Coastal Bluffs

Wildflowers on the rocky coastal bluffs with Golden Gate Bridge partially in fog in background.

Quick Facts

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Coastal Trail extends along the wind-swept coastal bluffs, which feels like a rugged retreat into the wilderness. The Batteries to Bluffs Trail allows access up and down through some of the most intact natural habitat in the Presidio. This is an area where rare plants such as the Franciscan manzanita have adapted to serpentine soil and cool, foggy conditions.

Protecting Lands, Encouraging Diversity

Soils above the serpentinite rocks of the bluffs are low in nutrients and contain metals toxic to plants. But some plants have adapted to these harsh conditions over the millennia, and some grow nowhere else.

Rare native plants like the Franciscan manzanita and Presidio clarkia, have adapted to the serpentine soil like the kind found along these cliffs. In contrast, many invasive species have a hard time growing here, which is one reason to protect these lands.

Restoration

Restoration efforts of the area include invasive tree and plant removal throughout the bluffs, as well as reforestation and management of native tree species, such as toyon, madrone and manzanita.