![Kids playing in Crissy Field](https://www.parksconservancy.org/sites/default/files/block/images/Crissy%20Field_Kids.jpg)
Self-Guided Hike: Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Crissy Field
Take in the fresh bay air and wide walking promenade invoking all the sights and history of Crissy Field
![Warming Hut in front of the Golden Gate Bridge Warming Hut in front of the Golden Gate Bridge](https://www.parksconservancy.org/sites/default/files/styles/basic/public/activity/CRFI_20210416_RCW_0003.jpg?itok=Ohh_5pun)
Once a disheveled collection of worn military buildings and neglected rubbly asphalt, Crissy Field was restored to its marshy beginning, while paying homage to the military history prevalent here since 1776. Click here for the hiking route.
Distance: 2.8 miles round-trip, or 3.6 miles round-trip with Fort Point included
Time: 1.5-2 hours round-trip with Fort Point included
Level: Easy, flat hike on crushed rock and paved paths
Access/Parking: Park at the large lot at East Beach just inside the Presidio at Marina Blvd / Old Mason St (Crissy Field East Beach on Googlemaps)
Restrooms: Available at East Beach parking lot
- Park at the large lot at East Beach.
- Take a walk westward (toward the GG Bridge) on the wide promenade path.
- On your journey, you may see sailboarders, kitesurfers, and hearty swimmers entering the water at East Beach.
- Pause on the footbridge to watch the tide going in or out of the marsh and see how many different seabirds you can spot.
- Continue on the promenade along the marsh.
- At the Cypress tree grouping on the right you may wish to walk out to the beach, though you can do this many places along the path.
- At the west end of the marsh starts the Crissy Airfield, a tribute to the historic military operations of this area.
- You will come to a grouping of charming cream buildings with red roofs which is the home of the Greater Farallones Association. There is a small live sea creature exhibit in the first building that is fun to check out.
- Continue on staying right on the promenade to the picnic area, amphitheater and Warming Hut. We recommend a stop here for fun park-related treasures, hot coffee, and grab-n-go snacks.
- Torpedo Wharf is a popular fishing destination and walk out to the end rewards you with spectacular views.
- You may wish to extend your walk to the 1850s era Fort Point National Historic Site beneath the Golden Gate Bridge.
- This Civil War era fort is free to enter and is an architectural marvel full of historical exhibits, and spectacular views from the roof.
For the walk back:
- Retrace your steps to the east end of the airfield and then take a right turn on the path across the end of the airfield along the edge of the marsh over to Mason Street.
- At Mason St, to the left of the Sports Basement is the site of an Ohlone/Costanoan village. Evidence of the first people to inhabit this site date to 740 A.D.
- Turn left (east) on to the paved path and follow along the marsh for a different perspective (and a stop at Sports Basement for any of your sports needs.)
- Past the Sports Basement you will see the construction of the new Presidio Tunnel Tops, Outpost play area, Crissy Field Center and Field Station, all scheduled to open in April 2022.
- Continue along Mason St to the intersection with Halleck St. Across Mason St you will see the newly restored Quartermaster Reach marsh area that now reconnects the Tennessee Hollow watershed of the Presidio to Crissy Field Marsh and the Bay.
- Take a few steps backward and turn north on to the wooden decking that spans the Crissy marsh and will reconnect you with the Crissy promenade and parking area.