Stow Lake Outer Loop
(scroll to bottom for photo gallery)
[Note: “Stow Lake Outer Loop” contains much of the same information noted in previous related post, “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda.”]
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Location: Stow Lake Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, Hours 5 AM to Midnight
Even on a busy weekend day, it is usually possible to find a parking spot somewhere on the perimeter of Stow Lake, though perhaps not right near the boathouse and toilet facilities.
Information links (if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser):
Golden Gate Park info link (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park
Golden Gate Park Points of Interest (SF Rec and Parks): https://sfrecpark.org/1116/Golden-Gate-Park-Points-of-Interest
Golden Gate Park by car (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1619/Public-Transportation-to-Golden-Gate-Par
Golden Gate Park public transportation (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1618/Getting-to-Golden-Gate-Park-by-Car
Golden Gate Park free shuttle (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle
Golden Gate Park visitors map (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/7301/Golden-Gate-Park-Visitors-Map
Distance:
Different sources quote different distances, but the outer loop of Stow Lake is noted as approximately 1 mile. Those who wish can add extra destinations in Golden Gate Park to make for a much longer walk. (See previous post “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda” for details on the inner loop around Strawberry Hill Island and up the hill.)
Considerations:
General note: All information is subject to change based on current health and safety guidelines.
• Even on the weekends, it is usually possible to find a parking spot on the perimeter of Stow Lake.
• Golden Gate Park has some regular weekend road closures (leaving roads open for pedestrians and bicyclists) and special event closures. See link above.
• Toilet facilities are near the boathouse. There are some disability parking spots available.
• The loop trails around the lake and the island are reasonably flat, but those who wish to go to the top of Strawberry Hill should be prepared for a stair climb.
The trail:
Stow Lake is a classic old treasure of San Francisco, created in 1893, when visitors enjoyed boats from the boathouse and rides in horse-drawn carriages.
The outer path around Stow Lake is a good option for those who want a simple one mile loop walk. Parking near the boathouse and toilet facilities makes it easier to remember where you parked your car, but that area can get full. When parking along the road that circles the lake, remember a landmark for finding your car later.
There are two bridges on the loop walk, a charming old stone bridge and a more modern structure, for those who want cross to the inner loop to check out the pagoda and waterfalls up close, or walk up to the top of Strawberry Hill (see previous post “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda”).
The outer loop offers open stretches with views from the boat launch area, long dramatic views toward the bridges, and very photogenic views of the pagoda from across the water at various angles. Those alternate with narrow, tree covered stretches.
Sky and tree reflections on the water offer constantly changing visuals. Blue sky days are dramatic, and foggy gray days bring their own unique mood.
There is a wide variety of birds, waterfowl and otherwise, that make Stow Lake a lively place by sight and sound. Colorful ducks, geese, coots, and the occasional heron sighting brighten up any walk. Watch for turtles sunning themselves on rocks and branches.
Stow Lake attracts many visitors, including families with small children and baby strollers or city dwellers walking their dogs. The path is narrower in some parts than others, so with current considerations of keeping more distance between people, walkers pay a little more attention on the narrow stretches to make space passing by.
Walking at Stow Lake has been a popular pastime for well over a hundred years, including, according to legend, for a young woman who now haunts the lake. For those who like a good ghost story, check online for “White Lady of Stow Lake” or “Stow Lake” combined with “ghost” or “haunted.” The following two links give a pretty good overview:
https://goldengatepark.com/stow-lake-ghost.html
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/san-francisco-ghost-stories-white-lady-stow-lake-12247189.php
Whether during normal times with paddle boats and rowboats on the water, or under special conditions with no boats and fewer people on the pathways, Stow Lake offers a calm stroll with lovely water reflections and opportunities to observe flowers and birds.
(Stow Lake Outer Loop Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Spirit Lifters” 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)
[Note: “Stow Lake Outer Loop” contains much of the same information noted in previous related post, “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda.”]
