Lake Merced, Fort Funston, and the Great Hiighway

Lake Merced, Fort Funston, and the Great Highway to the Cliff House

Lake Merced has a flat, 4.5-mile multi-use, paved and dirt loop with a par course around a picturesque body of water. This is a good site for fast mileage while training for a 10k. The ¼ mile Harding Park entrance to the Boathouse Restaurant makes the course almost 5 miles. While running, it's fun to watch the UCSF Rowing Club, which trains here.

A great way to combine sightseeing and training is to take a detour at Fort Funston. From the Harding Park entrance, turn left. Cross the intersection at John Muir. Run up the paved road or sand hill, (it has a ladder) to take in the spectacular coastal scenery, sand dunes and colorful vegetation. This is a hilly loop, busy with pedestrian traffic and the most distinguished gathering of purebred dogs. Be aware that many of the dogs are not leashed, but most are well behaved and will not bother you. High cliffs and strong winds enable hangliders to fly overhead. Be sure to go to the viewing platform to watch the pilots take off and to see the incredible Pacific coastline views. At the dead end of the paved road, there is a sand/dirt path, which is the Coastal Trail that leads to Ocean Beach. However, unless you enjoy vigorous sand running, it is recommended to take the Great Highway (see below).

For a long distance run, or marathon training, there are several options to consider while in this area:

I enjoy starting at the Boathouse and turn left on Skyline, then take a right on the Great Highway. Follow the bike lane to Sloat, you will see on your right side the beginning of a multi-use path, which will take you to Lincoln. At Lincoln, you can cross the street to run on the more scenic ocean side, but take the time to check out the Dutch Windmill at the Queen Wilhelmina Garden in Golden Gate Park. It's a treasure!

There are many road races held in Golden Gate Park, which is a fun way to see the sights. Racing or training, try to locate the buffalo paddock. It is between the Chain of Lakes Drive (41st Ave.) and 37th Avenue. A run past buffalo, even in captivity, makes for a wonderful day. The Great Highway is on the courses of the San Francisco Zoo Run held in January, the S.F. Half Marathon, and the S.F. Marathon.

On the ocean side, you can run on the beach or Esplanade. Be sure to look over the wall while climbing up to the Cliff House, the coastline view is terrific. You can see some of the best views of Golden Gate Park and the entire Marin Coast. Further up you may observe California sea lions from September through June on the Seal Rocks, which also provide habitat for brown pelicans, gulls and many other species of birds. If this is your first visit, stop in the Giant Camera and the Musee Mecanique, two very special attractions that should not be missed. Each can be inspected in minutes, and is well worth the transition time. Just to the north is the Sutro Bath ruins. You can see pictures and learn about their history at the Cliff House Visitors' Center.

Further on, the Coastal Trail will lead you to Lands End, a shoreline that has several lovely trails. If you want to see one of San Francisco's toniest residential areas, SeaCliff, get on El Camino Del Mar. After coming this far, don't miss China Beach.

The run back along the Ocean Beach front is more difficult. Be prepared for gusty winds, sand patches and variable terrain. Of course, tackling the ocean side first will make the return easier, especially if you plan to finish by running around Lake Merced.

Taking the Great Highway to the Cliff House is approximately 4M each way, plus the 5M loop around the lake will put you almost at a 1/2 marathon. Trekking to China Beach, repeating the Lake Merced loop, or running to Fort Funston can achieve any additional distance.

Biking around the perimeter of Lake Merced is a great way to get in some easy, fast or recovery miles. When you are bored with your bike trainer, but not interested in following a route, you can circle the lake in 5-mile increments. There can be a strong headwind, which makes the ride just challenging enough. Sometimes, you can sprint with other cyclists that are also riding around the lake. There are no bike lanes, but most of the perimeter has some extra paved shoulder area. Watch out for opening car doors on parked cars, and try to avoid peak rush times for traffic. Family or friends can ride on the easy looped trail while you are running, too. If you want a change of scenery, you can easily get on the Great Highway as described above. Golden Gate Park blocks car traffic on Sundays.

Facilities: Restrooms, drinking fountains and food available at Harding Park and the Cliff House Visitor Center. (415) 556-8642. For quadathletes: UCSF Rowing Club (415) 675-9744. Membership and lessons are open to the public. Restrooms and a drinking fountain can also be found on the beach side of the Great Highway and Sloat.

Tips:

Weather is mostly cool and invigorating, however, be prepared for heavy winds and fog.
Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from blowing sand.
Take some money for the attractions at the Cliff House.
Ocean Beach has a heavy, pounding surf with severe undertow. Swimming is not advised.

Directions:

Take Lake Merced Boulevard to Skyline, left.
Take another left on Harding, continue down to the Boathouse Restaurant.
Friends of Lake Merced.

Fort Funston, The Cliff House Visitor Center, Ocean Beach, Lands End and China Beach are all part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

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