Baker Beach Sand Ladder

Sand Ladder, California

4.4/5

based on 5 reviews

Save

View all 3 photos

All 3 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

0.25 miles

Elevation Gain

138 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by The Outbound Collective

200 sand stairs straight up. Beautiful coastal views during the workout. Easy to integrate into a longer run.

The Baker Beach Sand Ladder is a section of the Pacific Coast Trail that is comprised of 200 ten foot poles tied together to form stairs down to North Baker Beach from Lincoln Blvd.

If you’re looking for a lung and butt-busting workout, and you’d like a break from your standard routine, you need to check this place out. These “stairs” are a real challenge and can be tackled as a stand-alone workout (repeats) or incorporated into a longer run.

One inside tip, this section of Baker Beach attracts the occasional nudist. Divert your eyes, soak it all in, whatever…it shouldn’t dissuade you from giving this a go. With a beautiful setting, a unique setup, and easy access, you should definitely add this one to your list of must-do workouts.

Park at the lower Baker Beach parking lot in the Presidio for the easiest access.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Fitness

Running

Beach

Easy Parking

Scenic

Reviews

Dominic Pascucci

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

11/03/22

Be prepared to have your heart pumping! I thought I could do the sand ladder in one go without resting, but I was so wrong. I needed a couple breaks to catch my breath and my heart was pumping hard. But totally worth it. The Sand Ladder can be linked up with other trails in The Presidio and can be done on it's own. Park at Baker Beach and walk along the beach to the ladder, then up you go. Short distance but tiring. Extend it and walk to the bridge!

5.0

Admin

Tyler Drake

Admin

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

09/29/21

The loose sand on the ladder definitely makes this quite the workout! As a bonus, the views are pretty incredible when you're catching your breath downhill.

5.0

HBCUs Outside

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

11/23/17

The sand stairs are a riot!! Running up and down the stairs are a great workout.

5.0

Zachary Hoffman

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

11/08/17

The stairs are cool and the view is great, but the footing can be tricky, especially if you're going down since the steps are sometimes submerged in sand. Might not be great for people with bad ankles for that reason.

3.0

Jonathan Irwin

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

01/12/15

At the top of the stairs, continue left along Lincoln to the Battery to Bluffs trail. This great running path adds more views, history, and miles to your workout. Run back down via Washington Blvd and "the stairs" for an amazing loop.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Camp at the Rob Hill Campground

Rob Hill Campground is a hidden treasure, located at the Presidio’s highest point above Baker Beach amid a beautiful eucalyptus grove. The campsite welcomes groups of all kinds and is also home to the Camping at the Presidio (CAP) program, which provides youth with meaningful outdoor experiences.Rob Hill Campground offers four group campsites that can accommodate 30 people each (two are availab...

Baker Beach

If you're looking for a beach that's a little more protected and scenic than Ocean Beach, then Baker Beach is it. Bring a cooler and some burritos out and kick it with your friends. On a sunny weekend day in SF, there's usually a sizable crowd here, so if you need parking, be sure to get here early. If you're not into the whole nudist thing, stay away from the north end of the beach closest to ...

Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach

If you're looking for one of the best views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marshall's Beach gives you just that without the tourist crowds of Baker Beach.This small and hidden beach offers a narrow stretch of sand for those looking to throw a frisbee around or just hang out with friends. As it's tucked away next to some steep cliffs, it's quite tranquil with crashing waves being the only sound at t...

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

The Batteries to Bluffs Trail in the Presidio is a true gem of San Francisco. It has everything you could want in a hike: a sea-side path along the ocean, relatively easy parking, gorgeous views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a secluded beach that's perfect for picnics, sunbathing, and enjoying the beauty of the Bay. While the steps leading up and down the bluffs make this hike moderately more...

Crab Fishing at China Beach

It's illegal to catch Dungeness Crab inside the bay, but once you reach Baker Beach and China Beach, it's legal to catch 10 per valid fishing license. When you're ready to start your crabbing adventure, head to Gus' Discount Tackle. They'll get you set up with the right equipment (a crab trap, zip ties, rope, and buoy, bucket to keep crab and bait in).Once you're equipped with all the basic gea...

Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate

If the weather forecast looks promising, you could do a lot worse than planning a picnic at the West Bluff Picnic Area in the Presidio. This area is south of Crissy Field (closer to the bridge) and before you get to Fort Point - situated perfectly to give you an amazing view of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and downtown. You'll find about a dozen nice picnic tables, and a handful with BBQ grills. ...

Baker Beach Sand Ladder

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Camp at the Rob Hill Campground

Baker Beach

Take in a Sunset on Marshall's Beach

Batteries to Bluffs Trail

Crab Fishing at China Beach

Picnic Beneath the Golden Gate

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps