Dog walkers in the Presidio are losing access to some favorite paths this week, as park officials step in to give local coyotes some breathing room during pupping season. Starting Friday, sections of two heavily used trails are closed to dogs, both leashed and unleashed, through October 2026. People can still use the routes, but pups have to stay out while the wild pups grow up. The Presidio Trust says the move is meant to reduce dog-coyote encounters and protect sensitive den sites, and it is planning a community meeting at Crissy Field Center on April 12 to walk neighbors through what is happening.
Which trails are affected
According to the Presidio Trust, the affected stretch of the Park Trail runs from Mountain Lake to the Presidio Promenade. On the Bay Area Ridge Trail, the closure runs from the Rob Hill Campground to the Presidio Golf Course. Trailhead signs and a posted map are meant to help visitors figure out exactly where the dog restrictions kick in.
How long and what visitors should do
As reported by the San Mateo Daily Journal, which republished a Bay City News release, the restricted segments will stay closed to dogs through October 2026 and apply to both on- and off-leash pets. The release also urges visitors to toss trash only in designated cans and to report any coyote sightings to the trust, so staff can keep tabs on activity near denning areas.
Free community meeting April 12
The Presidio Trust wildlife team plans to host a free public session titled "Coyote Conversations" on Sunday, April 12, from 10:30 AM to 12 PM at the Crissy Field Center, according to the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy. The event is billed as a chance for neighbors to learn more about coyote behavior, pet-safety basics, and how the trust tracks and manages the park's resident coyotes.
Why the closures happen
Wildlife ecologists note that coyotes tend to be more defensive around dens in spring and summer, which bumps up the odds of a confrontation with dogs that wander too close. Seasonal trail restrictions have therefore become a go-to tool in the Presidio, according to local coverage and past trust statements, with the annual goal of keeping coyotes wild while lowering the risk to pets and people near popular walking routes that happen to cut close to den sites.
Tips for dog walkers
For now, dog owners are being asked to steer clear of the posted closure areas, stick to alternative routes elsewhere in the Presidio, keep pets leashed in open sections of the park, and avoid leaving food or trash that could lure wildlife. Anyone who sees aggressive or otherwise concerning coyote behavior is asked to contact the Presidio Trust at (415) 561-4270 or [email protected] and to review the trust's coyote guidance for details on hazing techniques and other safety steps.
