Hiking Along Beautiful Bluffs Can Get Risky. Here’s How to Stay Safe

San Francisco’s dramatic coastline makes its hikes, especially in the Presidio overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge, uniquely stunning. But hiking here is not without its risks — in just one weekend, two people had to be rescued from the Presidio’s treacherous cliffs. 

For the most part, hiking in the city is safe, but there are a few common mistakes locals and visitors alike make that can get them in trouble. Read on for a few key things you should know before venturing out to take in some of the city’s most striking views.

Jump straight to: 

• Why do people keep needing rescue on the cliffs?
• What will happen if I fall or need help?
• Do I have to pay money to be rescued?
• What should I know before heading out for a hike?

Why do people keep needing rescue on San Francisco’s cliffs?

This weekend wasn’t an anomaly, said Lt. Mariano Elias, spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department. Anytime there is good weather and a clear view across the bay, “people want to get … right to the edge to find their safe, happy place, and then it becomes unsafe,” Elias said.

Last weekend was sunny, bringing crowds to enjoy the views of the Marin Headlands and picnic out in the sunshine, “which is the draw, of course,” Elias said. The two people rescued were off-trail near the Batteries to Bluffs Trail, which, in addition to getting hikers up close to the bridge, hangs precariously over the ocean below.

“[It’s] easy to go down, harder to come up,” he said. “The person [rescued on Saturday] was difficult to access because they were not visible and they didn’t know where they were.”

If the trails are particularly crowded, a hiker might try to step away and get space to be alone, leading them into unfamiliar territory. The cliffs aren’t just steep here — trails are also overgrown, oftentimes with poison oak, and it can be hard to tell where, if anywhere, they lead.

Changing tides can also put people at risk. The two people rescued this past weekend, one of whom required a helicopter response, were both climbing up, away from the water, which can lead to injuries or getting lost as they attempt to scale the cliffside.

“Sometimes the tide is low and people start walking and meandering around the rocks and the water, and then the tide starts coming in and then they can’t walk on the beach any longer,” Elias said. “So then they start climbing up the hillside, which creates another danger — possible falling down or loose rocks. I think sometimes people aren’t really aware of what can happen.”

And another common factor in rescues is intoxication from drugs or alcohol, Elias said.

What will happen if I fall or need help?

According to data from the fire department, on average, 32 people have to get rescued from the city’s cliffs each year. And that’s not even including the 91 on average people rescued from the bay, and 45 from the ocean.

Elias said the SFFD prepares for these events with several fire units that specialize in coastal rescue. They use special equipment and are trained with ropes to get people who are stuck on cliff edges, including at night.

They also prepare for fair-weather weekends where they expect a high volume of people to be out on the coastline.

“We plan for those things,” Elias said. “Our crews drive by the busy spots.”

It’s not just people who go over cliffs, either. Elias said they have to rescue hundreds of dogs as well, especially at Fort Funston, on the southwestern edge of the city.

If a rescue does have to be initiated, a team of about 20 people will respond, and may include a helicopter coming out of Napa, which can get there in around 10 minutes, Elias said. Oftentimes, a firefighter has to be lowered over a cliff for a rescue, either by being tied to a fire engine, a tree or anchored into the ground with spikes.

Do I have to pay money to be rescued?

While the rescues won’t cost the stranded person any money — they’re provided as a public service — Elias said each cliff rescue does create what they call an “open gap” in coverage. The Parks Service can and sometimes does issue citations to people who don’t follow posted signs to stay on trail, he said.

“You should just follow the directions and stay on the trail and play it safe.”

What should I know before heading out for a hike?

Aside from staying on designated trails, there’s one other key to keeping safe on the bluffs: “We advise people to know where they are,” Elias said. “If I don’t know where you are, it’s almost impossible to find somebody in this area.”

He said to try to stay in areas with cell service so you can call first responders and provide your location if you need help getting to safety. Also, be aware of the ocean’s tides and plan your beachcombing walk accordingly, he said.

King Tides, which can rise unexpectedly and take hikers off guard, can be extremely dangerous — or lead hikers to attempt dangerous maneuvers on the cliffs.

“People do frequent this area quite a bit, and it’s beautiful, but we do recommend people to stay on the trail,” he said.