This east trailhead will take walkers into a hilly forested area (pix 2, 3, 4, 5).
Rather than follow the main trail to the west, I prefer heading north through the forest into the Simonds Loop neighborhood (6, 7), an eastside favorite.
Downhill from the forest on Rawles to Simonds Loop, with its 60 brick stairs and walkway … and views (8, 9, 10). This short trail isn't shown on Google Maps (Maps) but the top and foot can clearly be seen on Streetview.
West on lower Simonds Loop at the foot of the steps, crossing Presidio Blvd. over to Liggett to continue down through another forested part (pic 11) to Lover’s Lane.
Back up Lovers Lane to the south and along part of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line: 12, 13.
Continuing west:
Above El Polin Spring: pic 14.
Accessible trail down to El Polin Spring picnic area from the southeast side, pix 15, 16. The older stairway on the south side that I used to descend from the Julius Kahn Park area got covered up several years ago, this trail replacing it.
El Polin Spring picnic area, pic 17.
Up the west side to connect with the Ecology trail (whose lower trailhead is just across from Inn of the Presidio’s back patio in the Main Post area): 69 steps. This is one of the newer stairways in the park, pix 18 thru 21, its foot across from the picnic tables.
The upper Ecology Trail winds around to Inspiration Point Overlook: 22, 23.
Old wood steps at the top of the Ecology Trail ascend to Inspiration Point Overlook (off Arguello): 24, 25, 26.
Up from Washington near Arguello Blvd. into yet another forested area, the Bay Area Ridge Trail: last pic.