). Another good option is to park on West Pacific Ave. near Julius Kahn Playground (name updated to “Presidio Wall Playground”) and drop down the hill past Paul Goode Field to El Polin Spring.
Info links:
For all web links, if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser.
El Polin Spring information link (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/places/el-polin-spring
El Polin Spring information link (National Park Service):
https://www.nps.gov/prsf/planyourvisit/el-polin-spring.htm
El Polin Spring information link (Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy):
https://www.parksconservancy.org/projects/el-pol%C3%ADn-spring
Another suggested resource:
El Polin Spring information link (Presidio Lodging):
https://journal.presidiolodging.com/exploring-el-polin-spring/
Map links:
Presidio trail map (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/transportation-internal/Shared%20Documents/presidio-trails.pdf
Presidio transportation information link (Presidio.gov):
https://www.presidio.gov/transportation/presidigo
Distance:
We typically do a one mile loop starting from Inspiration Point, taking the Ecology Trail, turning down to El Polin Spring, rising up again to Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground, and then following the Mountain Lake Trail paralleling West Pacific Ave. back to Arguello Blvd., and then returning to Inspiration Point. It is also possible to park closer for a short stroll around the El Polin Spring area, or to include this as a stop in a several mile hike winding through the Presidio.
Considerations:
• Parking is usually available at Inspiration Point, or on West Pacific Ave. near Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground.
• There are moderate inclines and stairs on some parts of the one mile loop described in the Distance section above.
• Poison oak: Steer clear, and keep a scrub like Technu handy.
• Pay attention to wildlife postings, particularly coyote updates.
• Toilet facilities available near El Polin at MacArthur Ave., at the Paul Goode Field facilities, and at Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground recreation building. Opening/closing subject to change due to health and safety status.
The trail:
The one mile loop we like for visiting El Polin Spring offers high impact scenery with low impact exercise.
Starting at the Inspiration Point parking lot (on Arguello Blvd. shortly past the Arguello Gate, diagonally across from the Presidio Golf Course parking entrance), we usually take a moment to look out at the stunning view of San Francisco Bay, dominated by Alcatraz from this angle. There is a trailhead on the edge of the parking lot that starts out as a stairway leading down to the Ecology Trail. Poison oak tends to grow quickly along this stairway, though it was cut way back on our last visit.
Once down the stairs, take a left to enjoy a scenic section of the Ecology Trail. (Turning right on the Ecology Trail at this point will also get you to El Polin Spring, as can be seen from the Presidio trail map in the link above. Just hang a sharp left on the Ecology Trail (Lower) as noted on the map.)
Having turned left from the stairs, the Ecology Trail offers a sweeping view to the right as you rise up a small hill, and lovely uphill views on the left side of the trail. Once down a short twisty decline, there is an opening to the right into a small redwood forest area that is shady and cool and offers a sudden change of ambience from the open hills. (The Ecology Trail itself enters a patch of redwoods straight ahead. This El Polin Spring hike requires a sharp turn to the right before that.)
Having passed through the redwood forest area, the skies open up again. Walkers need to cross a wider trail to continue a moderate downhill path toward El Polin Spring. There is a stairway leading down through the trees at the end of this stretch.
Once past the stairs, a turn to the right takes visitors to the El Polin Loop Trail that encircles El Polin Spring itself. This general area falls under the name Tennessee Hollow, and until trail and site renovations in recent years, was a part of the Presidio we hadn’t explored.
In this area, visitors will find educational signs, rustic benches, a wooden boardwalk walkway, a stone well and pathway where the spring runs, and the foundation of an adobe house. The history of the area and the spring, which was an important fresh water source long ago for Spanish Presidio occupants, is explained in informational signs.
We continue our loop by walking up the long incline path that cuts uphill and eventually leads past Paul Goode Field, and then uphill again to Julius Kahn/Presidio Wall Playground. From here, walkers take the path paralleling West Pacific Ave. up a slow grade through a beautiful tree tunnel path. Once back at Arguello Blvd., turn right and walk the short distance back to the Inspiration Point parking area.
(El Polin Spring – Presidio Walk Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Crisp and Clear” Insights post.)
Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. See products with inspiring designs that support the efforts of HikingAutism under Support/Shop. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777