Lake Merced Park 2015-09-24

Located in the southwestern corner of San Francisco, Lake Merced Park offers a nice, paved trail that loops around the lake in an urban setting. Plenty of free parking is available around the lake. There are parking lots in John Muir Rd, Lake Merced Blvd (near Brotherhood way) on the south side, Skyline Blvd & Harding Rd on the west side and Lake Merced Blvd & Sunset Blvd on the north side. 

We started our walk today from John Muir Rd going in a clockwise direction. A pair of seagulls posed for a nice picture to kick off our walk. 

With some construction and restoration happening, there were stretches where the lake was hidden from view today by fencing. Along side the paved black top trail, there was also a dirt trail going round the lake for those inclined to use it - typically joggers.

The trail turns northward at Skyline Blvd. At the intersection of Skyline Blvd and John Muir Rd is Fort Funston Park, another dog friendly park that offers a more rugged setting. Continuing up on Skyline Blvd, we crossed the entrance to Harding park, the city owned golf course that is flanked by Lake Merced in three directions. 

Turning right on Lake Merced Blvd, we continued walking eastward until Sunset Blvd. At Sunset Blvd, Apollo decided to pose for a photo that I couldn't pass on!

Taking the steps that leads to a foot bridge separating the north and west lake segments (terminology in informational boards by the two water bodies), we crossed over into the Harding Park & golf course. I checked with a caddy inside, who mentioned that it is okay to walk inside the course. It looks like people typically walk around the north lake (bounded by Skyline Blvd, Lake Merced Blvd and the golf course/Harding Rd).

Apollo and I walked by the north lake a while. This is the first time I have walked inside a golf course. The setting of this golf course - lush green lawns (using recycled water), blue skies with interesting cloud formations against the lake offered some outstanding views today. 

Instead of doing the north lake loop and repeat a portion of our walk, I decided to turn and walk the other direction, by the west lake, inside the golf course. I was hoping that there would be an exit at end of the lake. That exit eluded me and I ended up walking inside the golf course all the way to the 14th hole. 

I talked to a maintenance person who pointed the way out through the maintenance area. She was kind person and we had a good conversation, but public is not allowed in this area, so I recommend that folks take the trail on the north side of the lake closely bordering Lake Merced Blvd, even though it would probably be dry and uninspiring once Lake Merced Blvd turns south.

The park info mentions that this is a 4.5 mile loop. With our excursions inside the Harding Park & golf course, we ended up walking another mile.

Here are some more pictures from our walk today.
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