Details

Comments

These two photos are from a rocky ridge that divides the northern and southern parts of Baker Beach. This shot only works in high tide. At other times the sand isn't wet between the rock that gets you up above the beach and the bridge.

I'd like this image better if the big black rock, which is about 30 feet high, were not directly in line with the south tower, but orientation of the bridge and beach precludes getting it out of the picture, if you want the reflections. A long exposure - 10 seconds or more - smoothes out the waves and maximizes the area of the beach containing reflections. There appears to be a bit of smog above the horizon in both photos. This is not common in San Francisco.

Access

There are two ways to get to this part of Baker Beach, both of which involve some difficulty. The shortest route involves traversing one of three trails down the very steep slope from either the Langdon Court or Battery Crosby parking lots. Trail conditions vary wildly from year to year. All of them are dangerous after rains. A safer approach is to walk a half mile along the beach from the Baker Beach parking lot near Battery Chamberlain.

Langdon Court Access

From San Francisco, take the last San Francisco northbound exit off Highway 101, just before the bridge. The exit sign reads "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area". At the stop sign turn right (Vista Access Road) and then in 150 feet another right at the next stop sign, Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd for .26 miles (past the stop sign at Merchant Road) and turn right on Langdon Court. Follow Langdon Ct. through the paved parking lot and then around the left side of the old military structure to a gravel parking lot. A trail leads from the southwest corner of the parking lot and forks in several places. Bear left, keeping on the major trail, which usually is in a deep trough. This trail is exposed and can be dangerous (you are warned); using the Battery Chamberlain route is safer. Be aware that after dark the steep trails up to Langdon Court can be pitch black, requiring a good flashlight.

Battery Chamberlain Access

From San Francisco, take the last San Francisco northbound exit off Highway 101, just before the bridge. The exit sign reads "Golden Gate National Recreation Area View Area". At the stop sign turn right (Vista Access Road) and then in 150 feet another right at the next stop sign, Lincoln Blvd. Follow Lincoln Blvd for 1.1 miles and turn right on Bowley St. Follow Bowley 0.2 miles and then turn right on Gibson Rd. Several parking lots are at the end of Gibson Rd. The walk north along the beach is interrupted by some rocks that you'll need to climb over.

Golden Gate Bridge Reflections on Baker Beach (2)

Details