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Location: Stow Lake Drive, San Francisco, CA 94118, Hours 5 AM to Midnight
Even on a busy weekend day, it is usually possible to find a parking spot somewhere on the perimeter of Stow Lake, though perhaps not right near the boathouse and toilet facilities.
Information links (if a link doesn’t jump directly, copy and paste into browser):
Golden Gate Park info link (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/770/Golden-Gate-Park
Golden Gate Park Points of Interest (SF Rec and Parks): https://sfrecpark.org/1116/Golden-Gate-Park-Points-of-Interest
Golden Gate Park by car (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1619/Public-Transportation-to-Golden-Gate-Par
Golden Gate Park public transportation (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1618/Getting-to-Golden-Gate-Park-by-Car
Golden Gate Park free shuttle (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/1617/Golden-Gate-Park-Free-Shuttle
Golden Gate Park visitors map (SF Rec and Parks):
https://sfrecpark.org/DocumentCenter/View/7301/Golden-Gate-Park-Visitors-Map
Distance:
Different sources quote different distances, but the outer loop of Stow Lake is noted as approximately 1 mile. Those who wish can add extra destinations in Golden Gate Park to make for a much longer walk. (See previous post “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda” for details on the inner loop around Strawberry Hill Island and up the hill.)
Considerations:
General note: All information is subject to change based on current health and safety guidelines.
• Even on the weekends, it is usually possible to find a parking spot on the perimeter of Stow Lake.
• Golden Gate Park has some regular weekend road closures (leaving roads open for pedestrians and bicyclists) and special event closures. See link above.
• Toilet facilities are near the boathouse. There are some disability parking spots available.
• The loop trails around the lake and the island are reasonably flat, but those who wish to go to the top of Strawberry Hill should be prepared for a stair climb.
The trail:
Stow Lake is a classic old treasure of San Francisco, created in 1893, when visitors enjoyed boats from the boathouse and rides in horse-drawn carriages.
The outer path around Stow Lake is a good option for those who want a simple one mile loop walk. Parking near the boathouse and toilet facilities makes it easier to remember where you parked your car, but that area can get full. When parking along the road that circles the lake, remember a landmark for finding your car later.
There are two bridges on the loop walk, a charming old stone bridge and a more modern structure, for those who want cross to the inner loop to check out the pagoda and waterfalls up close, or walk up to the top of Strawberry Hill (see previous post “Strawberry Hill and Stow Lake Pagoda”).
The outer loop offers open stretches with views from the boat launch area, long dramatic views toward the bridges, and very photogenic views of the pagoda from across the water at various angles. Those alternate with narrow, tree covered stretches.
Sky and tree reflections on the water offer constantly changing visuals. Blue sky days are dramatic, and foggy gray days bring their own unique mood.
There is a wide variety of birds, waterfowl and otherwise, that make Stow Lake a lively place by sight and sound. Colorful ducks, geese, coots, and the occasional heron sighting brighten up any walk. Watch for turtles sunning themselves on rocks and branches.
Stow Lake attracts many visitors, including families with small children and baby strollers or city dwellers walking their dogs. The path is narrower in some parts than others, so with current considerations of keeping more distance between people, walkers pay a little more attention on the narrow stretches to make space passing by.
Walking at Stow Lake has been a popular pastime for well over a hundred years, including, according to legend, for a young woman who now haunts the lake. For those who like a good ghost story, check online for “White Lady of Stow Lake” or “Stow Lake” combined with “ghost” or “haunted.” The following two links give a pretty good overview:
https://goldengatepark.com/stow-lake-ghost.html
https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/san-francisco-ghost-stories-white-lady-stow-lake-12247189.php
Whether during normal times with paddle boats and rowboats on the water, or under special conditions with no boats and fewer people on the pathways, Stow Lake offers a calm stroll with lovely water reflections and opportunities to observe flowers and birds.
(Stow Lake Outer Loop Hike Notes were originally paired with the “Spirit Lifters” 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
