Mountain Lake Park San Francisco: A Quiet Park Visit

Mountain Lake Park sits at 1 11th Avenue, between the Presidio to the north and Lake Street to the south. San Francisco Recreation and Parks describes it as a 15.2-acre park; the lake and paths make it a green link between the neighborhood and the Presidio.

The Presidio describes Mountain Lake as one of San Francisco’s last natural lakes and a habitat for native plants and wildlife, including Western pond turtles, Pacific chorus frogs and visiting birds. Captain Juan Bautista de Anza and his scouting party camped by the lake in 1776 while heading to establish a Spanish fort at the Golden Gate.

The park has an easy lake walk, places to picnic, a playground, tennis courts and a basketball half-court. The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department also identifies an accessible children’s play area, accessible hard courts, accessible parking, an accessible picnic area and an accessible restroom.

The paved portion of Mountain Lake Trail circles the lake, and paved pathways lead to park restrooms. The full 2.6-mile route has gravel, pavement and sections of wooden boardwalk; allow an estimated 60 minutes for the easy walk. For a shorter outing, stay on the paved loop beside the water.

Other features include an off-leash dog play area, outdoor fitness equipment and a covered picnic pavilion that can be reserved. The playground has a sand floor. Fishing is not permitted because the lake is a restored habitat.

Mountain Lake Park connects naturally with longer Presidio walks. The 2.6-mile Mountain Lake Trail runs from Broadway Gate at its east end to a point off Lincoln Boulevard near Baker Beach. For another city park with paths and views, Alta Plaza Park offers a different setting.

For a route with more historical context, the Presidio section of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail follows 2.7 miles from the expedition’s original campsite at Mountain Lake to the Golden Gate. The walk is estimated at 60 minutes and rated moderate.

Crissy Field and the Golden Gate Bridge pair a waterfront walk with views of the bridge.

Muni Route 28 19th Avenue serves the area, with a stop at Presidio Boulevard & California Street. The Presidio also lists the Presidio Go South Hills Route, which stops at Public Health Service District. Routes and service can change, so check the official site before you go.

Street parking is available on Lake Street just outside the Presidio, but parking for the picnic area is limited. Park hours are 5 a.m. to midnight.

Restroom hours vary by season: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in spring and summer, and 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in fall and winter. Check the San Francisco Recreation and Parks site for current access and facility details.

Barbecues are not allowed at the park picnic area. Beer and wine are permitted only at the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th Avenue picnic locations; alcohol is not allowed at the 12th Avenue location. The Presidio also warns of an active coyote presence in the picnic area.