Lake Merced Loop

San Francisco, California

4.7/5

based on 3 reviews

Save

View all 4 photos

All 4 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

4.53 miles

Elevation Gain

180 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Outbound

Lake Merced Loop is a loop trail in the southwestern part of San Francisco. This trail is used for running and walking. You'll see plenty of people getting exercise or taking their dog for a stroll. There are also benches and tables around the loop.

The lake itself is fresh water and is used for racing by competitive rowing programs and for fishing recreationally.

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

Running

Hiking

Dog Friendly

Family Friendly

Lake

Scenic

Wildlife

Lake Merced Loop Reviews

Angela Dair

Lake Merced Loop

02/06/23

Good exercise loop. Its relatively flat and there is a water fountain and porto potties in the middle section.

4.0

Dominic Pascucci

Lake Merced Loop

11/06/22

There’s a multi use path/sidewalk that runs the entire perimeter of lake Merced. One can easily spend a day here. Go for a run, walk, or bike ride around the lake. There are multiple parking lots and lots of street parking. Afterwards you can grab a bite to eat at the Harding Park Golf Course. Then you can go for a paddle in the North Lake (just don’t fall in). You’ll need to bring your own boat but it’s free to launch here. Over the last couple years the RV/homeless crowd has grown. They currently fill Lake Merced Blvd from Winston. Everyone seems to keep to themselves so it isn’t really an issue but I still prefer to avoid that section.

5.0

Team

Tyler Drake

Team

Lake Merced Loop

10/06/21

This loop is a great workout in San Francisco. The trail offers up scenic views of the lake to keep you moving through the 4+ miles. There's also a scenic viewpoint that cuts through the loop right below the parking area.

5.0

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Fort Funston Trail

Fort Funston is an SF gem I discovered when looking for a dog friendly hike near the city. Located west of Lake Merced, you'll find a gorgeous Northern California beach oasis where you and your dog can run wild and free :). Parking is located at the top of the park where you'll descend a steep set of stairs to the beach. Lots of small trails carved into the hillside to explore, as well was vast...

Mount Davidson

Mount Davidson Park is located in the southwestern part of the city nestled between Diamond Heights and Portola Dr. The climb isn't too difficult, but to reach the top of the 928ft summit, you should wear close-toed shoes and be ready for some loose gravel or mud if it's been raining. The hike is short - you can round-trip it in well under an hour if you're looking to get moving, but if you hav...

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

The 16th Avenue Tiled Steps also known as the Moraga steps are an impressive community achievement, and an equally killer workout. Take an easy lap up the stairs to check out the amazing art, take in the views from the top, then get down to business. You'll be glad you made the trek over to this neighborhood gem!

San Bruno Mountain

San Bruno Mountain is a fun, mellow hike that climbs easily on a well-graded path to the ridge line, and then drops back to the trailhead. Along the way, the trail runs along a creek, ascends through chaparral, and provides excellent views of downtown San Francisco, the East Bay hills, and the Santa Cruz Mountains from the ridge. The spring wildflowers are outstanding; lots of variety and somet...

Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")

A recipe for happiness in the "cool grey city of love." To the seasoned San Franciscan there is no finer view in the Bay Area than that from San Francisco's front porch, Turtle Hill or "Grand View Park". If the North American continent / plate is a ship, then Grand View Park is the prow giving epic, vast views up and down the California coast and of Golden Gate Park, the Marin Headlands, Golde...

Bouldering at Glen Canyon Park

Want to get out of the climbing gym, and do some bouldering in the city? Head to Glen Canyon park! After you park the car, take a short hike on a shade-covered path to the boulders. This climbing spot has history dating back to the 1930s when people first started scaling these boulders. This is also a great spot to get started as there are a lot of good holds and cracks on the faces.For more de...

Lake Merced Loop

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Lake Merced Loop Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Fort Funston Trail

Mount Davidson

16th Avenue Tiled Steps

San Bruno Mountain

Grand View Park ("Turtle Hill")

Bouldering at Glen Canyon Park

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps