What is Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line?
Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line is a snaking 1,200-foot-long serpentine artwork contained within the Presidio's Southern Wilds Region. Crafted from eucalyptus branches, this sinuous line of wood weaves gracefully through a eucalyptus forest. Goldsworthy's work is known for its ephemeral quality, often using natural materials to create pieces that change and evolve with the environment. As a result Wood Line was designed not to alter the landscape but to integrate seamlessly with it, before eventually decaying into it.
The artwork can be found off the historic Lover's Lane, where the curving of the eucalyptus branches begin to reveal themselves. Walking on the Wood Line itself is a favorite for people of all ages who enjoy the playful challenge of balancing on the sculpture. It's also one of the most photographed spots in Presidio Park, attracting art and nature lovers.
Discover More of Andy Goldsworthy's Art
The Wood Line was made possible by the Presidio Trust and the FOR-SITE Foundation, which promotes art that inspires fresh thinking about the natural world. As part of this collaboration, the Wood Line was intended to complement Goldsworthy’s other works in the park.
Earth Wall
Earth Wall, created in 2014, consists of a large, cracked clay wall with curved eucalyptus branches emerging from its center. It is located in the courtyard of the Presidio Officers' Club.
Tree Fall
Located near the Presidio Officers' Club, Tree Fall is a must-see. Open only on weekends, this installation features a eucalyptus tree suspended from the ceiling and covered in clay. As the only indoor piece, it is housed in the historic Powder Magazine building, once used for storing gunpowder.
The Spire
Standing over 100 feet tall and composed of 37 downed cypress trunks, Spire is Goldsworthy’s first Presidio installation. The artwork is situated near the entrance of the Presidio and offers a striking vertical contrast to the horizontal flow of Wood Line", inviting visitors to look upwards instead of downwards.
Presidio Park: Home to Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line
Originally Presidio Park, situated in the northern part of San Francisco, was the territory of the Yelamu, a local tribe of the Ramaytush Ohlone peoples, the land later became a military base for the Spanish Empire, the Mexican Republic, and the United States Army.
Today, it is a 1,500-acre park and a National Historic Landmark District, preserving the layered history of the area. It's a favorite spot for hiking and walking, with incredible scenery, views over the Golden Gate Bridge, and lots of attractions.
Hiking the 3-Mile Loop
Among the park's many highlights is the captivating artwork of Andy Goldsworthy. To fully appreciate Goldsworthy's art, consider embarking on a scenic 3-mile hiking loop that takes visitors to all four installations.
- Distance: 3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
- Tips: Check the hours for Tree Fall and Earth Wall as they are not always open. If you prefer, you can drive to each installation.
The Origins of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line
In the 1880s, the U.S. Army planted alternating rows of Monterey cypress and eucalyptus trees in the Presidio. Over time, the cypress trees began to die out, leaving large, odd-looking gaps within the grove. These gaps inspired the commissioning of the Wood Line.
In 2010, Andy Goldsworthy, an English sculptor renowned for his temporary earth-related artworks, began creating the Wood Line, which was completed in 2011. The sculpture is a careful arrangement of eucalyptus branches that stretches 1,200 feet through the forest floor. Goldsworthy’s vision for the piece was to “draw the place”, creating a playful, winding path through the trees.
The Significance of Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line
The wood used for Goldsworthy’s Wood Line is significant. It was sourced from trees that were felled in the Presidio, including the reconstruction of Doyle Drive and habitat restoration efforts. The repurposed nature of the wood has been a recurring theme in Goldsworthy's work, highlighting the natural cycle of life and death. Goldsworthy also respects the park’s long history of containing eucalyptus trees.
The installation’s winding, zig-zagging form flows into the Tennessee Hollow Watershed, creating a dynamic visual experience as it leads visitors up and down gentle slopes. The piece is designed to decay naturally over time, reinforcing its message of a natural cycle and that "transformation is inevitable."
Visiting Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line
Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line is open to the public and free to visit. As you walk along the curving path—or on the artwork—the installation draws your gaze downward, to the intricate patterns and textures of the branches. This downward focus contrasts with the upward reach of the eucalyptus trees. The soft light of the early morning, the dappled sunlight of the afternoon, and the fading light of dusk, filtering through the trees allows for striking photographs. As a unique and refreshing piece of public art it is well worth a visit in San Francisco.
To fully appreciate Andy Goldsworthy’s art work, consider hiking the three-mile loop that connects all four installations in the Presidio. This walk encompasses parts of Lover's Lane, the Mountain Lake Trail, and the Ecology Trail.
How to Get to the Wood Line
- By Public Transit: Visitors can conveniently reach "Wood Line" via Muni Route 43 Masonic. Disembark at the Presidio Avenue & Jackson Street stop for a short walk to the installation.
- By Presidio GO Shuttle: Another option is the Presidio GO Shuttle, specifically the Downtown Route. The nearest stop to Wood Line is Tides Converge at Letterman Drive. From there, head towards Lovers Lane and walk south towards the Presidio Gate.
Parking at Presidio Park
For those driving, there are a few parking spots available along West Pacific Avenue near Wood Line and the Lovers’ Lane trailhead. However, parking is limited, so public transit is often the more convenient choice. While you can drive to all the installations, walking the loop is recommended for a better visitor experience.
Tips for Visiting
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since you’ll be walking on natural terrain, comfortable footwear is essential. The paths can be uneven, and proper shoes will enhance your hiking experience.
- Visit During Off-Peak Hours: For a more serene experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. These times typically see fewer visitors, allowing for a more peaceful interaction with the artwork.
- Respect the Environment: While interacting with the sculpture, be mindful of preserving its condition for future visitors. "Wood Line" is designed to decay naturally over time, and careful engagement ensures its longevity.
Beyond Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line: Exploring San Francisco with CityDays
After discovering Andy Goldsworthy’s artworks, visitors can explore the rest of Presidio Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods, looking for hidden staircases and great hiking trails that lead to intriguing sculptures.
And if you want to discover these areas in a more comprehensive way—with rest stops at cafes and bars along the way—why not embark on a CityDays Scavenger Hunt in San Francisco?
Scavenger Hunt tours are a great way to bring family and friends—or even dates—together for an afternoon of great fun and adventure, solving clues and snapping photos. Clues will lead you to the big sights and those that you'd walk straight past.
Our Garden in the Sky Hunt is the perfect way to experience the city, and results in the discovery of a hidden rooftop garden.
For more information about our San Francisco Scavenger Hunts then click here: Top 6 Immersive San Francisco Scavenger Hunts & Treasure Hunts | CityDays
